I want a divorce – but wait, is my marriage even recognised?

In my column in The National newspaper, I explain to an American Muslim woman that her marriage to a Christian man is not valid in the UAE, meaning her desire for a divorce in the UAE has complications. I explain the woman can apply for an annulment of the marriage on the grounds it is not valid in the UAE, but she must be careful as it is a criminal offence to engage in a physical relationship in the UAE outside of marriage. If she highlights the fact the couple were living together this may cause further problems with authorities.