UAE Passes Landmark Law To Protect Children With Unknown Parents
The United Arab Emirates has issued Federal Decree‑Law No. 12 of 2025, a major update to its child‑protection framework that specifically focuses on children whose biological parents are unknown. The reform amends and builds on an earlier 2022 law, setting out a unified national system to regulate their custody, foster care and long‑term welfare in line with the principle that the child’s best interests come first.
What The New Decree-Law Does
Federal Decree‑Law No. 12 of 2025 clarifies the legal status of children whose parents are not identified in official records and places their rights and welfare at the centre of all decisions on care, custody and upbringing. It assigns clear responsibilities to government bodies and specialised committees so that rules are applied consistently across all emirates instead of through fragmented local practices.
The text reaffirms that adoption in the Western sense is not permitted under UAE law, but “embracing” or fostering such children within approved families is strongly encouraged under strict safeguards. Authorities are required to protect the child’s identity and privacy, ensure access to education and healthcare, and support their gradual integration into society.
Who Can Take Custody Or Foster Care?
The amendments allow custody to be granted to families living in the UAE that meet specific eligibility criteria, including age requirements, good conduct records and proven financial stability. Applications must generally be submitted jointly by a married couple, with both spouses at least 25 years old, and are reviewed by a specialised committee before approval.
In a notable change, the law also permits custody to be granted to an individual woman who resides in the UAE, is at least 30 years old and can support herself and the child financially. This is seen as a step towards widening care options and recognising the role of women in family‑based child protection, including for certain expatriate residents who meet the conditions.
Monitoring, Accountability And Removal Of Custody
To maintain standards, the decree establishes mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of custodial families and women custodians by a dedicated committee. The committee checks living conditions, schooling, health care and emotional wellbeing, and verifies that the household continues to meet approved custodial criteria.
If serious violations or risks to the child are detected, authorities can remove the child from the family or custodian and arrange alternative care. In less serious cases, the committee may impose a corrective action plan with specific timelines, allowing the family to address shortcomings while keeping the child in a safer, monitored environment.
Part Of A Broader Child-Protection Agenda
Officials say the decree complements existing laws such as Wadeema’s Law on child rights and recent reforms that allow birth registration and documentation for children born outside marriage. Together, these measures are intended to build an integrated child‑protection system that reduces legal and social vulnerabilities for children who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
The UAE government frames the new law as part of its commitment to justice, compassion and social inclusion, emphasising that every child in the country deserves a safe home and a clear legal identity regardless of their origin. Human‑rights advocates in the region have welcomed the clearer rules but say effective implementation and public awareness will be crucial to ensuring that vulnerable children actually benefit from the reforms.
