Engagement withdrawal rights clarified under Federal Decree-Law 41 of 2024

Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on the Personal Status Law defines engagement as a promise to marry, not a marriage, and permits either party to withdraw without stated reason, the other party's consent, or a divorce. Articles 14 and 15 regulate the return of gifts and dowry. Conditional gifts and individual gifts exceeding AED 25,000 may be recoverable, subject to exceptions. Returnable items depend on classification, value, condition, who withdrew, and why. Consumable gifts such as flowers or meals are not ordinarily recoverable. Dowry may be reclaimed if either party refrains or dies before marriage; if the fiancée used dowry for marriage trousseau, the return obligation depends on who withdrew and the reason for withdrawal. Parties should document withdrawal in writing, create separate inventories of gifts and dowry, preserve receipts and transfer confirmations, and attempt written settlement before escalating to Family Guidance or the Personal Status Court. Article 5 gives the Personal Status Judge jurisdiction over withdrawal disputes, and Article 9 provides a 30-day appeal period.