1. What types of legal services do you offer?

We offer a complete legal services, covering the different branches of law, including family law, criminal law, civil litigation, commercial law, construction disputes, arbitration, inheritance and the issues related with real estate. We also provide assistance in contract drafting, corporate advisory, labor disputes and representation before the UAE courts including DIFC and ADGM courts.

2. Can you represent individuals and companies?

Yes, our firm represents both the individuals and corporate clients across the UAE and internationally. Our legal team advises the private clients, expatriates, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large companies in various legal and commercial matters.

3. How experienced is the Dr. Hassan Elhais?

Dr. Hassan Elhais is a prominent legal consultant in the UAE with almost 20 years of legal experience in family, criminal, inheritance and arbitration matters. He has been awarded several international awards including “Legal Consultant of the Year" for several times.

4. Where are you located and how do I contact you?

We have offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Dubai office located in 37th Floor, Latifa Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road. Clients can contact the firm through the official website, by calling the given telephone numbers, or by scheduling a consultation with the legal team.

5. How quickly can you provide a consultation?

We are willing to provide legal assistance timely, and we can usually schedule a consultation in a short time frame, depending on the urgency and complexity of the situation. We offer in-person and remote consultations to the clients in the UAE and outside of the UAE.

6. What makes you different from other law firms in Dubai?

Our firm has earned high recognition for the ability to combine the UAE legal expertise with an extensive international experience and client-focused representation. The presence of the highly renowned legal professional Dr. Hassan Elhais, further strengthens the reputation of the firm in handling the complex and sensitive legal matters with professionalism and strategic insight.

7. Do you handle international cases or cross border issues?

Yes, Dr. Hassan Elhais often advises our clients on the international and cross-border legal matters, such as family disputes, relocation cases, foreign judgments, issues related with inheritance, and the international business transactions. And our team has extensive experience in supporting expatriates and multinational clients in the various jurisdictions.

8. Do you assist with contract drafting and review?

Yes, we are providing professional legal services for contract drafting, legal review and negotiation of commercial, civil, employment, construction and partnership agreements. We also provide bilingual legal reviews to the clients to ensure compliance with the laws of UAE and the interests of the client.

9. Do you handle construction-related disputes?

Yes, we do handle the disputes related to construction law; our specialized team advises the clients on construction law matters, including contractor disputes, project delays, payment claims, FIDIC contracts, arbitration, and construction-related litigation. Our legal consultants assist developers, contractors, subcontractors, and property owners throughout the process of dispute resolution.

10. Can you represent me in criminal cases?

Yes, we are handling a wide range of criminal matters like financial crimes, cyber related crime, fraud, assault, defamation, and regulatory violations. Dr. Hassan Elhais is particularly recognized for his experience in the complex criminal cases and the criminal defense representation within the UAE legal system.

11. Do you provide family law services like divorce or child custody?

Yes, our firm has an extensive range of experience in the area of family law including divorce, child custody, alimony, guardianship, inheritance and international relocation disputes. The team regularly provides sensitive and confidential legal support to the expats and for the local families.

12. Do you offer legal support for real estate transactions?

Yes, our team provides legal assistance for real estate matters like sale of the property, purchases, leasing, development agreements, and real estate disputes. Our lawyers also advise the clients on due diligence, contract verification, property ownership regulations, and for the investment-related legal matters in the UAE.

Publications / Family Law - Child custody

Dubai court revises visitation days in child custody case due to father's work schedule

family law
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May 17, 2026
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1742 views

A Dubai court revised a father’s child visitation schedule after finding that his Friday work hours made the arrangement impractical. According to legal consultant Hasan Elhais, the court considered both parents’ schedules and the child’s wellbeing before changing the visitation days to Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. The ruling highlights how UAE courts prioritize practical arrangements and the child’s best interests when deciding custody and visitation matters.
Can your job cost you child custody? Dubai court ruling explains when it might

family law
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April 26, 2026
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1317 views

A ruling by the Dubai Court of Cassation affirmed that child custody decisions in the UAE are based on the child’s best interests above all else. Reported by Khaleej Times, the case involved a mother who lost custody due to her job as a flight attendant requiring extended absences, which the court found incompatible with consistent childcare. Legal expert Hasan Elhais emphasized that employment alone does not disqualify a parent, but its impact on a child’s stability and care is a key deciding factor.
New UAE family law to bolster rights of Muslim mothers and children in custody cases

family law
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January 09, 2025
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4310 views

Updated Personal Status Law, to come into effect in April 2025, is part of wider drive to modernise the country's legal system
Child Protection in Focus: UAE Personal Status Law Amendments Explained

family law
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February 08, 2024
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3936 views

Amendments in UAE's personal law status will make it easier for mothers in divorce cases to make decisions about their children’s schooling, according to lawyers in the country.
My jobless husband says he wants custody of our son - what can I do?

family law
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April 20, 2020
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5116 views

While the UAE Personal Status Law provides that a mother is the natural custodian of her son until he reaches age 11, at which point custody can be challenged by the child's father, there are some limits to this as I share with a reader in my column in The National newspaper in response to her custody enquiry. Noting that the reader's ex-husband does not have a job and is demanding money from her, I explain that the court will make the decision about whether custody should be transferred based on the circumstances of the case, having in mind the best interests and well-being of the child.
Child custody - does the wish of the child factor in?

family law
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March 17, 2020
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5810 views

I answer a reader question on whether a mother can challenge a custody claim from her ex-husband on the grounds that her 15-year-old son wishes to continue to live with her. I explain that the reader could challenge the custody claim within the bounds of Article 156 of the UAE Personal Status Law, which clarifies the court will come to a decision that is in the best interests of the child. I also suggest she could seek a report from a child psychologist reflecting the child’s wishes, which could then be used as evidence.
Child custody battles during the holidays - a warning to parents

family law
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December 23, 2019
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4924 views

In an article in The National newspaper, I am quoted on the issue of increased abductions - or "wrongful retentions" - of children living in the UAE. The article focuses on the possibility that parents of British and Welsh children can now seek adjudications in these courts to request legal travel orders. I point out while joint custody is not possible in the UAE, the courts here will always rules in the best interests of the child and encourage parents to consider whether local courts may be a better option to find a resolution to custody cases.
My son will soon turn 11 - will I lose custody of him when he does?

family law
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September 07, 2019
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4706 views

This week in my column in The National newspaper I answer a single mother who is worried about losing custody of her 10-year-old son when he reaches 11. I explain that while Article 156 of the UAE Personal Status Law grants mothers custody of sons until age 11 and daughters until age 13, it does not automatically transfer to the father at that point. Instead, he must file a case with the court for custody transfer and the mother still has the right to object to this claim. In this event, the court will decide on the arrangement that is in the best interest of the child.
I want to adopt my fiance's young daughter - is that possible?

family law
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May 12, 2019
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5332 views

This week in my column in The National newspaper, I answer a tricky question on adoption in the UAE from a reader who wants to adopt her fiance’s five-year-old daughter once they are married. The reader explains the biological mother has given up her rights to custody of her child so the rights of custody and guardianship are vested with the father. I also explain that non-Muslim UAE residents can adopt children in line with the laws of both their country of citizenship and the child’s. I also provide other general guidance on adoption in the UAE.
My husband had a baby with another woman - can we take the child?

family law
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April 14, 2019
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6673 views

In the UAE, sex outside of marriage is a crime. I explain that the existence of this child is evidence that could result in both the husband and his girlfriend ending up in jail for up to a year, followed by deportation.
Bringing a child to the UAE - when you can't find your husband

family law
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December 10, 2018
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6938 views

In my legal advice column this week in The National newspaper, I explain to a reader she must have some form of agreement or court ruling to enable her to bring the child of an estranged marriage to the UAE. The woman, who says she can no longer find her husband whom she divorced 10 years ago, wants to bring her daughter to the country. However, this cannot happen without his permission, a custody order in her favour from her home country, or a court judgment granting her custody from the UAE.
Can I get custody to keep my kids from my drunk husband? Find out.

family law
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November 23, 2018
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7984 views

In my column this week in The National newspaper, I address a question from a concerned mother whose husband has recently become a heavy drinker and who wants to ensure she has custody over their children. I explain to her any custody case may go in her favour if the court decides it is in the children’s interest to have custody remain with the mother even when the children reach age. I also explain to a Muslim woman who wants to marry her Christian fiancé that he must first convert to Islam or the marriage will not be valid in the UAE.
How can I prove I am fit to keep custody of my child?

family law
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November 09, 2017
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7250 views

In my column this week in The National newspaper, I answer an Egyptian woman who wants to know whether it is possible to apply the rule of her home country in the UAE in a family dispute, in this case as it relates to the age of the children when custody passes to the father. As I explain, religious laws from other countries take precedence in the UAE, so would indeed be applicable. I also explain to a concerned mother what she must do in order to prove she is a fit mother to her children, given her ex-husband seems to be ready to dispute custody.
How can I ensure my ex-husband pays me child support?

family law
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June 08, 2018
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7008 views

In my publication this week, I discussed the UAE family matter, mainly based on the child support. Husband has the obligation to look after the family, even if he is divorced. To make all the right and obligation stronger, for that husband and wife needed to make an Execution agreement. Then both parties are legally bonded to the terms and condition of the agreement. Moreover, they have the duty to take care of their children.
Can I stop former husband taking my son to Europe?

family law
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February 28, 2018
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6665 views

In my publication this week, I discussed about the prenatal rights regarding the minor children. The recent trend in our society is seeing a paradigm change in matrimonial relationships, with an increasing number of divorce cases. As per my opinion, the Child custody litigation is a true representative of judicial litigation where “justice delayed is justice denied” the main aim is the best benefit of the child and custody is awarded to the parent, who fits the child’s best interests.
Can our children stand as witnesses in a custody battle?

family law
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January 03, 2018
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6063 views

In my publication this week, I discussed about father’s legal obligation to support and maintain financial liability of his children, even if the mother retains custody of the children post-divorce. I also discussed about types of witnesses accepted in a family court proceedings.
Can my husband contest my court-granted custody of our children?

family law
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December 28, 2017
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7371 views

In my publication this week, I discussed about the court’s approach to amend the terms of settlement agreement signed between divorced parties. I explained the procedure before the family guidance committee before the case is transferred to the courts.
Can I Leave My Wife and Bring My Daughter to Live in the UAE?

family law
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September 07, 2017
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6100 views

In my publication this week, I discussed about the wife's right to child custody until a boy turns 11 and girl turns 13. I also discussed about implications of an adultery case in a custody application, where a judge may award longer custody to the mother if mother was successful in proving adultery.
Mother wins child custody

family law
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August 18, 2017
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7617 views

In my publication this week, I discussed about how proactively I represented a client in a custody dispute with her husband. I also assisted the client in filing a criminal case on account of threats made by the Husband during the course of the proceedings.
Can My Ex-Husband Take Child Custody Now I'm Remarried?

family law
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June 15, 2017
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14500 views

In my publication this week, I discussed about the right of an ex-wife to keep custody of her child after remarrying. I also explained court's approach in determining custody in such a case.
Can I Claim Custody of Children Three Years After Wife Remarried?

family law
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February 16, 2017
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14541 views

In this weekly edition, I discussed about the application statute of limitation to claim custody of the child post-divorce. I also discussed about criminal implications associated with child abortion.
What Are a Woman's Rights When Her Ex-husband Kidnaps Their Children?

family law
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January 12, 2017
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13387 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the legal process applicable in a child abduction cases. I also discussed about "iddat" period if a divorced wife wishes to re-marry in the UAE.
Unbuckled children illegal in UAE cars - but education should be first

family law
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September 02, 2016
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6375 views

In an article published in The National newspaper, which looks at a recent request by Dubai’s Community Development Authority for residents to take photos of motorists driving with children either on their lap or in the front seat, I am called on as a legal expert to give an opinion. I explain that in this case, because a high number of expatriates come from countries where such activity would be legal, it is important that the first step be one of education rather than punishment. I explain legal knowledge is the key to behavioural change.
You Have Right to Ask for Visitation

family law
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August 18, 2016
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13044 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the rights of a parent to obtain an interim visitation court order until divorce custody rights are ruled upon by the court. I also explained the when a divorced wife may file a new case against ex-husband to increase maintenance amount granted by court.
Can My Mother Claim Custody of My Son If She Is Living with Me?

family law
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June 23, 2016
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13106 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I addressed whether a mother-in-law has the right to claim custody of a grandchild when they are living in the same house. I also discussed whether a husband can stop giving financial assistance to his wife if his wife is not willing to move and live with him.
Can I Reclaim Custody of My Child from My Ex-Husband Despite Remarrying?

family law
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June 09, 2016
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12879 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I addressed whether a wife can reclaim custody of her child from her ex-husband after she has remarried. I also discussed whether a Christian woman can marry an Arab man without changing her religion and family name, and if this could affect her financial rights.
Who Has Custody Pre-Judgment?

family law
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May 26, 2016
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14859 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper I explained who has the right to custody while a court dispute is still in the process. I also discussed whether a mother could stay with her child in another city in the UAE after her divorce.
Can I Claim Custody of My Child from Her Non-Muslim Mother?

family law
|
May 19, 2016
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7489 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I addressed whether it is possible to claim custody of a child from a non-Muslim mother. I also discussed whether you have the right to claim money for house rent from your ex-husband, even though you are staying in your own house.
Can My New Wife Be Named as a Carer on My Child Custody Claim?

family law
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May 12, 2016
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6463 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I addressed whether a new wife can be named a carer in the situation where a husband wins child custody. I also discussed whether a husband could claim custody of his children after his wife is diagnosed with a serious infectious disease.
My Wife Does Not Pray Often, Can I Use This to Claim Custody of Our Daughter?

family law
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May 05, 2016
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6020 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I addressed whether a wife can remarry a month after the divorce papers are signed, with the consent from her ex-husband. I also discussed whether its possible for a husband to claim custody of a child if his ex-wife is not religious.
After My Remarriage, Must I Surrender Custody of My Child as My Ex Demands?

family law
|
March 31, 2016
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6775 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the legal situation relating to child custody if you re-marry and have to apply for a residence visa for your newborn baby here in the UAE.
Can I Claim Custody of Child?

family law
|
February 25, 2016
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5887 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained the legal situation surrounding child custody when one party already waived their right to custody in a settlement agreement but wishes to recant and claim custody of the child or children.
The Obligations of Being Guardian to Your Child

family law
|
November 25, 2015
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6946 views

In my interview this week in The National newspaper, I explained details relating to child visitation rights, the obligations of the father as a guardian, and the circumstances under which guardianship can be removed.

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