Polygamy is allowed as per the UAEs law. A Muslim male may have four wives, provided he offers equal sustenance and equal treatment to all.

How common is polygamy in UAE?

Polygamy is more common among expatriates residing in northern emirates, compared to Emiratis and other emirates in the UAE, according to statistics issued by federal courts. Last year, courts in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah issued marriage certificates to 388 men, who already had more than one wife.

How many wives do Emirates have?

In the Emirates, most Emirati men have just one wife, but roughly a quarter will be known for having a second wife. Highly rare is a third or fourth wife, even amongst the wealthy men who could afford four households or a very large family in the U.A.E.