How Can You Live Together Legally in the UAE?

Many investors have come to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for better jobs and investment opportunities. Considering the world economic crisis, the UAE’s economic growth is still doing better than many other countries. However, the expatriates and non-Muslims have embraced the UAE culture quickly, yet they must understand some UAE laws to survive in the emirates. The living arrangements in the UAE differ from what Western people think and do in their countries. As the UAE is an Islamic country, personal relationships are handled differently. For example, to live together, the man and woman must get married. Unlike the Western culture of the live-in approach, whether you are a Muslim or a non-Muslim, unmarried men and women cannot live together.

The UAE is an Islamic state; therefore, people should not complain about their living arrangements because the law and lawyers want to minimize the risks while living together and unmarried. Previously, unmarried people living together had to pay penalties and sometimes face severe consequences for violating the UAE living arrangement rules.

However, this rule has had several alterations, such as allowing couples to live together without getting married in the UAE. The restrictions for unmarried people were removed in 2020 when the UAE thought of encouraging more expatriates to settle in the UAE. Individuals can live together without making any big commitments in their personal lives. The shift in the law demonstrates a positive and modern way of thinking for the UAE to encourage expatriates as they positively contribute to the UAE’s economic growth. But this is for non-Muslim expatriates. Learn more about Non-Muslim Expatriates living in UAE.

The UAE has removed the limitation for unmarried non- Muslim people, and they can now experience a live-in relationship. However, a few restrictions still need to be followed to maintain a modest image of the UAE. Individuals cannot show affection in public places or do any acts that might look disrespectful to the culture of the UAE. They must keep intimacy private. Last but not the least, this is still for non-Muslim expatriates. Muslims are not allowed.

Although the UAE has modernized and much modernized its laws for living arrangements, individuals are still facing challenges in this multicultural and diverse society. Here are some challenges highlighted by the people in the UAE:

• Multicultural Sensitivity

Expatriates in the UAE are a major contributor to the multicultural population. Around 80% of the residents in the UAE come from different religious and cultural backgrounds. Some of them have broad-minded thinking while living in the UAE, while others have a conservative attitude towards certain activities. However, the UAE does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of their religion or culture. It respects every culture and welcomes every religion. Therefore, the UAE laws are diverse, too.

• Accommodation in the UAE

Due to cultural and legal restrictions, it took a lot of work for unmarried couples to have the same accommodation. Nowadays, unmarried individuals can share accommodation. However, the landlord will ask about their marital status. Therefore, it is recommended that you tell the truth about your marital status to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. Muslims will be still treated under Islamic Sharia Law.

• Never Discuss Your Personal Life at Work

While working in the UAE, you should always keep a margin between personal and professional life. You must know the cultural values of the organization. Sometimes, your live-in arrangement might be frowned upon at work. Therefore, never discuss your living arrangements in the office unnecessarily.

• Legal Paperwork

If you are applying to sponsor a visa for your partner, you must show proof of marriage to the UAE immigration center. You must have your spouse without a valid marriage. However, you will also need legal documentation for your spouse’s health insurance.

• Be Vigilant to Social and Family Expectations

You might not be welcomed by families in the UAE for living with someone else without getting married to them. Therefore, you have to focus on your well-being and try not to talk too much about your living arrangements, especially when dealing with conservative people in the UAE.

As the UAE has lifted the restrictions on unmarried people for living arrangements, there are benefits to living together, especially if you are already friends with your partner:

• Savings

Living with another person could be difficult due to their personal habits, but as an expatriate, you have to consider the financial costs that you would incur if you lived alone in the UAE. However, sharing accommodation with someone else will be good for your finances as expenses will be split between the two of you. The expenses involve utilities and groceries.

• Bonding Experience

If both of you still want to give time to your relationship, do not get married but experience a live-in relationship. It will strengthen your friendship and understanding. However, you can also explore vibrant activities together and participate in cultural events and traditions to understand each other before tying the knot.

• Balance Your Work-Life

Couples living together can spend quality time after work with each other. This will ensure a healthy work-life balance and more productivity in the office routine. They can also discuss their plans to ensure a better married life.

If you are new in the UAE, you should know that unmarried couples can live together, but here are a few tips to live a good life as a couple in the UAE:

• Respect the Rules and Regulations: You should not show intimacy in public places, as it might not be appreciated by others.
• Find a Good Neighbourhood: There are many options for accommodation. However, you should choose a vibrant neighborhood that is accepting of multicultural activities. For example, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are more friendly emirates than all others.
• Talk to Your Landlord: Let your landlord know your original marital status so there is no dispute while finding the best accommodation in the UAE.

• Keep Your Privacy at Priority: Every couple has problems when they start living together. Usually, they fight over regular issues. You do not need to publicize your relationship. Ensure that you have maintained privacy for your own good and the people around you. Talk to a legal consultant if you do not wish to live with that partner anymore.

The UAE welcomes all types of cultures and religions. Living with your partner for some years before you marry is a good option. This period of living together without getting married is valuable, as it allows you to learn your partner’s personal traits and contemplate your future plans.

However, the UAE has modernized in many ways. Therefore, expatriates can be confident if they need legal help regarding their living arrangements. You can always choose to live alone if you do not find your partner compatible. But this is only for non-Muslim expatriates.

The UAE laws ensure safety and security for every individual, despite their different cultures and religions. Your legal cases will be managed with transparency and fairness to ensure the prevalence of justice in the UAE. One must explore the UAE for better job opportunities and living standards. The UAE’s vibrant lifestyle is captivating for many expatriates.

If you need lawyers for legal counselling or legal support then you can contact Ask The Law Lawyers and Legal Consultants. Legal content will help you to gain knowledge, and if not then we suggest to meet with our expert lawyers in Dubai.