UNCOVERING HIDDEN ASSETS IN THE UAE DURING DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS

Introduction to Hidden Assets during a UAE Divorce

The issue of hidden assets during a UAE divorce is a recurring question.

One of the most common concerns we hear from clients—particularly during cross-border divorce proceedings—is how to deal with hidden assets. The issue often arises when one spouse suspects the other of concealing financial interests, especially in jurisdictions like the UAE where transparency laws differ from those in many Western countries.

A recent inquiry we received illustrates the challenge well. A woman had just initiated divorce proceedings in her home country. Her husband, who lives in the UAE, has known business activities and bank accounts in the Emirates, yet she has no clear view of their full extent or value. Her question was straightforward but loaded with implications: Can I find out what assets my husband holds in the UAE?

It is a valid concern—and one we hear often in similar circumstances. Whether for the purpose of securing a fair division of marital assets, calculating child support, or simply understanding one’s financial rights, access to this information can be crucial.

However, navigating the UAE’s legal and administrative framework requires both strategy and local insight. Unlike some jurisdictions where parties to a divorce are compelled to submit full financial disclosure and asset registers are publicly accessible, the UAE maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding property ownership, bank accounts, and business interests.

This article explains what is—and is not—possible when attempting to identify a spouse’s assets in the UAE, depending on where the divorce proceedings take place. It also outlines key legal tools and practical strategies for spouses facing these concerns, whether in the UAE or abroad.

No Centralised Public Registry of Wealth

In the UAE, asset ownership—whether real estate, bank accounts, or company shares—is not publicly searchable. There is no central database allowing name-based searches to identify what an individual owns. Banks, in particular, strictly protect client confidentiality and will not disclose account information without a court order.

If the Divorce Is Abroad: You Will Need Local Legal Support

When divorce proceedings take place outside the UAE, foreign courts may issue orders requiring financial disclosure. If the spouse in the UAE does not cooperate, enforcement typically requires assistance through recognised legal mechanisms, including:

• Letters Rogatory, which are formal requests for judicial assistance between courts in different countries.
• International treaties, where bilateral or multilateral agreements on judicial cooperation exist between the relevant country and the UAE.
• Local UAE proceedings, which may be necessary to seek disclosure, verification of ownership, or protective measures such as asset freezing.

In such cases, engaging a UAE-based lawyer is essential to take effective local action.

If the Divorce Is in the UAE: What Happens if Assets Are Hidden?

In divorce proceedings before UAE courts—whether under Sharia principles or the more recent civil family laws—judges expect both parties to disclose financial information relevant to maintenance and child support. However, there is no automatic discovery system comparable to those in common law jurisdictions.

If one spouse is suspected of concealing assets:

• The other spouse must provide credible evidence or leads, such as business records, lifestyle indicators, or documents suggesting undeclared income.
• The court may compel disclosure, but only following a formal application supported by facts.
• Forensic and investigative support may assist. Lawyers sometimes work with accountants or investigators to identify patterns indicating hidden income or ownership, as explained here.

Strategies to Identify Hidden Assets during a UAE Divorce

Several practical avenues are commonly explored in these cases:

• Land departments in each Emirate maintain real estate ownership records. While searches are not publicly available by name, information may be obtained if the property or title details are already known.
• Company registries can reveal shareholdings or directorships, particularly within free zones.
• UAE courts may be petitioned to obtain bank or property information in the context of maintenance or asset-related claims.
• Residency and employment data can provide indirect insight into income sources and housing arrangements.

Bottom Line

The UAE places a strong emphasis on privacy and restricts third-party access to financial information. Nevertheless, with timely legal action, coordinated international strategy, and experienced UAE legal support, identifying hidden assets is often achievable.

Whether divorce proceedings take place within the UAE or abroad, early engagement with legal counsel and proactive evidence-gathering significantly improves the likelihood of protecting financial rights and securing a fair outcome.

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We hope this post is helpful and remain available to address any questions of general application.

For further resources on UAE family law, explore our Family Law publications, our UAE Family Law video resources, and all our publications, as well as video insights by Maria Rubert, Managing Partner.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It offers an introductory overview of family law matters with a UAE perspective.