The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced significant reforms to its family laws, granting women greater autonomy in marriage decisions and enhancing child custody regulations. These changes, effective from April 2025, aim to modernize the legal framework and strengthen family welfare.
Women Granted Autonomy in Marriage
Under the new Personal Status Law, women in the UAE can marry without requiring approval from a guardian. This reform empowers women to make independent decisions regarding their marital choices, aligning with international standards of women’s rights. Additionally, the legal minimum age for marriage is now set at 18 for both men and women. Marriages involving individuals below this age will require judicial consent, ensuring protection against underage unions. Court approval is required for marriages with an age gap exceeding 30 years, especially if the woman is marrying for the first time. This measure aims to prevent potential exploitation and ensure informed consent in such marriages.
Extended Child Custody Rights
The welfare of children is a central focus of these reforms. The extended custody rights now allow both boys and girls to remain under custodial care until they reach 18. This is a significant increase from the previous limits of 11 for boys and 13 for girls, providing a more stable environment during their formative years. Moreover, children aged 15 and above can now choose which parent they wish to live with, ensuring their preferences are considered in custody arrangements. To safeguard children’s well-being, the law introduces strict penalties for neglect, abuse, unauthorized travel, or mismanagement of a child’s assets. Offenders may face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000, imprisonment, or both, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens.
Balanced Parental Rights and Responsibilities
The updated law addresses the dynamics of parental rights and responsibilities. Now, both parents have equal rights to travel with their children for up to 60 days per year, with possible extensions under special circumstances such as medical needs. This provision ensures that children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents, even in cases of separation or divorce. In matters of financial support, the law broadens the definition to include non-cash assistance, such as benefits or in-kind contributions, offering families greater flexibility to meet their unique needs. Wives can claim backdated maintenance for up to six months and request increases in mandated amounts, ensuring financial fairness and support. Additionally, the law prioritizes monthly alimony payments over most other debts, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling family obligations promptly.
Streamlined Legal Processes
The law allows the Urgent Matters Court to handle family-related disputes quickly, such as educational guardianship. Parents have one year to file custody claims, with possible extensions for valid reasons. This flexibility ensures that procedural technicalities do not override the best interests of the child. The legislation also enforces strict oversight of children’s identification documents. While mothers retain Emirates IDs and fathers hold passports, any misuse—such as unauthorized travel—can result in severe legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment. These measures aim to prevent disputes and protect the rights of all parties involved.
A Progressive Step Forward
The UAE’s reforms underscore its commitment to family bonds, individual rights, and children’s welfare, aligning with international standards and diverse needs.
Read more:
- 1001 Music Festival Is Coming to Riyadh – Social Kandura
- London Grammar Set to Perform in Abu Dhabi This April! – Social Kandura
For more updates on local news, events, and things to do in Dubai and the UAE, follow Social Kandura.
