On April 15, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented significant reforms to its personal status law, aiming to modernize family-related legal matters. These changes particularly benefit non-Muslim residents, including Hindus and Christians, as well as women, by providing greater autonomy and aligning legal practices with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Key Highlights of the New Law
1. Marriage Reforms
- Minimum Age Requirement: Both men and women must be at least 18 years old to marry.
- Autonomy in Marriage Decisions: Women can marry without a guardian’s approval if their personal or national law doesn’t require it. Courts can intervene if a guardian unreasonably withholds consent.
- Age Gap Considerations: If a woman wishes to marry a man 30 years her senior and it’s her first marriage, judicial approval is necessary to ensure compatibility.
2. Divorce and Custody
- Simplified Divorce Process: The mandatory reconciliation period is reduced from 90 to 60 days. Parties must submit official divorce or reconciliation documents within 15 days.
- Child Custody Age Raised: Custody age is increased to 18 for both genders, allowing children aged 15 and above to choose which parent to live with.
- Equal Parental Rights: Both parents have equal rights to travel with their children, promoting shared responsibilities.
3. Inheritance and Property Rights
- Choice of Applicable Law: Non-Muslim residents can opt to follow their home country’s laws or UAE’s civil law for inheritance matters.
- Women’s Financial Independence: Women have full rights to manage their property and finances without needing spousal consent.
- Dowry and Gifts: In cases where engagements are broken without fault, dowries and gifts (valued over AED 25,000) must be returned.
4. Living Arrangements
- Consent for Co-residence: Spouses must mutually agree before allowing others, including in-laws, to reside in their marital home.
- Support Obligations: A husband can have his parents or children from previous marriages live with him only if he provides financial support and it doesn’t harm the wife.
5. Legal Options for Non-Muslims
- Flexibility in Legal Framework: Non-Muslim residents can choose to be governed by their national laws or UAE’s civil law concerning personal matters.
- Applicability to Expatriates: These provisions apply to expatriates residing in the UAE, ensuring their cultural and legal preferences are respected.
Implications of the Reform
These legal reforms signify the UAE’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society that respects cultural diversity and promotes gender equality. By granting non-Muslims and women greater control over personal matters, the UAE positions itself as a progressive nation accommodating the needs of its diverse population.
