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What expatriates need to know about the updated legal framework governing non-Muslim DIFC Wills and estate administration in the UAE. For several years, administering a non-Muslim Will registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) involved a two-stage legal process. Although executors could obtain a Grant of Probate from the DIFC Courts, they were still […]
نظرة عامة واضحة على قواعد الحضانة، وحقوق الوالدين، وحماية الطفل بموجب قانون الأحوال الشخصية المُحدَّث في الإمارات العربية المتحدة. أدخلت دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة تغييرات جوهرية على قواعد الحضانة بموجب المرسوم بقانون اتحادي رقم (41) لسنة 2024، والذي أصدر قانون الأحوال الشخصية الجديد. تهدف هذه التغييرات إلى حماية الأطفال، ودعم استقرار الأسرة، وضمان أن تستند […]
A clear overview of custody rules, parental rights, and child protection under the updated UAE Personal Status Law. The UAE introduced major changes to its custody rules under Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2024, which issued the new Personal Status Law. These changes aim to protect children, support family stability, and ensure that all custody decisions […]
This article provides a comprehensive overview of prenuptial agreements in the UAE, with a focus on their relevance, enforceability, and legal implications for expatriates and non-Muslim residents. It explores the evolving legal framework, particularly the impact of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, which introduced civil personal status laws for non-Muslims, including provisions for enforceable […]
This article explores the evolving legal framework around civil marriage for Muslim and Non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE, particularly under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021. Traditionally governed by Islamic Shariah law, Muslim marriages are now seeing a shift as many young expats seek alternatives aligned with international norms and personal choice. The article […]
In accordance with Federal Law No. (28) of 2005 AD and the latest amendment by Federal Decree Law No. (52) of 2023 AD regarding personal status, custody of children goes to the biological mother of the child, and the father is the guardian. The law defines custody as the daily care of the child, without […]
The Department of Non-Muslim Inheritance respects the cultural and religious views of everyone in a cosmopolitan community. It follows a single-session procedure where the application to open the file and the decision accepting the execution of the will are presented together. The Dubai Courts have created the first-ever Inheritance Department for non-Muslims in an innovative […]
This article seeks to show the parallels and differences between Muslim and non-Muslim wills in the UAE, and tells why all expats must register a will. Religious and cultural considerations have an impact on the legal environment around wills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Considering the pertinent laws, rules, and legal publications, this article […]
A ready reference about family courts, marriage, divorce, inheritance, and the rights of women and children in the UAE. The UAE is a country with a unique legal system that combines both civil and Islamic laws. The UAE has a well-developed and comprehensive legal framework governing family matters. The family law of the […]
Introduction President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, issued Law on Personal Status for Non-Muslims in Emirate of Abu Dhabi (“Law”) to regulate and provide a flexible and advanced judicial mechanism for the determination of personal status disputes for non-Muslims. According to […]