UAE Updates Law on Children of Unknown Parentage, Enhancing Protection

The UAE Government has issued Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025, amending certain provisions of the Federal Decree-Law concerning children of unknown parentage, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance child protection and family care standards.

 

The amendments reaffirm the principle of the “best interests of the child” as the cornerstone guiding all decisions related to care, custody and upbringing. They also reflect the UAE’s commitment to continuously updating its child welfare legislation to respond to societal developments and ensure a safe, stable and supportive family environment that meets children’s psychological, educational, health and social needs.

 

The Decree-Law strengthens the UAE’s integrated framework for the care of children of unknown parentage by safeguarding their rights, protecting their identity and privacy, and supporting their positive integration into society.

Custody Granted to Families Residing in the UAE

Under the amendments, custody may be granted to families residing in the UAE, subject to defined conditions. Applications must be submitted jointly by both spouses, each of whom must be at least 25 years old, ensuring maturity, responsibility and the ability to provide a stable family environment suited to the child’s development.

 

Detailed conditions and residency-related requirements will be set out in the executive regulations, ensuring that custodial families meet approved standards and provide the highest levels of care. The Decree-Law also establishes a clear framework outlining the responsibilities of custodial families, including obligations related to education, healthcare, psychological support and adherence to rules that protect the child’s interests, identity and privacy.

 

Empowering Eligible Women to Assume Custody

In a move to broaden custody options and reinforce women’s role in family and community care, the amendments allow custody of a child of unknown parentage to be granted to an eligible woman residing in the UAE. Applicants must be at least 30 years old and financially capable of supporting themselves and the child, ensuring that custody decisions remain firmly focused on the child’s best interests.

 

The amendments introduce mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of custodial families and women custodians by a specialised committee, strengthening accountability and ensuring that care standards are consistently maintained.

 

Strengthened Safeguards and Oversight

Where custody conditions are no longer met or legal obligations are breached, the Decree-Law permits the removal of the child from the custodial family or woman custodian. In cases where violations are deemed non-serious, the specialised committee may impose a corrective plan to be implemented within specified conditions and timeframes, safeguarding continuity of care while ensuring the child’s rights and wellbeing are protected.

Advancing Child Protection and Family Care Standards

The amendments underline the UAE’s commitment to advancing its child protection framework in line with its social and humanitarian values, reinforcing principles of justice, compassion and family empowerment.

They also reflect the country’s determination to ensure that children of unknown parentage receive dignified, comprehensive care, equal opportunities for growth and learning, and the security of a safe and stable family environment. This legislative development forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to protect children’s rights, improve quality of life and secure a better future for coming generations, further cementing its position as a global model in social protection and humanitarian care.