Danish father wins custody of teenage son in Dubai, mother’s claims rejected

Dubai: Dubai Personal Status Court has ruled in favour of a Danish father, granting him sole custody of his teenage son and permission to relocate the boy to Denmark. The ruling follows a legal battle with the child’s mother over custody, relocation, and marital obligations.

In court, the father argued that it was in the best interests of the couple’s younger son to live with him and his elder brother in Denmark, particularly considering the boy’s education and overall welfare.

According to court documents, the couple married in Egypt and had two children.

The mother initially filed a case seeking custody of the teenage son along with financial support, housing, a vehicle, domestic help, and other entitlements. She alleged that her husband had abandoned the family for more than seven years and failed to fulfil his marital duties.

However, the father presented evidence challenging these claims, including photographs purportedly showing the mother in a relationship with another man. He argued that this compromised her ability to provide a stable environment for their son.

He also maintained that he had regularly provided financial support, including substantial bank transfers, and had attempted to resolve the matter amicably.

The court found that the mother had not adequately explained the circumstances surrounding the photographs, which the father claimed demonstrated a breach of trust essential for child custody.

Citing the child’s welfare as the paramount concern, the judge transferred custody to the father, noting that relocation to Denmark would ensure stability and allow the boy to live with his older brother.

The judgment also granted the father the right to retain the child’s passport and educational records, confirming his legal authority over the boy’s education and healthcare.

While most of the mother’s financial claims were dismissed, the court recognised her right to a limited maintenance payment during the mandatory waiting period after divorce.

Dr Hasan Elhais, legal consultant at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, who represented the father, said the decision reinforces the principle that a child’s welfare is the overriding priority in UAE courts.

“The court examined all the evidence in detail and concluded that our client had consistently demonstrated commitment to his children’s education and well-being,” he said. “The judgment affirms that relocation was in the child’s best interests and provides the legal clarity needed for our client to plan his family’s future.”