A new Federal Decree Law has officially lowered the UAE’s age of majority to 18, bringing a major shift to the country’s legal landscape. This change means that anyone 18 or older is now considered a person of full “legal capacity,” allowing them to sign leases, enter into employment agreements, and manage their inheritance or assets without oversight. The law effectively bridges the gap between childhood and professional life, recognizing the maturity of today’s youth in a digital and globalized world.
Beyond personal autonomy, the decree modernizes several aspects of civil law, including stricter regulations on contract negotiations and the “good faith” principle in business. By lowering the threshold for adulthood, the UAE is not only empowering its younger population but also making the legal system more efficient for residents and investors. This move is seen as part of a broader trend of legislative updates intended to make the UAE one of the most competitive and modern jurisdictions in the world.
