UAE amends the law concerning children of unknown parentage

The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025 amending certain provisions concerning children of unknown parentage.

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The amendments reflect the UAE's commitment to strengthening its child protection framework and reaffirming “the best interests of the child” as the fundamental principle guiding all decisions related to care, custody and upbringing.

The Federal Decree-Law aligns with the UAE's legislative approach to continuously enhance laws related to child welfare and empowerment, ensuring responsiveness to societal developments and guaranteeing a stable, safe, and supportive family environment that meets the psychological, educational, health and social needs of the child.

The Decree-Law reinforces the UAE's direction of establishing an integrated and advanced system that provides comprehensive care for children of unknown parentage, protects their rights, and preserves their identity and privacy, enabling their positive integration into society.

The amendments provide that custody may be granted to families residing in the United Arab Emirates, subject to specific conditions, foremost that the application must be jointly submitted by both spouses and that each must have completed 25 years of age. These requirements ensure maturity, responsibility and the capacity to provide a stable family environment that fulfils the child's developmental needs.