Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has brought major reforms to its Federal Personal Status Law, with changes taking effect from April 15. The new provisions impact marriage rights, consent, age criteria, and divorce procedures, marking a significant step toward gender equality and legal clarity.
One of the most notable changes is the legal empowerment of women. Under the revised law, women now have the right to choose their life partner, even if their guardians object. Expatriate Muslim women can marry without parental consent if their home country's law does not mandate a guardian’s approval.
The legal age for marriage has been raised to 18. If a person over 18 wishes to marry but does not have guardian approval, they can approach the judge directly to seek permission.
Other key updates include:
Court permission for large age gaps: A 30-year age gap between spouses requires court approval.
Clarification on engagement: Engagement or a marriage proposal is not considered a marriage under the law.
Gifts after cancelled engagements: Gifts worth more than AED 25,000 must be returned if the engagement is broken, provided the items are not perishable or consumable.
Wife's residence: The wife should live in a suitable home provided by the husband unless the marriage contract specifies otherwise.
Freedom of movement: Women leaving home or going to work is not considered a violation of marital duties.
Caring for parents: Neglecting, abusing, or financially abandoning parents is a criminal offense with harsher penalties under the new law.
These changes mark a progressive shift in UAE’s legal framework regarding family and personal rights, aligning more with modern societal values and international norms.
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