Family matters are complex and require due diligence and careful consideration. The UAE has its own set of family laws which new handful changes in them. The changes are introduced considering the best interests of the family members. The changes were announced to incorporate the regulations and laws for non-UAE nationals, foreigners, expatriates, and non-Muslim residents of the UAE. Previously, Islamic law applied to everyone residing in the Emirates irrespective of their religious and cultural background. UAE has understood the urge to include expatriates in the legal framework to benefit and support them.
UAE Personal Status Law in 2025
UAE personal status law was amended in recent months. It governs a range of family matters. UAE personal status law is related to marriage, divorce, child custody, guardianship, inheritance, and much more. Nonetheless, the UAE family laws are based on Islamic laws. The Sharia principles are used to design the UAE personal status laws. This article explains the changes brought to the current UAE family laws. UAE family law was changed to introduce more progressive measures. The UAE personal status law governs family matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody, alimony, inheritance, child maintenance, and the list goes on.
New Inclusions for Non-Muslims
The amendments were introduced for the inclusion of non-Muslim residents, foreigners, and expatriates. The federal laws on civil personal status facilitate non-Muslims to marry inside the UAE without any barrier. This new law allows non-Muslims to marry inside the UAE without following the Muslim family laws. They can have a civil marriage according to international legal norms. Besides, there is an introduction of no-fault divorces and equal inheritance rights were introduced for non-Muslims residing in the Emirates.
WADEEMA LAW
Child rights law is also known as WADEEMA LAW. This law is made to ensure the protection of the child. It also makes sure the best interest of the children remains intact. Besides, the well-being and betterment of the child are given the top priority. It is most common in child custody cases and guardianship cases. Furthermore, the family protection laws ensure the safety of the women and the children against any domestic violence. They work on the safety of everyone in the family. Anyone involved in domestic abuse is punished under the law. Therefore, family relation violence is delayed with strict penalties to combat it. In recent years, changes have been introduced to marriage regulations. According to UAE personal status law in 2025, non-Muslim residents can marry in the UAE. They marry in UAE courts. The legal age for the marriage is set at 18. There is no exception entertained in this regard. However, judicial approvals may be required for exceptions.
Pre-Martial Agreements and Much More
Moreover, the UAE law has now recognized the pre-marital agreements. They are now legal for the financial protection of either of the spouses. Furthermore, the no-fault divorce is now allowed only for the non-Muslims. This makes the divorce procedure simpler and easier to progress. No one is to be blamed for the divorce or separation. Additionally, before the divorce, the two must undergo a mediation session. It is compulsory under the law before going to the lawsuit or litigation. Both spouses before the formal divorce or legal proceedings must attend the mandatory sessions.
Under the UAE Personal Status Law 2025, the post-divorce alimony rules have been changed. The revisions are made to ensure financial fairness. This supports equality and more transparency which was absent before. In addition, under child custody and guardianship, the best interest of the child is given the key significance. The prime focus is on custody decisions made purely based on serving the child’s rights and welfare. However, joint custody is now an option available. Previously, it was not an option, and thus, the filed pattern was followed. Now the concept of joint custody is available for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
UAW Family Laws and Child Rights Laws
The parents need to comply with the UAE family laws and child rights laws. They need to ensure the welfare and well-being of their child. Moreover, the financial support lies with the father. Previously non-Muslim residents needed to follow Islamic laws for inheritance and wills. Now non-Muslims can register for will as per the UAE family laws. This will ensure asset distribution based on the aspirations and desires of the person. On the other hand, the Islamic inheritance laws are still applicable to Muslim residents in the UAE. Women’s inheritance rights were neglected according to the previous UAE family laws. Now more emphasis is placed on gender equality and women are given rights in inheritance like never before. However, there are specific conditions attached to it.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious matter, which is strictly dealt with according to the new laws. There are even more harsh penalties and punishments for domestic violence. Women are given more rights and thus child abuse is addressed strictly. Women and children are given protection against any kind of violence or abuse.
Moreover, the victims of abuse or violence will be provided with emergency protection orders. They can seek protection and safety is available to them. To serve it the law enforcement authorities in the UAE are given more power for intervention. Especially in family violence, child abuse, and domestic violence, the UAE police and law enforcement agencies can take immediate action.
The biggest relief is provided to expatriates and non-Muslim couples in the UAE. Those who wish to marry inside the UAE can simply marry according to their home country’s laws and regulations. Besides, a similar option is available for inheritance and divorce settlements. UAE has established fast-track courts for family disputes and conflicts. The UAE family courts now quickly respond to the family disputes of non-Muslim residents.
For Muslim residents, the Sharia principles are applied that govern the marriage, inheritance, divorce, or maintenance arrangements. However, there is an introduction of joint custody. It is granted based on the best interest and welfare of the child. Furthermore, inheritance laws still adhere to the Islamic laws.