UAE Family Law in 2025: A Complete Guide for Expats and Residents

The United Arab Emirates has made significant reforms to its family law framework, especially in recent years, to reflect its diverse population and progressive outlook. The laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, child custody, and personal status have evolved to accommodate both UAE nationals and expatriates, with the aim of fostering an inclusive and legally secure environment.

If you’re living in or moving to the UAE with your family, or planning to marry or start a family here, it’s important to understand how UAE Family Law in 2025 works—especially after the recent updates that differentiate between Sharia-based laws for Muslims and secular civil law options for non-Muslims.

UAE Family Law

Legal Framework for Family Law in the UAE

As of 2025, UAE family law is governed by two major systems:

1. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 (amended in 2023) – Applies to non-Muslim residents

2. Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 28 of 2005) – Applies to Muslims, unless stated otherwise

Each emirate applies these laws uniformly, but with some administrative differences between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates.

Marriage in the UAE

For Non-Muslims (Civil Marriage Law – Abu Dhabi & UAE-wide in 2023)

• Civil marriages are now available for non-Muslims of all nationalities

• No requirement for a guardian, dowry, or religious ceremony

• Minimum age: 18 Gregorian years

• Can be conducted in-person or online in Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court

For Muslims (Sharia-Based)

Marriage must comply with Islamic customs and requires:

• A marriage contract (Nikah)

• Two male witnesses

• A guardian for the bride

• Mahr (dowry) to be agreed upon

Interfaith marriages involving Muslim men and non-Muslim women are allowed, but Muslim women need special court permission to marry non-Muslim men.

Registration of Marriage

All marriages—whether civil or Sharia-based—must be:

• Attested by the UAE Family Court

• Registered with the relevant judicial department

• Notarized for use in visa sponsorship, insurance, and inheritance

Civil marriages performed abroad can be recognized if legally authenticated and translated.

Divorce in the UAE (2025)

Divorce procedures now differ based on religion and nationality.

Civil Divorce for Non-Muslims

• No need to prove fault; no-fault divorce allowed

• Divorce can be mutual or unilateral (only one party’s consent needed)

• Process is typically completed in 1–2 court sessions

• Alimony, custody, and asset division decided case-by-case

In Abu Dhabi, this process is streamlined and digital through the Civil Family Court.

Divorce for Muslims (Sharia-Based)

• Grounds for divorce include:

  • Abuse or neglect

  • Incompatibility or irreconcilable differences

  • Financial abandonment

• Mediation is mandatory before proceeding to court

• Divorce can be initiated by either spouse, but procedures vary for men and women

Child Custody and Parental Rights

Custody in Civil Law (Non-Muslims)

• Shared custody is the default

• Courts aim for equal parental responsibility

• Custody rights can be adjusted based on the child’s best interest

Custody in Sharia Law (Muslims)

• Mother typically has custody until:

  • Boys reach 11 years

  • Girls reach 13 years

• Father is the legal guardian, responsible for financial support

• Custody may be contested and reassigned due to remarriage, neglect, or abuse

All custody decisions prioritize the wellbeing and safety of the child, regardless of religion.

Alimony and Financial Support

• Spousal support (alimony) may be awarded based on:

  • Length of marriage

  • Standard of living during the marriage

  • Financial capacity of each party

  
  

• Child support is generally the responsibility of the father, regardless of custody arrangements. It covers:

  • Housing

  • School fees

  • Healthcare

  • Daily expenses

  
  

Courts may impose penalties for non-payment or delay in support obligations.

Property and Asset Division

There is no community property law in the UAE. Property is divided based on:

• Ownership title

• Documented contributions from each spouse

• Mutual agreements (e.g., prenuptial or postnuptial contracts)

Civil courts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai now consider equal division more frequently for non-Muslim divorces.

Wills and Inheritance

Inheritance laws differ based on religion unless otherwise specified.

For Non-Muslims

• You can register a will to:

  • Distribute assets as you choose

  • Appoint guardians for minor children

• Wills must be registered with DIFC Wills Centre or Abu Dhabi Civil Court

• In absence of a will, UAE law defaults to Sharia succession rules

For Muslims

• Inheritance follows Sharia principles, with fixed shares for relatives

• Up to one-third of your estate may be willed freely; the rest follows statutory shares

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

• Allowed and increasingly common among expats

• Must be legally drafted, notarized, and signed prior to marriage

• Can cover:

  • Asset ownership

  • Debt responsibilities

  • Spousal support conditions

  
  

Such agreements are more enforceable in civil courts than in Sharia-based proceedings.

Key Family Law Services and Where to Access Them

Service	Platform / Location
Civil Marriage Registration	Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (online)
Sharia Marriage & Divorce	Dubai Courts / Abu Dhabi Courts
Wills for Non-Muslims	DIFC Wills Centre / Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court
Mediation & Legal Aid	Family Guidance Sections (all emirates)
Family Law Consultation	Private law firms or legal aid clinics

Legal Support and Representation

• Legal aid is available for low-income individuals in family matters

• Many law firms offer free consultations for divorce, custody, or inheritance disputes

• Language support is available (Arabic, English, Hindi, etc.)

Always seek licensed legal representation to navigate personal status matters, especially in multi-national or interfaith families.

Final Thoughts

The UAE’s evolving family law landscape reflects its commitment to diversity, fairness, and social stability. With the introduction of civil law options for non-Muslims, simplified procedures, and greater rights for women and children, residents in 2025 benefit from more inclusive legal protections than ever before.

Whether you’re marrying, separating, planning your estate, or raising a family in the Emirates, understanding UAE Family Law is essential to making informed, empowered decisions. The UAE continues to provide a balanced legal environment that respects personal freedoms while maintaining social harmony.