The laws of UAE are very concrete and made so clear that they make no exceptions when convicting a person, man or woman, if they have been violating any laws of the nation.
Here’s a list of things that concern most women expats. Read below to know your rights and obligations in the foreign land. You should be extremely cautious of the laws when you are staying in the UAE.
1.Alcohol consumption is a sensitive topic. It goes without saying that one of the most frowned upon crimes in the UAE is consumption of liquor, especially by Muslims. However, the culture of drinking itself is looked down on, and thus it is best to respect and safeguard the nation’s religious sentiments. Non-Muslims can apply for permission to drink, but the quantity permitted is only for personal use and cannot be consumed in public places.
2.Living-in with the opposite sex if not married is a serious crime. If caught violating this law, you will be subjected to jail time of three years, and deportation. Also, if you have a child outside of wedlock, it will also be considered as an offense with serious implications.
3.Divorce. According to divorce laws in the UAE, a Muslim husband can divorce his wife by uttering the words, “I divorce you”, following which he will be granted an official divorce by the state. However, a woman has limitations when she can divorce her husband. Certain situations do allow her to divorce the man such as domestic violence, no financial support from husband, or if the husband abandons her. The woman can ask for a divorce settlement, ‘Khulla’, which will nullify the marriage but also discard the dowry paid by the husband for her.
4.Custody of child. Interestingly, the UAE law sets apart the roles of a ‘guardian’ and ‘custodian’. The guardian takes care of the financial responsibilities, while the custodian takes care of the child in the physical sense. Joint custody is not a possibility in the UAE, however, the gender roles of the traditional society mostly allow the mother to have the custody of the child, while the father takes up the responsibilities of a guardian.
While there are many more concerns and FAQs that expats have, but the above four are the most talked about situations when it comes to expats. The UAE is as matter-of-fact about their rules as any country can get, and breaking these rules have consequences that are probably ghastlier than others. Read and research more about the laws, rights, and duties of the UAE before you make the shift or are beginning a new life there. Be thorough and don’t depend on mercy or exception to be made, just be prepared and follow only one rule- don’t break any rule.
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