Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE’s newly updated Personal Status Law is now in effect marking a significant overhaul in family law applicable to UAE citizens and residents. The changes, enforced on Tuesday (April 15)  include enhanced child protection, reformed marriage rules for expats, and equal custody and travel rights for parents. The law introduces provisions tailored for modern Muslim family life in the UAE. Here's what you need to know:

Who does the law apply to?

The law applies by default to UAE citizens and Muslim expats. Non-Muslim citizens and expats may opt for different legal frameworks. In some cases, the law also applies to non-residents under specific conditions.

Key updates under UAE’s Personal Status Law 2025

1. Minimum age for marriage The legal age for marriage remains 18 years old. Females under 18 may marry with judicial approval. 2. Age gap restrictions If a woman is marrying a man who is 30 years older, and she has not been previously married, judge’s approval is required. 3. Muslim expatriate women may marry without guardian approval Muslim women residing in the UAE can now marry without a guardian’s approval, if their home country's laws do not require it. 4. Choice of law for Muslim expatriates Muslim expats may apply their home country’s personal status laws, or another chosen legal framework for matters like marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance. 5. Broken engagement disputes: Gifts and dowries Gifts worth over Dh25,000 must be returned if the engagement is broken. Dowries given in advance must be refunded, unless: The engagement ended due to no fault of either party, or one party passed away. 6. Child custody age and preference Custody ends at 18 years old (reduced from 21). Children 15 and above can choose which parent they want to live with. Daughters remain under maternal custody until marriage. Judges may still refer to Sharia principles where applicable. 7. Enhanced child protection during custody battles The law focuses on the best interest of the child: This is evident by giving a child the option to move in with the custodian they select. 8. Extended custody rights for mothers Previously, mothers lost custody when sons turned 11 or daughters turned 13. Now, mothers retain custody until the child turns 18. 9. Equal travel rights for both parents Each parent may travel alone with their child for up to 60 days annually, extendable in special cases like medical treatment. “The new travel provisions are a game-changer in reducing conflict. By giving both parents equal travel rights and ensuring greater accountability for document usage, the law prioritizes child welfare while minimizing disputes that often arise post-divorce,” one legal expert explained. 10. Stricter penalties for child abuse and neglect can result in fines from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000. This applies to violations such as: Assaulting a child’s property, Unauthorized travel with a child, Neglect or abuse, Failure to provide support. This legal overhaul aligns with the UAE’s goal of ensuring family protection and harmonizing personal laws with a modern, multicultural society. ICA/Expat Media
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