Guide

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

Flying Drones in the UAE: Updated Guidelines For Personal Use

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

MOTN Festival Returns For 2024: What's In Store & Where to Get Tickets

Top Tree Lighting Ceremonies to See for Christmas 2024 in Dubai

Education

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

How to Get Your University and College Degrees Attested in the UAE

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Marrying a Muslim man. I'm Christian.

47 posts / 0 new

Last post

Log in to post new content in the forum.

90

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 15:21

OP one more thing in addition to my earlier post - when you marry a Muslim man (especially one from a traditional environment) you are marrying the family, not the man. In matters between wife vs family, the family will almost always come out on top if a decision has to be made. You should be prepared for this. I hope that the responses of the other posters have given you some clarity and that you make the best decision for yourself in the long run.

351

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 15:15

Pls don't

IzzyOnTheSeat82823

5334

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 15:13

OP, do you think what he has suggested is the right way to be treated?

1848

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 14:59

Dont. That is all I am saying. If they dont accept you before marriage,they wont accept you after marriage. When you have kids it will become x10 worse and your marriage will suffer very badly. Do you really want to marry a man that will keep you a dirty little secret until you say 'I do' and its too late?

Londiamond93030

495

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 14:59

So here's the story... I'm Christian and in a relationship with a Muslim man. I'm half South African, half British and he is from Ras Al Khaimah. My family is very open minded, however, I think they would prefer for me to marry a Christian. I don't think they will refuse it if he is not, as long as he takes good care of me and love me. For his family, they are Bedouin. Close minded. Obviously his family would never accept it if he wants to marry a Christian Westerner. He is talking about getting engaged and I am keen on the idea. We really love each other and we are not only a couple, but best friends also. He doesn't want to tell his family for obvious reasons, but once we are married he would like me to meet his family. He thinks they will accept me into their family once we are married. I know his parents wouldn't be happy. Has anyone been in a situation like this before. The problem is not our religions, the problem is his parents are old and not open minded so wouldn't like any change in tradition. you need to think and rethink million times before you agree. i am central asian, muslim, and i married joradanian born and lived all his life in dubai. and let me tell you that you will have no rights in this marriage! none! nada! all laws in UAE do support men when they marry foreighners. If you get married in your country and your child will carry your citizenship this will be huge benifit for you in the future. also if he doesnt want to get his families blessing before marriage, there is a chance he will take 2nd wife to keep them happy. this happened to my friend. unless you are ready sacrifice completly be aware!!! I'm no expert but by the looks of how things run here it won't be him marrying a 2nd, you will actually be the 2nd, as the 1st will be a local as it would be insulting for a local to be number 2 after an expat.

20

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 14:52

So here's the story... I'm Christian and in a relationship with a Muslim man. I'm half South African, half British and he is from Ras Al Khaimah. My family is very open minded, however, I think they would prefer for me to marry a Christian. I don't think they will refuse it if he is not, as long as he takes good care of me and love me. For his family, they are Bedouin. Close minded. Obviously his family would never accept it if he wants to marry a Christian Westerner. He is talking about getting engaged and I am keen on the idea. We really love each other and we are not only a couple, but best friends also. He doesn't want to tell his family for obvious reasons, but once we are married he would like me to meet his family. He thinks they will accept me into their family once we are married. I know his parents wouldn't be happy. Has anyone been in a situation like this before. The problem is not our religions, the problem is his parents are old and not open minded so wouldn't like any change in tradition. you need to think and rethink million times before you agree. i am central asian, muslim, and i married joradanian born and lived all his life in dubai. and let me tell you that you will have no rights in this marriage! none! nada! all laws in UAE do support men when they marry foreighners. If you get married in your country and your child will carry your citizenship this will be huge benifit for you in the future. also if he doesnt want to get his families blessing before marriage, there is a chance he will take 2nd wife to keep them happy. this happened to my friend. unless you are ready sacrifice completly be aware!!!

681

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 12:06

Personally I could not convert and I certainly wouldn't do it for someone else. Only you know him but as the other ladies have said, it doesn't seem like a good situation and not a good way to start a marriage in lies and secrets. Good luck with it.

96

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 01:36

Sounds like he could have a wife/children. After marrying you, he can keep it as a secret or he will introduce you to his family and they have to accept it or not. That means he has no respect for his parents. This is not the right way, if he is honest with you. For a muslim man it is very easy to get rid of you. If you have kids with him, it is possible that you have to leave them with him. This fact would freak me out! What would be your security if you want to divorce him or he wants it? What are your rights? Think about it before you make such a big step. Things will change after you become his wife. You will be the one that has to change her whole life/looks/religion/values/language/hobbies/going out etc. You can be the one that will lose a lot. Trust is good but he could easily live a double life and you wouldn't know it. First advice: learn arabic Wish you the best!

90

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 00:15

Yikes! Don't do it! As a former Christian who married a Muslim. I have to say that any decent Muslim man would never suggest getting married in secret. There is no excuse or lee way on this one. Muslim men in particular are brought up, or should have been brought up, to understand the parental involvement in marriage - the fact that this guy isn't willing to introduce you to his family suggests so many negative things about his character and respect levels. When I met DH he told me from the first meeting that if his parents said no, then that would firmly mean no. Luckily they didn't, but as a westerner and a non-Muslim at the time this was a huge shock to me and tbh I didn't really take it seriously at the time. Needless to say, we had many many cultural and religious battles which at times almost broke us. Finally, if they aren't willing to accept you before marriage while following correct Islamic marriage and cultural procedures involving meetings/discussions etc, they are hardly likely to accept you when their son rocks up after marriage with his new non Muslim western wife. It'll be like a slap in the face to them and the height of disrespect. I would be very surprised if any traditional Muslim parents (and as you said they are very conservative) would accept you, even with time. You should understand that it will be a huge scandal for them in their community as well, one which will be very difficult for them to recover from. <em>edited by kareemab on 13/08/2014</em>

126

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 23:37

Thanks everyone for your advice, I think I have to go and look at all the pro and cons, how his family will respond, kids etc..

2738

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 20:41

You need to write the facts out 20 times and read them 100 times for reality to hit. There is a big difference in being the girlfriend and being the wife. Do you think it is normal and nice to not have met his family when you are in a relationship with someone?

Londiamond93030

495

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:53

You need to stet another thread with the title Marrying A Local". There is at least one woman on here married to one, I think AnonDubai, and that will be another important thing to ask questions on.

1340

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:40

OP, from the little you have told us about your situation, I have to say that you need to think very long and hard about making any decisions regarding this relationship. The fact that your boyfriend is suggesting that you marry before telling his family is ringing very loud alarm bells for me. What do you think is going to happen to you and your marriage if he fails to get family approval?

77

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:37

Please be careful not to be niave going in to this. Pressure will come regarding religion, traditions, morals, cultures, as they do in every relationship and too many marriages fail because couples don't discuss these things enough, reaching agreements or compromises where necessary. With cross cultural / racial / religious matches, the challenges are that liitle bit more complicated so need more discussion before you agree to make lifelong commitments. You absolutely must have agreement on how you as a couple will respond to various attitudes of cherished family and friends, if children are on the cards how will they be raised, if/when one of the couple die which deity, if any, do you turn to etc? It's a sad reality that the mundanity of life continues to challenge after the shine of new love wears off. The marriages that make it are those which ride the bumps with open communication, not ignore them and hope for the best. Good luck with this difficult decision.

654

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:22

Are you willing to convert? Are you willing to raise your children Muslim, and as such, be subject to Sharia law with all its implications? I cannot give you any advice because we're not just talking about two different faiths but two different cultures. Your description of your boyfriend's family suggests a family that is culturally conservative and you have never even met them. Your boyfriend even suggests that you don't meet them until you're actually married. When you have a situation like this, the onus will be on you, not him, to convert into their culture, unless your boyfriend is willing to accept a big break from his family to live a life that they will never approve of. Or even if there is some sort of compromise at the onset, quite often local Muslim men who are open and progressive when young will become much more religious and conservative when they get older, especially once they have children, and their personalities may change and what worked at the beginning of your marriage no longer works. It doesn't happen to everyone, of course, but it's happened enough that you just need to be aware of it. One way or another one of you will have a difficult decision to make, and trying to handle such a decision can end relationships, no matter how happy they were at the onset. I'm not trying to be all doom and gloom, but you will be facing tricky situations and will have some very hard decisions to make.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

Dubai public parking fees to change from April 2025

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2025 news

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

UAE food delivery scam news

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

How to get a car loan in Dubai and UAE

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?