Prenups In The UAE: Why More Couples Are Talking About Money Before Marriage

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

As financial awareness grows, couples are redefining love, trust and responsibility before tying the knot

By: Waad Barakat

Marriage, in the UAE, is increasingly beginning with much more than the traditional logistics of wedding planning. For an increasing number of couples, the commitment now includes bold, transparent conversations about personal finances, diversified asset portfolios and long-term life expectations. What was once considered a social taboo, mentioned only in the context of high-net-worth divorces and Western settings, is now becoming an increasingly common feature of pre-marital dialogue among both expatriate couples and, more notably, local citizens.

According to Pooja Bhattia, a solicitor at Ma’an Legacy & Legal Consultancy, this shift in perspective reflects how the UAE has matured as a society.“Many residents today see the UAE as a long-term home rather than a temporary stopover,” Bhattia explains.“When people begin planning their future here, they naturally start making longer-horizon financial decisions, including how they structure their marriage financially.”

Not just a difficult conversation

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For a significant number of these couples, prenuptial agreements, or prenups, themselves are arguably not the primary focus or end goal. Instead, it’s the foundational conversation that the process encourages. Instead, it’s the foundational conversation that the process encourages. Discussing money, personal responsibilities and financial expectations before the wedding day is something previous generations often avoided, frequently steering clear of the topic to preserve the romantic ideals of a relationship. However, modern couples are reframing these necessary discussions as a hallmark of responsible, mature planning rather than a sign of pessimism or ‘lack of trust’.

One such experience was that of Maha A, a Lebanese designer who got married two years ago.“I was surprised when my fiancé suggested a prenup,” she recalled.“At first, I felt hurt.” Her partner later explained that the idea was not about preparing for divorce, but about protecting both of them.“We both had separate assets and wanted to keep things clear. In the end, it actually made me feel more secure,” she added.

The process, she noted, forced them to navigate topics many couples ignore until it’s too late.“We talked about spending habits, savings goals, debts, and what we would do if something went wrong financially. It wasn’t romantic, but it was responsible.”

Buffer against conflict

Legal professionals working in the Emirates emphasise that these early-stage conversations are among the most effective tools for preventing bitter disputes later in life.“In cases where there have been prenups, the fighting tends to be far less severe because there is certainty regarding how assets will be split and the relevant obligations of the parties,” said Tyne Hugo, senior associate at the law firm BSA.

Without that explicit clarity, legal disputes can sometimes escalate over issues far smaller than expected, turning into long-drawn court battles that drain both finances and emotional energy.“We’ve seen divorces where couples fought over everything, including the cutlery,” said Hugo.“These kinds of disputes are often more about emotions than assets.”

Even when couples do not have a prenup in place, financial agreements can often still be negotiated during a separation, but the process is frequently more expensive, time-consuming and emotionally distressing.“With a prenup, there’s clarity,” Hugo added.“And that clarity helps prevent unnecessary legal battles.”

Modern life, traditional values

Cultural attitudes continue to shape how prenuptial agreements are perceived in the UAE. For some families, the mere mention of a prenup can translate to uncomfortable questions: Why expect the worst from the very beginning? Is one partner worried about the other’s financial standing?

In many traditional households, signing a formal legal agreement before marriage can feel ‘counterintuitive’, as the union is fundamentally seen as a bond built on unconditional trust and a promise of ‘forever’.

“Some cultures may see this as a betrayal of what a marriage is supposed to be,” Hugo added.“But the beauty of a prenup is that it’s customisable. It can reflect any cultural or religious values the couple deems important.”

As a result, for younger couples, particularly those with international backgrounds, the idea is becoming significantly easier to accept and integrate into their lives.“Couples are beginning to realise that love and legal planning are not mutually exclusive,” said Rania Faris, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Dubai.“A prenup doesn’t mean you expect a divorce. It simply means you are mature enough to talk about money, expectations and personal boundaries before problems arise.”

The young professional’s viewpoint

For many young professionals in the UAE, the idea of a prenup no longer comes as a shock. Josh M. (name changed upon request), a young CEO who runs a real estate agency in the UAE, said he was not surprised to discover that prenups could be arranged effectively in the country.“It was something that had always crossed my mind,” he said.

Working in a high-pressure business environment where financial planning is a constant part of daily professional life, he believes that societal attitudes toward prenups are undergoing a major shift.“People today are becoming more financially aware,” Josh added.“With how the world is evolving, prenups should be normalised now more than ever.”

A growing trend

Family lawyers across the Emirates report that interest in prenuptial agreements has increased significantly in recent years. According to Samara Iqbal, founder of Aramas International Lawyers, couples in the UAE are increasingly asking about prenups as financial literacy and awareness grow among the population.“Over the past few years, we have seen a clear rise in couples asking about prenups,” she said.“What was once considered unusual is becoming the norm, particularly among international couples and professionals relocating to the region.”

Iqbal explained that many expats manage complicated assets across different countries, making financial clarity even more critical before entering a marriage.“A prenup allows couples to have open conversations about financial expectations and asset protection at a time when the relationship is positive, rather than during a dispute later,” she added.“When expectations are clearly documented from the outset, it dramatically reduces the scope for disagreement if a relationship unfortunately breaks down.”

For Bhattia, the growing interest in prenups reflects something much larger than simple legal planning. It’s a sign that modern couples are becoming more honest about the realities of married life, responsibility and the possibility of an uncertain future.“Ultimately, the prenup is just a tool,” she added.“What matters most is that couples understand each other’s financial realities and expectations early on.”

That clarity can strengthen a marriage rather than weaken it.“Love and financial planning are not opposites,” said Bhattia.“For many couples, these are two parts of building a stable life together.”

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