The UAE has enacted a new personal status law setting a minimum age for marriage, extending the termination age for custody, and setting new regulations for divorce, state news agency Wam reports. The legal age for marriage has been set at 18 years, while custody termination age was set at 18 years, extended from 11 years for males and 13 years for females previously. The law will take effect as of 1 April, the National reports.

Other reforms include:

  • The transfer of marriage guardianship to the court, making the court a backstop if a family guardian refuses to grant permission for a marriage;
  • Elimination of the requirement for a guardian’s consent if a non-citizen Muslim woman’s national law does not require it for marriage;
  • Giving non-Muslim women the right to claim custody over children over the age of five, and allowing children decision over their guardianship as of the age of 15;
  • Increased flexibility for family court judges, allowing them to rule according to Islamic law in case of the absence of provisions within the law;
  • Allowing spouses to seek divorce on grounds of harm due to addiction to narcotics or intoxicants, and clarifying provisions for reclaiming gifts and dowries in cases of abandoned engagements;
  • New penalties for offenses such as unauthorized travel with minors and neglect, with fines ranging from AED 5k to AED 100k or imprisonment for violations related to child welfare.

ICYMI- The UAE established a Family Ministry last year focused on managing grants, providing counseling, and offering programs for prospective couples. It also implements measures to protect families and individuals from violence and improve child welfare. The changes come as more expats set up shop in the country, with a view to standardize legislation and make it more expat-friendly.

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