ARTICLE
23 November 2016

UAE Family Matters Q&As: What Can I Do About My Husband Living With Another Woman While I'm Abroad?

AM
Dr. Hassan Elhais

Contributor

Dr. Hassan Elhais, a long-standing member of the prestigious Amal Alrashedi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, is a renowned legal consultant in the UAE, specializing in family law, criminal law, civil law, company incorporation, construction law, banking law, inheritance law, and arbitration. Dr. Elhais has gained wide recognition in the country, winning numerous awards and accolades. He was declared the Legal Consultant of the Year in 2026 by Leaders in Law. He was also elected as the co-chair of the ‘Relocation of Children Committee’ of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a worldwide association of practicing lawyers, widely regarded as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries. Dr. Hassan Elhais’s continued recognition in the 2025 Chambers and Partners rankings for Family/Matrimonial services to High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE from 2022-2025.
Question: I am an Asian woman living in my home country but my husband is an expatriate in the UAE. I have just found out that he has been living with another woman for several months.
United Arab Emirates Family and Matrimonial
Dr. Hassan Elhais are most popular:
  • within Accounting and Audit, Cannabis & Hemp, Food, Drugs, Healthcare and Life Sciences topic(s)

Question: I am an Asian woman living in my home country but my husband is an expatriate in the UAE. I have just found out that he has been living with another woman for several months. Is there something that I can do about it? Can they be called in by UAE authorities for questioning?

Answer: You have the right to file a criminal case against him for the offence of adultery, as per Article 356 of UAE Federal Law No 3 of 1987, the Penal Code, but only if you have proof that he has been having a physical relationship with another woman inside the UAE. If you are planning to proceed with criminal charges against your husband and his girlfriend you should provide any kind of evidence you have, including witnesses, photos, videos, emails/messages exchanged or a letter of admission. In general, the criminal court has full discretionary powers to evaluate and determine whether or not your husband committed adultery based on the subjective evidence you produce. However, you should note that, as per Article 121 of the Penal Code, if found guilty both of them will be deported. It is also important to note that the judge has discretionary powers to reduce jail sentence if they are found guilty but does not have power to remove deportation.

Question: I am a European woman who lives in the UAE and my fiancee is a divorcee. As was decided in court, his kids from the former marriage live with his ex-wife in Dubai and he pays Dh13,000 a month to cover all expenses and maintenance for the children, a girl aged 12 and a boy aged 10, and the ex-wife. Could you please advise us if he has a right to file a case demanding custody?

Answer: Your fiancee has a right to file a custody case in Dubai. However, he has to wait until the daughter turns 13 and boy turns 11 to file the case, as it is at these ages boys and girls are no longer obliged to be in the custody of the mother.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

[View Source]

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More