The UAE Federal Judicial Council has introduced five new regulations under the Personal Status Law to unify family justice procedures, speed up digital services, and enhance child protection. The updates cover the work of arbitrators, family guidance, visitation rules, affidavits and authentications, and the regulation of Sharia marriage officers.
The reforms set clear standards for selecting arbitrators, expand the role of family counsellors, establish structured visitation guidelines prioritising children’s wellbeing, promote electronic authentication, and allow marriage contracts to be completed digitally and remotely.
Officials say these changes mark a major step toward a modern, family-focused justice system and support national goals, including the Year of the Family 2026 and the We the UAE 2031 vision.
