Since polygamy is legally allowed in the UAE, if the parameters for valid marriage are fulfilled for a second marriage, it would automatically constitute a legal marriage. Thus, it would not require prior consent from the first wife.

In Dubai, the ability to marry a second person depends entirely on the religious and legal framework of the individuals involved. Under Sharia Law, which applies to Muslim residents and citizens, a man is legally permitted to have up to four wives at the same time, provided he can treat them all with absolute financial and emotional equality. Each marriage must be a separate legal contract registered with the Sharia Court. However, for non-Muslim residents, the law is fundamentally different; the UAE's Civil Marriage laws (introduced recently for expats) follow a monogamous "Western-style" model. For these individuals, marrying a second person while still legally married elsewhere would constitute bigamy, which is a criminal offense. Therefore, if you are a non-Muslim expat, you must provide a certified divorce decree or death certificate from your previous marriage before the Dubai courts will authorize a new marriage. In 2026, while the city is highly modern, it remains a dual-system jurisdiction where your religious affiliation dictates whether polygamy is a legal right or a punishable crime.