The overview includes sample applications for services related to personal status.
In the UAE, the personal status laws primarily govern the legal aspects of an individual's personal life and family relationships. These include:
Various matters related to personal status, as well as the publication of the relevant legislation, are handled by specialised government authorities:
1. The Ministry of Justice - at the federal level;
2. Legal Departments of the local Governments - at the level of each Emirate;
3. General courts and personal status courts - at the level of each Emirate (for non-Muslims). Personal status issues related to Muslims are governed by local Shari'ah courts.
Personal status in the UAE is applied to two categories: Muslims and non-Muslims.
The civil rights of Muslims (both citizens and residents) are regulated by the Shari’ah law, as well as Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024 regarding Personal Status (effective from April 14, 2025).
With regard to non-Muslims (both ...