By Umar Awan 
The UAE has been consistent in demonstrating its profound approach towards the well-being and protection of future generations. Therefore, they have taken the children’s rights in the UAE very seriously. The government introduced historic reforms that strengthen children’s rights across all sectors, including healthcare, education, family law, and much more. The pragmatic approach undermines the UAE’s determination to align UAE family laws with international standards. The enacted measures address the evolving societal needs of the modern era.
Legal Framework and the Urge for a Family Lawyer
The Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, also called the WADEEMA LAW, already addressed children’s rights. Nonetheless, the UAE family law is highly complicated, and thus, families navigating through legal shifts may face challenges. The child custody guardianship, alimony, and other matters require the need for a well-competent Family lawyer in Dubai. You can search online and hire top family and child custody lawyers. These attorneys are not just top, they are also trusted family law attorneys.
UAE family law is inspired by Sharia law and modern civil laws. The Family attorneys in Dubai are familiar with the traditional Islamic law and evolving civil regulations. UAE legal framework ensures the best interest of the child remains the utmost priority.
WADEEMA LAW guarantees a dignified and respectful life for each child. It also safeguards them against all kinds of violence, abuse, coercion, negligence, or exploitation. The law explicitly declares the fundamental right of every child towards food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, and rehabilitation services.
Additionally, the law also understands the urge for the privacy rights of a child. It promotes their participation in decision-making at an appropriate age. Moreover, children are also encouraged to uphold the culture. It offers protection shields against all forms of exploitation.
Landmark Changes
The recent changes solidify the foundation of WADEEMA LAW. The Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 is officially effective from April 2025. It has shown a transformative overhaul of Personal Status Law.
The new reforms have taken initiatives that aimed at reinforcing family stability. It further promotes the children’s wellness. It also grants more rights to women in the UAE. UAE family laws are still according to the Sharia principles, but with a greater level of flexibility. The changes directly impact the lives of the parents and children.
There has been an extension to the custody rights. Previously, the mother held the child custody for a boy until the age of 11 and a girl until 13. Now, the child custody is extended until the child reaches the age of 18, irrespective of the sex.
This amendment displays increased mother rights over child custody. It also fosters greater stability and continuity in child upbringing. Another groundbreaking aspect of the recent reform is to empower the child to decide.
Now, a child can decide to live with any parent at the age of 15 or older. However, this choice is subject to the UAE family courts’ approval. The judicial system will prioritize the protection and welfare of the children.
This gives more liberty and independence to the adolescents. Moreover, it also ensures the overall betterment of the children.
To make such a choice, it is often recommended to consult specialized Dubai law firms. They have skillful family lawyers and attorneys who can provide useful guidance over sensitive matters.
Furthermore, according to the recent reforms, equal traveling rights are granted to parents. To minimize familial disputes, the new regulation allows equal travel rights to both. According to the enacted measures, each parent is allowed to travel with their child for a cumulative period of up to 60 days in a year.
In case the time is beyond this, the court approval is compulsory. This is done to ensure the proper safe return of the child in the UAE. It is also related to the unauthorized actions surrounding the child.
It promotes a more balanced approach that equally favors both. It gives equal parental rights and responsibilities to the mother and father. It also facilitates a swift transition for children during Parental separation.
Role of Law Firms in Dubai
The new law requires expert legal assistance. Law firms in Dubai have specialized family lawyers who have a grip on UAE family laws.
They upheld the child’s rights in all legal proceedings. Further, the child custody, guardianship, and visitation agreements are rather challenging matters that need due diligence and utmost precision.
Family attorneys in Dubai work dedicatedly towards fair agreements that prioritize child rights and well-being. They meticulously work towards safeguarding parental and child rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary law that protects children’s rights in the UAE?
The UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, which is also known as the Wadeema Law, safeguards the rights of children in the UAE. The law outlines comprehensive rights for the children and also protects them against any abuse, violence, negligence, or exploitation.
They are given full rights to healthcare, education, and shelter. In 2024, the amendments were made in Federal Decree Law No. 41 that further emphasize child protection.
Q2: Have the child custody laws changed over time in the UAE?
Yes, child custody in the UAE underwent substantial changes. Mainly, the age of custody has changed. It has been extended to 18 years old for both boys and girls. However, the children aged 15 or above are given the right to choose their desired parent with whom they wish to reside.
This is subject to the court’s discretion. The UAE family Court will decide by considering the welfare and best interests of the children. This reflects a rather modern approach towards family dynamics and child wellness.
Q3: Can parents travel internationally with their children in the UAE?
Yes, both parents can choose to travel internationally with their children for up to 60 days in a year. For extended traveling, judicial approval is mandatory.
The provisions are present in law that reduce travel-related disputes among parents. A UAE family court sets the safety and betterment of children as the priority in all matters involving children.
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