The ruling at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court was described as 'a watershed moment'. Wam
The ruling at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court was described as 'a watershed moment'. Wam
The ruling at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court was described as 'a watershed moment'. Wam
The ruling at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court was described as 'a watershed moment'. Wam

First civil divorce ruling made in Abu Dhabi courtroom between Muslim and non-Muslim


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The first civil divorce case at Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court between a Muslim and non-Muslim has taken place.

While the judgment was made in May, details are only beginning to emerge of the case in which a non-Muslim from the UK was granted a no-fault divorce from his Muslim ex-wife from Australia.

The couple had married in 2019 in Australia before later moving to live in the UAE.

After their relationship had deteriorated, the husband filed for a no-fault divorce under Abu Dhabi’s Law No. 14 of 2021, which governs civil marriages and their dissolution.

By clarifying that Abu Dhabi’s civil family law can apply to expatriates of Muslim faith, the ruling broadens the scope of legal inclusivity in the UAE, accommodating its diverse expatriate population
Byron James,
lawyer

This law permits a spouse to "unilaterally request a divorce without the need to prove fault or assign blame".

The husband's request for a divorce was granted by Judge Abdelhafez Zidan, despite the protestations of the wife in the case.

She had argued that previous rulings and their residence in different emirates should disqualify the case from being heard in Abu Dhabi.

"[The ruling] reflects a deep commitment to justice and equity, ensuring that expatriates, including foreign Muslims, have access to fair and impartial legal recourse," said Byron James, partner at Expatriate Law and the lawyer for the man who brought the case forward.

"The ruling not only provides justice to my client but also sets a positive precedent for the future.

"The UAE's legal framework, particularly the civil marriage and divorce laws, showcases the country's dedication to adapting and modernising its judicial processes to serve its diverse population.”

The court's decision underscores its authority to handle personal status matters involving expatriates, even when both parties are Muslims, provided their home countries do not primarily apply Islamic law to such issues.

The court granted the divorce under the provisions of Law No. 14 of 2021, which allows for the dissolution of marriage based solely on one spouse's declaration of their desire to end the relationship.

This approach eliminates the need for contentious proof of harm or fault, simplifying the divorce process.

In addition to the divorce, the court affirmed joint custody of the couple's child in accordance with Article 26 of the same law.

Watershed judgment

“This ruling is a watershed moment for foreign Muslims living in the UAE, illustrating several critical points," said Mr James.

"The decision assures foreign Muslims that they can seek and obtain justice in Abu Dhabi’s civil courts for personal status matters, enjoying the same legal protections and considerations as other expatriates and citizens.

Byron James, partner at Abu Dhabi firm Expatriate Law, said the ruling represented a landmark for the UAE. Photo: Byron James
Byron James, partner at Abu Dhabi firm Expatriate Law, said the ruling represented a landmark for the UAE. Photo: Byron James

"By clarifying that Abu Dhabi’s civil family law can apply to expatriates of Muslim faith, the ruling broadens the scope of legal inclusivity in the UAE, accommodating its diverse expatriate population."

The judgment highlights Abu Dhabi’s progressive approach to law, one that is adaptable and inclusive, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to serving its multicultural residents, he added.

The Civil Family Court opened in December 2021 at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. It is part of new legislation to better support residents in the emirate.

The new family law includes equal legal rights for men and women, joint custody and the expediting of divorce procedures.

In February, an Australian Muslim living in the UAE was reunited with his two daughters after a prolonged legal battle.

In the landmark ruling by Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, a non-Emirati Muslim father was granted full custody of his children, with the mother receiving only visiting rights.

The court was again in the headlines last month when it was declared that non-Emirati lawyers would be able to represent clients there.

Previously, it was only Emirati lawyers who could operate in the country's courtrooms.

The new ruling applied only to the new Civil Family Court.

Watch: Inside Abu Dhabi's popular civil court marriages

Honeymoonish
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if you go

The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.

The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.

 

 

While you're here

Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars

A%20MAN%20FROM%20MOTIHARI
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Results

2.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m

Winner Lamia, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

3pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,000m

Winner Jap Al Afreet, Elione Chaves, Irfan Ellahi.

3.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m

Winner MH Tawag, Bernardo Pinheiro, Elise Jeanne.

4pm Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 2,000m

Winner Skygazer, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

4.30pm The Ruler of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 1,700m

Winner AF Kal Noor, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

5pm Sharjah Marathon (PA) Dh70,000 2,700m

Winner RB Grynade, Bernardo Pinheiro, Eric Lemartinel.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMascotte%20Health%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMiami%2C%20US%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bora%20Hamamcioglu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOnline%20veterinary%20service%20provider%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.2%20million%20raised%20in%20seed%20funding%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

'C'mon C'mon'

Director:Mike Mills

Stars:Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Woody Norman

Rating: 4/5

It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
New Zealand squad

Tim Southee (capt), Trent Boult (games 4 and 5), Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (games 1-3), Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner

Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

Race card

6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1.600m

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 2,000m

7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 1,200m

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 2,000m

9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m

if you go

The flights

Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Seoul from Dh3,775 return, including taxes

The package

Ski Safari offers a seven-night ski package to Korea, including five nights at the Dragon Valley Hotel in Yongpyong and two nights at Seoul CenterMark hotel, from £720 (Dh3,488) per person, including transfers, based on two travelling in January

The info

Visit www.gokorea.co.uk

The specs

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic

Power: 375bhp

Torque: 520Nm

Price: Dh332,800

On sale: now

The biog

DOB: 25/12/92
Marital status: Single
Education: Post-graduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and External Affairs at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: I love fencing, I used to fence at the MK Fencing Academy but I want to start again. I also love reading and writing
Lifelong goal: My dream is to be a state minister

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

The lowdown

Rating: 4/5

THE SCORES

Ireland 125 all out

(20 overs; Stirling 72, Mustafa 4-18)

UAE 125 for 5

(17 overs, Mustafa 39, D’Silva 29, Usman 29)

UAE won by five wickets

Tuesday's fixtures
Group A
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Iran v Uzbekistan, 8pm
N Korea v UAE, 10.15pm
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Updated: July 02, 2024, 5:17 AM`