The UAE has enacted Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, effective February 1, 2025, to promote family stability and protect individual rights.

The minimum age for marriage is set at 18 years to prevent child marriages and ensure informed decisions regarding marriage. If a woman's guardian wrongfully denies her permission to marry, the court may assume guardianship. Judicial approval is necessary for a woman planning to marry a man 30 years her senior to safeguard her interests.

In cases of engagement disputes, the law requires the return of any dowry paid and gifts exceeding AED 25,000 if the engagement is ended. If the engagement concludes without fault from either party or due to death, the gifts do not have to be returned.

The updated divorce regulations recognise addiction to drugs, alcohol, or psychoactive substances by either spouse as legitimate grounds for marriage dissolution, protecting individuals from substance dependency.

The law emphasises the child's best interests in custody cases, consistent with global child welfare standards. Custody now ends at 18 years, replacing the former limits of 11 years for males and 13 years for females. Children 15 and older can pick their preferred parent for residence. Non-Muslim mothers are not mandated to give up custody when the child turns five, granting courts the authority to assess the child's best interests.

Strict penalties exist for mistreating, abusing, neglecting, or abandoning parents, along with failing to provide required financial support. It imposes penalties for offences like unauthorised travel with a minor, mismanagement of inheritance, and embezzlement of estate funds, with sanctions that may include imprisonment or fines from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000.

Judges may refer cases to family reconciliation and guidance centres to speed up family dispute resolutions. In matters regarding a child's best interests, any interested party can request resolution from an urgent matters judge.

The reforms demonstrate the UAE's dedication to modernising its legal framework to address current societal needs while maintaining family values and individual rights.