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

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

In this article, we’ll walk through what is—and isn’t—possible when trying to identify a spouse’s assets in the UAE, depending on where the divorce is taking place. We also highlight key legal tools and practical strategies for spouses facing these concerns, whether in the UAE or abroad.

No Centralized Public Registry of Wealth

In the UAE, asset ownership—whether real estate, bank accounts, or company shares—is not publicly searchable. That means you can’t simply go online and run a name check to see what someone owns. Banks are especially protective of client information and will not release account details without a court order.

If the Divorce is Abroad: You’ll Need Legal Support Locally

When divorce proceedings take place in a foreign country, courts there might issue orders compelling disclosure. But if the husband fails to cooperate, your lawyer will need to request assistance through the appropriate legal channels:

Letters Rogatory (formal requests from one country’s court to another).
International Treaties: Some countries have bilateral agreements with the UAE for judicial cooperation.
Local UAE Proceedings: In some cases, it may be necessary to initiate parallel proceedings or enforcement efforts in the UAE to seek asset disclosure or protective measures.

You will need a UAE lawyer to take action locally—whether to petition for asset disclosure, freeze certain assets, or verify company ownership.

If the Divorce is in the UAE: What Happens if the Husband is Hiding Assets?

In divorce proceedings before UAE courts (whether Sharia-based or under the 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 like in some common law jurisdictions.

If a spouse is suspected of hiding assets:

The other spouse must provide evidence or credible leads. This can include business registrations, lifestyle indicators, or documents suggesting undeclared income.
The court can compel disclosure, but it is not automatic—it requires a motion and supporting facts.
Forensic support can be useful. Lawyers sometimes work with investigators or accountants to gather data that helps point to hidden income or ownership.

Strategies to Identify Hidden Assets during a UAE Divorce

Here are a few practical options that lawyers and clients often explore:

Land Departments in each Emirate hold records of real estate titles. While not open to public search by name, you can search with a copy of a title deed or if you already know the property address.
Company Registries may reveal directorships or ownership interests, especially in free zones.
UAE Courts can be petitioned to obtain bank account or property information—typically in the context of a case involving maintenance or asset division.
Residency data may give clues to employment and housing status.

Bottom Line

The UAE protects privacy and limits third-party access to financial information—but with legal action, cooperation from UAE lawyers, and the right international support, uncovering hidden assets is possible.

Whether your divorce is taking place in the UAE or abroad, the earlier you act to secure legal support and evidence, the better your chances of protecting your rights and securing fair outcomes.

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We hope this post will help you and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.

For direct publications on Family Law in the UAE you may click here and for specific topic videos on UAE Family Law here. For more information, feel free to explore all our publications at this link, as well as video insights on the topic from our Managing Partner, Maria Rubert here.

*The information on this page is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to provide an initial introduction to family law matters with a UAE flavour.