Personal Status Law

The UAE Personal Status Law is a set of laws that govern matters related to family and personal relationships. This law is largely based on Islamic Sharia, with certain modifications to accommodate social and cultural changes. Here’s an overview of the UAE Personal Status Law:

1. Marriage:

• Marriage in the UAE must comply with the conditions stipulated by the law, including mutual consent and no legal impediments.
• The marriage contract must be registered with the appropriate authorities.

2. Divorce:

• Either the husband or wife can file for divorce based on reasons specified in the law.
• Divorce proceedings take place in court, where the reasons are examined and a decision is made.

3. Child Custody:

• The law typically grants custody to the mother until a certain age (13 for girls and 11 for boys), unless the court decides otherwise based on the child’s best interest.

4. Alimony:

• Alimony covers basic family needs like food, clothing, and shelter, and is typically the husband’s responsibility.

5. Inheritance:

• Inheritance is distributed according to Islamic Sharia for Muslims, with specific shares allocated to heirs based on their relationship to the deceased.

Recent Amendments:

• In recent years, the UAE has introduced amendments to its personal status laws, including allowing non-Muslims to follow their personal laws for marriage, divorce, and inheritance matters.

For Expatriates:

• Expatriates in the UAE have the option to follow their personal laws or the UAE Personal Status Law in family matters.

This is a general overview, and specific details and applications may require specialized legal consultation.