Member News

Great Advancements – UAE’s New Personal Status Law vs. the Old Law

The new Federal Decree-Law No. 41/2024 came into force on 15th April 2025. This “new law” is more codified and detailed compared to the “old” law (Federal Decree Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status, as amended) and aims to provide an inclusive and flexible legal framework for personal status matters by accommodating the diverse population residing in the UAE. It also provides detailed provisions specifying greater legal clarity. The law applies to Muslims and Non Muslims (anyone who has a domicile, residence, or place of work in the UAE). The new law will be applied unless the citizen insists on applying their own Country’s laws or any other law permitted under UAE legislation.

Outline of Some Key Differences Between the New Law and the Old Law Judicial Flexibility

The new law provides judges with more flexibility while making rulings, allowing consideration of the best interest of the parties, whereas the old law was comparatively less flexible due to reliance on various schools of thought. 

Calendar Reference

The new law follows the Georgian calendar, whereas the old law followed the lunar calendar. 

Marriage

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Divorce

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Children

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To seek specific advice, please contact Head of Family Law department, Dee Popat.