The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a suite of family law reforms designed to enhance the legal protection and welfare of children, placing the best interests of the child at the forefront of personal status legislation. Legal experts say these changes represent a major step toward a more child-centred family law framework that better reflects modern societal needs and family dynamics.
What the reforms change
The landmark reforms — incorporated into the Federal Personal Status Law reforms that took effect in April 2025 — overhaul key components of family law, especially regarding child custody, parental rights, and the legal status of children.
Among the most significant changes are:
Equal custody rights until age 18
Children now remain in the custody of their custodial parent until they reach 18 years of age, eliminating age-based cut-offs that were previously different for boys and girls. This promotes greater stability for children during their formative years.
Child’s voice in custody decisions
Children aged around 15 and older are now able to express a preference on which parent they wish to live with, provided the court determines this choice is in their best interests.
Best interests of the child priority
The law formalises the principle that courts must prioritise a child’s welfare, education, safety, and psychological needs when making custodial and guardianship decisions. This aligns UAE family justice with international child protection standards.
More equitable travel and guardianship rights
Reforms also modernise rules on parental travel with children and expand responsibilities across both parents, fostering cooperation and reducing unilateral actions that might harm a child’s stability.
A broader child protection framework
These family law amendments work alongside other UAE legal measures focused on child welfare — including recent laws that establish comprehensive care systems for children without known parentage and expand foster care eligibility for residents. Such laws emphasise a child’s right to a safe, nurturing environment regardless of family circumstances.
Legal and societal impact
Legal professionals say the reforms aim to provide certainty, fairness, and stability for families navigating divorce and custody matters, while giving children a more central role in decisions that affect their lives.
Practitioners note that the updated law can:
- Reduce contentious litigation in family court
- Encourage amicable settlements prioritising children’s welfare
- Standardise custody outcomes across diverse cultural and family backgrounds
- Strengthen legal clarity for expatriate and local families alike
What parents and families should know
Parents involved in ongoing or future custody disputes should:
- Review how the new custody rules affect their rights and obligations
- Consult family law specialists to understand implications for travel, education, and living arrangements
- Consider mediation or alternate dispute resolution when appropriate
- Ensure court submissions explicitly focus on the child’s best interests
The reforms underscore that family courts will evaluate each case on its unique circumstances, with children’s welfare as the paramount consideration.
Conclusion
Dubai and the wider UAE are taking meaningful steps toward strengthening the legal protection of children through comprehensive family law reforms. By extending custody rights, prioritising a child’s best interests, and modernising guardianship and travel provisions, the UAE is aligning its personal status laws with contemporary social expectations and international best practices.