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Introduction to Non-Muslim Life in the UAE
Non-Muslim life in the UAE has been recently fully regulated.
The estimated population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024 is around 10 million people. This population is composed of a significant expatriate community, which constitutes approximately 88% of the total population. The native Emirati population makes up the remaining 12%.
The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities. The country’s diverse expatriate population comprises around 88% of the total population, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
In terms of religion, non-Muslims make up about 15-20% of the total population in the UAE. Given the UAE’s total population of approximately 10 million people, this translates to around 1.5 to 2 million non-Muslims living in the country. This diverse group includes individuals from various religious backgrounds, including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and others.
To tailorly address the needs of these communities, the UAE has implemented specific personal status laws that apply to non-Muslims, providing a legal framework tailored to their unique needs. These laws are part of the broader UAE Personal Status Law, which has undergone reforms to accommodate the diverse expatriate community in the country.
The purpose of our publication today is to link the diverse number of publications that we have previously published for our readers to be able to navigate through the different aspects of life in the UAE while being a non-muslim expat in the UAE.
Our Publications about Non-Muslim Life in the UAE
The Basics of the New UAE Personal Status Law
This publication is the first in the series about the new personal status law that introduces equality between non-Muslim men and women in family matters.
Joint custody is emphasized to ensure that both parents remain involved in the upbringing of their children post-divorce. The child’s best interests are a primary consideration in custody decisions. Equality is also reflected in the equal treatment between men and women when addressing testamentary provisions.
The below publications expand on the New Law and expand on specific aspects of it.
What Should Divorce Agreements Contain?
The divorce process for non-Muslims includes provisions for mutual consent, ensuring a smoother and more amicable separation process.
This publication is relevant for you because many of its sections can be included in a marital agreement, agreeing on most points in case you divorce. The topic of children is more controversial, but all economic aspects can be agreed upon in advance. Financial settlements and alimony can be mutually agreed upon or determined by the court based on fair criteria.
Inheritance for Non-Muslims in the UAE
Non-Muslims can exercise full testamentary freedom, allowing them to distribute their assets according to their wishes through a will. In the absence of a will, default rules apply, which are designed to be equitable and considerate of the non-Muslim context.
This publication is of interest to a non-Muslim couple wanting to understand what the new law indicates for the distribution of assets for non-Muslim expatriates. In summary, if they have a will made, full testamentary freedom will be allowed; if there is no will, predetermined rules will apply by default.
Where to Register a Will in the UAE
Non-Muslims are encouraged to register their wills with the relevant authorities to ensure their wishes are respected. Our publication addresses the key four authorities and their basic differences, including costs involved. The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry, the Dubai Courts, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and ADGM provide alternative platforms for non-Muslims to register wills, offering legal certainty and protection.
The Missing Info of the New UAE Personal Status Law when Regulating Non-Muslim Life in the UAE
This publication delves into joint custody under the new law and the issuance of regulations that expand on the law.
The Divorce Process
I hope this publication is never relevant for you, but it explains in a very practical way how divorces work in the UAE including an amicable phase where spouses are encouraged to draw their own terms and conditions.
Related YouTube Videos
Additionally, we invite you to visit our Managing Partner’s YouTube channel and watch some of my videos that address the personal status topics such divorce and inheritance in the UAE. Here are the links:
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We hope this post will help you understand the laws and regulations that apply to the life of non-muslims in the UAE and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.
For more information published in English you can visit all our publications at this link as well as the videos in English of our Managing Partner Maria Rubert.
*The information on this page is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to provide an initial introduction to the laws and regulations that apply to the life of non-muslims in the UAE.
