These amendments build upon previous laws, particularly Federal Law No. 28 of 2005, and reflect the UAE’s commitment to adapting its legal framework in response to changing societal norms and international legal best practices.
The most significant changes introduced and their expected impact:
1. Marriage Consent – Women No Longer Require Guardian Approval
New Law (2025 Update)
- Women can now marry without requiring a male guardian’s approval, granting them full autonomy over marriage decisions.
- Judicial approval is required for marriages where the age gap between spouses exceeds 30 years, provided the woman has not been previously married.
Legal Implications:
- Empowers women with greater autonomy in personal and marital decisions.
- Prevents potential exploitation or coercion in marriages with large age differences.
- Ensures legal safeguards for women entering into marriage while respecting cultural values.
2. Child Custody Extended to 18 Years
New Law (2025 Update)
- Both parents (mother and father) now retain custody until the child reaches 18 years old, ensuring equal parental rights.
- Children aged 15 and above now have the right to choose their preferred custodian, giving them more control over their upbringing.
- Both parents have equal rights to travel with their children for up to 60 days annually, ensuring a fair division of parental responsibilities.
Requirements for Custody
The new law sets out specific requirements for an individual to be eligible for custody.
Legal Implications:
- Promotes gender equality in child custody decisions.
- Provides more stability for children by extending custody arrangements through their teenage years.
- Protects children’s rights by allowing them to express their preference for a custodian.
3. Divorce Procedures Simplified & Expedited
New Law (2025 Update)
- The mandatory arbitration period for divorce is reduced from 90 days to 60 days, allowing for quicker case resolution.
- A wife can now file for divorce if her husband abstains from marital relations for over six months without a valid justification.
- Husbands must officially register all divorces and reconciliations within 15 days, failing which wives can claim financial compensation equivalent to alimony.
Legal Implications:
- Faster and more efficient divorce proceedings, reducing unnecessary delays.
- Protects women from marital neglect by introducing clearer legal grounds for divorce.
- Ensures proper legal documentation of divorces, preventing financial disputes.
4. Financial Settlements & Spousal Maintenance Adjustments
New Law (2025 Update)
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) claims are now limited to a retroactive period of 2 years, instead of 3 years.
- Alimony obligations are now based on both spouses’ financial situations, ensuring a fairer division of financial responsibilities.
- If a father is unable to provide financial support, the mother may contribute but retains the right to seek reimbursement at a later stage.
Legal Implications:
- More balanced and equitable financial settlements.
- Prevents prolonged financial disputes post-divorce.
- Ensures that financial obligations are shared fairly between both spouses.
5. Introduction of Penalties for Child Neglect & Financial Misconduct
New Law (2025 Update)
Failure to meet a child’s welfare needs or financial neglect is now punishable by fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, with potential imprisonment for serious offenses.
Legal Implications:
- Stronger legal protection for children’s financial and emotional well-being.
- Encourages responsible parenting and deters neglectful behavior.
6. Adoption of the Gregorian Calendar for Legal Proceedings
New Law (2025 Update)
In Previous law, all timelines were calculated using the Islamic Hijri calendar, which led to inconsistencies in legal calculations. The new update will now follow the Gregorian calendar, ensuring standardized legal timelines.
Conclusion – A Step Forward for Family Law in the UAE
The Federal Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2024 marks a significant modernization of UAE family law, reflecting greater legal clarity, gender equality, and child welfare protections. By reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and strengthening legal safeguards, these reforms ensure a more structured, fair, and transparent legal framework.
This law will enhance the rights of women, improve child custody regulations, and provide greater legal flexibility, positioning the UAE’s family law system closer to international best practices while respecting cultural traditions.
If you have any questions or require clarification on the recent UAE family law update, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.
