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Insights
Legal Insights
This section provides practical legal commentary and shares legal research on complex family law and family mediation matters in the Middle East. Whether you want to understand Middle East family law frameworks or stay updated on regional legal developments, this section explores academic and practical legal insights on all topics related to family law.
Topics include:
✓ Cross-border legal challenges and solutions.
✓ Mediation vs litigation—when each is appropriate.
✓ Pre- and post-nuptial agreements, Islamic contracts, and wealth protection.
✓ Parenting and relocation issues across jurisdictions.
✓ Child-focused decision making
Article
Family Mediation in MENA (Sharia Jurisdictions)
Family Mediation in the UAE and the Middle East: Legal Frameworks and Safeguards
Family mediation remains an imp...
The Psychology Behind Mediation
Introduction – The Case for a Therapeutic Lens in Expat Mediation
In the past few decades, family mediation has taken center sta...
Fostering in the UAE
The UAE Expands Foster Care Law to Include Non-Emiratis
November 2025 - UAE updated family law broadens opportunities for loving...
Eyes on the UAE – Family Law Developments and Trends
27 Febuary, 2026
During the past few years, the United Arab Emirates has undertaken major steps to reform its family law framewo...
The Power of Naming Emotions: A Journey Through Expressive Writing
7 December 2025
I have always journaled. Long before I knew anything about neuroscience or mediation frameworks, I simply wrote ...
Celebrating Love at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court
5 December 2025
This Valentine’s Day, more than 140 couples are set to tie the knot at the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, marking...
How Tech is Transforming Family Mediation
5 December 2025
If only there were an app to settle every marital debate…
In my latest article published on Al Tamimi’s L...
Calling Lawyers: Why Don’t Your Clients Give Private Family Mediation a Try?
It was a real pleasure to connect with so many practitioners at the Bar Council Delegation Family Law in Transition – Disputes Across B...
UAE Strengthens Domestic Violence Law with Stricter Penalties for Offenders
5 October 2024
The UAE has introduced Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, enhancing protections against domestic violence. The la...
Pilot’s Custody Case Highlights Abu Dhabi’s Evolving Family Law
19 December 2024
A recent Abu Dhabi court ruling granted joint custody to a Western airline pilot, despite his frequent work-rel...
DIFC Academy Seminar on Amendments to Trusts and Foundations Law
18 June 2024
I had the opportunity to speak alongside David Russell KC at the DIFC Academy, discussing the proposed amendments t...
Building Better Foundations: The Dubai International Financial Centre Foundation Law Consultation, Trusts and Trustees, Oxford University Press
2023
The co-authored journal submission explores the amendments to the DIFC Foundations Law aimed at improving wealth management...
Media
Fostering in the UAE
The UAE Expands Foster Care Law to Include Non-Emiratis
November 2025 - UAE updated family law broadens opportun...
Testimonials
What our Clint Says
Shabana stands out as an exceptional lawyer, combining deep technical knowledge in prenuptial agreements and wealth structuring with genuine empathy and sound commercial judgment.
~MFS
Mr M — Spanish Client
I would like to sincerely thank Shabana for her immense support and professionalism throughout the entire process of preparing my prenuptial agreement. It was not an easy time for me, as I was simultaneously preparing to move to the UAE and get married - a period that was both challenging and filled with uncertainty. Shabana took the time to listen carefully, explain every detail, and guide me through the legal implications of the process, particularly how UAE law applies to me as a British citizen and expatriate. She handled everything with confidence, calmness, efficiency, even when working under significant time pressure. I am extremely grateful for the care and diligence Shabana demonstrated in ensuring my rights and interests as a foreign woman entering marriage in the UAE were fully protected. Her professionalism, emра-thy, and passion for her work really set her apart.
~Client
Ms F — Canadian Client
Shabana gave me exceptional support and guidance through one of the most difficult periods of my life. During a grueling 8-hour mediation, she remained calm, professional, and incredibly focused. What truly sets her apart is her integrity—she always advised me on what was right for me and my children, even when it wasn’t in the best interest of her firm. That honesty and courage showed me she genuinely cared. Because of her expertise, persistence, and strategic approach, I achieved the outcome I desperately hoped for: 100% custody of my kids. - FC
Ms F — Canadian Client
I am deeply grateful and would recommend Shabana without hesitation to anyone looking for a lawyer who is not only highly skilled, but also truly committed to her clients and their families. - Former Client
Mr J — Indian Client
I visited Shabana for a consultation, I must say how comfortable she made me feel, as it was an emotional time. In this brief consultation, she gave me enough to think about. I will definitely continue using Shabana. - Former Client
Ms D — Pakistani Client
Shabana supported me through a high-stakes divorce process, where the future of my company was at risk depending on the outcome. Throughout, she demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and a focus on constructive and practical solutions. - Director
Mr S — Portuguese Client
Shabana has been my go-to person for handling international private client and family law work with the UAE cross-over for years. She genuinely cares about her clients. - Advocate in South Asia
Advocate Based in Pakistan
Shabana's attention to detail and incredible determination definitely set her apart from anyone else I have come across and most definetlye someone you need when going through a tough time. - South Asian Client
American Client (Based in KSA)
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