Family law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is governed by Islamic law, which is known as sharia. This means that family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance are all governed by Islamic law. In addition to sharia, the UAE has also enacted several federal laws that relate to family law issues.
Marriage in the UAE is governed by Islamic law, which requires that a couple be married in a civil ceremony before they can have a religious marriage. The minimum age for marriage in the UAE is 18 for men and 16 for women, although exceptions can be made in certain circumstances.
Divorce in the UAE is also governed by Islamic law, which allows for divorce either by mutual agreement or by the initiation of one spouse. In cases of divorce by mutual agreement, both parties must agree to the terms of the divorce, including the division of assets and custody of any children. In cases of divorce initiated by one spouse, the other spouse must be notified and given the opportunity to respond. If the couple is unable to reach an agreement, the matter may be referred to a sharia court for a final decision.
Inheritance in the UAE is also governed by Islamic law, which dictates that a person’s estate should be divided among their heirs according to specific rules known as the “rules of inheritance.” These rules are based on the relationship of the heir to the deceased and take into account the size of the estate and the number of heirs.
In addition to these matters, the UAE has also enacted several federal laws that relate to family law issues. For example, the Personal Status Law sets out the rights and obligations of spouses in a marriage, including issues such as maintenance and child custody. The Children’s Rights Law also sets out the rights of children in the UAE, including their rights in cases of divorce and custody disputes.
Overall, family law in the UAE is a complex area that is governed by both Islamic law and federal laws. It is important for individuals to understand their rights and obligations under these laws in order to protect their interests and the interests of their families.
