How can Muslim women start divorce proceedings to get Khula in Dubai?

Khula is a separation between spouses at the request of the wife and the husband’s acceptance of the consideration offered by the wife or someone else

- Ashish Mehta

Question: My husband and I have been facing major issues in our marriage, and I wish to end it. However, he is refusing to initiate divorce proceedings. As a Muslim woman, I have the option of Khula. What are the legal requirements for me to initiate this in Dubai? Could you explain?

Answer: In the UAE, a Muslim woman may initiate divorce proceedings against her husband in the form of Khula as mentioned in Article 65 of the UAE Personal Status Law, which states:

“Khula is a separation between spouses at the request of the wife and the husband's acceptance of the consideration offered by the wife or someone else, ‘Khula’ takes place as a minor irrevocable divorce.”

Furthermore, Article 66 of the UAE Personal Status Law states anything of value may be considered as compensation for Khula, typically the dowry, but children’s rights like maintenance or custody cannot be waived. If the husband refuses the compensation unfairly, the court may enforce Khula with a suitable amount it decides. The said article reads as below:

“1. Anything that can be deemed property can be deemed as a consideration in Khula.