The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, part of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, has settled a record-breaking no-fault divorce case involving a foreign couple, with a financial settlement exceeding AED100 million (US$27 million).
This is the largest reported divorce settlement of its kind in the GCC region and highlights Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading international legal centre.
The couple, previously married in the United Kingdom, filed for a no-fault divorce before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, which was granted in less than 3 weeks during a single court session. This swift resolution was made possible under the progressive rules of the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021, which introduced, for the first time in the Arab region, civil non-religious rules governing family affairs of foreigners.
The new regulations include provisions for civil marriage, no-fault divorce, civil wills, and probate.
The couple reached a comprehensive financial settlement through the court, in coordination with a reputable UK family law firm. This settlement underscores the growing international confidence in Abu Dhabi’s legal system. The couple chose the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department for its distinguished reputation and the legislative and procedural developments it offers.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court is the only Family Court in the Gulf region where proceedings are conducted bilingually in English and Arabic. A specialized legal team, including lawyers from Britain, prepares the cases to ensure that foreign litigants can fully understand and navigate the process with transparency and legal certainty.
This case is part of an increasing number of complex family disputes being brought before Abu Dhabi’s courts by international parties, especially high-net-worth individuals seeking modern, fair, and accessible legal procedures.
This development reflects the Emirate’s commitment to building a world-class legal and judicial framework for expatriate family matters, comparable to those in the best international practices such as those in the UK, United States, and Scandinavian countries. It further enhances Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a destination for residence, work, and investment.
