UAE Issues New Law to Protect Children Without Known Parents

The United Arab Emirates has issued Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025 to strengthen protections and comprehensive care for children of unknown parentage. The law establishes an integrated framework that safeguards identity and privacy and supports positive social integration through stable, safe family environments that address psychological, educational, health, and social needs.

Under the amendments, custody may be granted to families residing in the United Arab Emirates when specific conditions are met, including a joint application by both spouses and a minimum age of 25 years for each spouse. Detailed residency-related conditions and controls will be set in the executive regulations to ensure that custodial homes meet approved standards. The framework defines the role and responsibilities of custodial families, including obligations related to education, health, and psychological follow-up, alongside compliance with rules that protect the child’s interests, privacy, and identity.

The law also enables custody to be granted to an eligible woman residing in the United Arab Emirates who is at least 30 years old and financially capable of supporting herself and the child.

A specialised committee will conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of custodial families and women custodians to verify ongoing compliance with approved standards. If conditions are no longer met or legal obligations are breached, the child may be removed from custody. Where a breach is assessed as not serious, the specialised committee may impose a corrective plan with defined conditions and timelines to maintain continuity of care within a safe environment.