UAE sets new law for marriage, child custody and divorce

A new law about marriage, divorce, child custody, and family life has officially started in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 15, according to international media reports.

This law, called the UAE Federal Personal Status Law, brings many important changes.

Women’s Rights in Marriage

Now, women can get married without needing approval from a male guardian. If a guardian disagrees, the woman can go to court. Also, if a woman is a foreign Muslim and her country doesn’t require a guardian’s consent, then she doesn’t need one in the UAE either.

Marriage Age and Conditions

The legal age for marriage is now 18. If there’s a big age gap—more than 30 years—between the couple, they’ll need court approval to get married.

Engagement Rules

Engagement is now seen as a legal promise, not an actual marriage. If an engagement is broken, any gifts worth more than AED 25,000 can be taken back, but only if they were given because of the promise to marry.

Living Arrangements

The law says the husband must provide a proper home for his wife. He can live with his wife along with his parents or kids from a previous marriage only if it doesn’t disturb or harm her.

Child Custody Updates

Custody now lasts until the child turns 18. If a child is 15 or older, they can choose whether to live with their mother or father.

Penalties for Violations

Anyone who takes a child away without permission or fails to fulfill their parenting duties could face fines between AED 5,000 and AED 100,000—or even jail time.

Read More: World Bank sees Pakistan’s tax system unfair and absurd