KEY ASPECTS OF FAMILY LAW IN THE UAE

There are two parallel legal systems governing family law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The first is enshrined in the Personal Status Decree, based on Sharia principles, and applies primarily to Muslims who are citizens and residents of the UAE. Thesecond is a special regime designed for non-Muslims and is established by the Civil Personal Status Decree.

This dual system reflects the UAE's desire to adapt its legislation to the needs of thecountry's multinational population while preserving cultural and religious traditions. As mentioned above, the Civil Personal Status Decree applies tonon-Muslims in the UAE. However, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has its own law,which establishes more detailed regulations – Abu Dhabi Law No. 14.  Abu Dhabi regulations may be applicable, inparticular, if a person resides or works in Abu Dhabi, or if the marriage wascontracted in this emirate.

This alert provides anoverview of key issues in UAE family law applicable to non-Muslims, inparticular issues relating to marriage and divorce, child custody, andfinancial obligations associated with family relationships.

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