DCC 134/2008/1

This case involved a claim by a wife for a divorce and certain forms of maintenance. The key issue was whether a Syrian decision had the force of res judicata and if Syrian law should have been applied as both parties were Syrian nationals.

Background

A Respondent had filed a complaint before the Family Guidance Committee against the Appellant following abuse by physical beating and insults and the refusal to provide for her and her child and the ceasing of personal property and it was transferred to the Court.

The Respondent filed suit no.541/2007 (Personal Status-Islam) before the Dubai Court of First Instance requesting that the Appellant be obliged accordingly to pay a temporary monthly amount of 4000 AED and marital expenditure along with all forms of expenditure, and her divorce.

The Respondent requested in addition, Appellant provide a furnished nursery along with the payment of annual rent and water, electricity and telephone bills of 30.000 AED per month and her “Mouakhar Sadak” of 40 000 Syrian Lira and the return of her property or compensation.