UAE Strengthens Protections for Children of Unknown Parentage with Landmark Decree-Law
The UAE has enacted sweeping reforms to its child welfare system, prioritizing the “best interests of the child” in all decisions regarding care and custody for children of unknown parentage.
The United Arab Emirates government issued Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025, significantly amending provisions concerning the care of children whose parents are unknown. This move underscores the nation’s ongoing commitment to bolstering child welfare and social protection, aligning with a broader legislative strategy focused on empowering children and safeguarding their rights.
A Commitment to Comprehensive Child Care
The new Decree-Law reflects a dedication to providing a stable, safe, and nurturing family environment that addresses the psychological, educational, health, and social needs of every child. According to a senior official, the legislation reinforces the UAE’s vision for an “integrated and advanced system” that delivers comprehensive care, protects fundamental rights, and preserves the identity and privacy of children of unknown parentage, facilitating their successful integration into society.
New Custody Guidelines for UAE Residents
Under the amendments, custody may be granted to families residing within the UAE, subject to specific criteria designed to ensure a child’s well-being. A key requirement is a joint application from both spouses, with each applicant having reached the age of 25. These stipulations are intended to guarantee maturity, responsibility, and the capacity to provide a stable and supportive family life that meets the child’s developmental needs.
Detailed conditions and controls governing residency will be outlined in forthcoming executive regulations, ensuring custodial environments adhere to approved standards and provide the highest level of care.
Defining Custodial Responsibilities and Oversight
The Federal Decree-Law establishes a clear framework for the responsibilities of custodial families, encompassing education, health, psychological support, and adherence to regulations protecting the child’s interests, privacy, and identity. A specialized committee will conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of custodial families to ensure continuity and quality of care, strengthen accountability, and verify compliance with established standards.
Empowering Women in Child Welfare
In line with the UAE’s commitment to promoting women’s social role and their involvement in family care, the amendments allow eligible women to be granted custody of a child of unknown parentage. To qualify, a woman must reside in the UAE, be at least 30 years of age, and demonstrate financial independence to support both herself and the child. This provision expands custody options while prioritizing the child’s best interests and empowering women to fulfill their social and humanitarian roles.
Safeguards and Corrective Measures for Ensuring Child Safety
The Decree-Law includes provisions for the removal of a child from a custodial family or woman custodian if custody conditions are no longer met or legal obligations are breached. However, the legislation also emphasizes a corrective approach. If a specialized committee determines a breach is not severe, a corrective plan will be implemented, outlining specific conditions and timelines for the custodial family or woman custodian to ensure continued care within a safe and stable environment.
These amendments, one analyst noted, “underscore the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its child protection framework in line with its social and humanitarian values, reinforcing the principles of justice, compassion and family empowerment.”
The Federal Decree-Law ultimately reflects the UAE’s determination to ensure that children of unknown parentage receive dignified and comprehensive care, enabling their positive integration into society and guaranteeing equal opportunities for growth and learning, solidifying the country’s position as a global leader in social protection and humanitarian care.
