Do you have to give back the ring and gifts if your engagement ends?

Only some of them. The Personal Status Law says an engagement “is not deemed to be a marriage” and that both of you “have the right to withdraw from the engagement”.¹ What goes back depends on the value of each gift and why the engagement ended.

Which gifts are returned?

Article 14 of the law sets the rule.¹

Everything given during the engagement counts as a gift unless the man proves it was dowry or is customarily part of the dowry.¹

What happens to dowry paid before the contract?

Under Article 15, if either of you does not go ahead with the marriage contract, or dies before it, the man or his heirs can reclaim dowry given before the contract: the item if it still exists, otherwise its value on the day it was received.¹

If the woman has used the dowry to buy household items for the marriage:¹

• If he withdrew without a reason on her part, or she withdrew because of him, she chooses between returning the dowry or handing over what she bought, unless you agreed otherwise.
• If she withdrew without a reason from him, she returns the dowry or its value.

Does this law apply to you?

It applies to UAE citizens where one or both are Muslim. It applies to non-citizens unless one of you insists on applying your own law or another law you agreed, as UAE legislation allows.¹ Non-Muslims can also choose the federal civil personal status law.² u.ae says the Personal Status Law came into effect on 15 April 2025.³

Will insurance pay for a cancelled wedding after a broken engagement?

The causes ADNIC, Tokio Marine and Insurance House publish include death, illness, damage to the venue, weather and natural disasters. None lists a broken engagement. See event cancellation insurance and deposits and refunds for the money you paid to suppliers.

Keep a written list of each gift, its value and its receipt, and take legal advice before you return or claim anything of high value.