Landmark Decision: UAE Family Laws for Non-Muslim Expatriates in Dubai
The UAE is known for its diversity and adversity of different cultures living together in the Middle East. There is a population of 90 percent expatriates who come to Dubai from different parts of the world. Most of the expatriates are non-Muslims. Besides, Dubai not only warmly welcomes them but also facilitates them as much as possible.
One of the most progressive reforms in Dubai is the reform of family law. UAE family law is purely based on Sharia principles. It is the Islamic law (Sharia Principles) that is applied to all family matters in the country. Over the past few years, the UAE has undergone a transitional change of bringing well-defined, modern, and organized family laws that guide everyone Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Furthermore, it offers convenience and access to a premium standard of life in Dubai. Experts of UAE family law, are called as family lawyers and legal consultants.
The Government has taken exemplary steps. The new reforms in UA family laws are announced with the promise to provide equal, top-notch, and fair residential opportunities to the expatriates in Dubai. This has resulted in a new era for expatriates in Dubai. The revision of the new federal decree law on personal status has opened new horizons for the non-Muslims.
There were no provisions in the sharia law in the statutes. Perhaps, to accommodate the non-Muslims, flexible provisions and clauses are included in UAE family law. The implications of new reforms are far-reaching and wide. This has shown the greater commitment of the UAE towards a specialized legal system that caters to all people from diverse backgrounds, religions, cultures, and ethnicities.
The new reforms display more respect and courtesy for people from anywhere around the globe. This boosts the culture of tolerance and respect for all. Furthermore, with the significant changes to UAE family laws, the non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai will feel at home and will contribute better towards UAE’s growth, progress, and development. It gives away more confidence and comfort to the non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai.
Additionally, family law introduced new civil procedures. This caters to the advanced legal framework with quick executions. The new revised laws, regulations, and relations have resulted in different interpretations of UAE family law. Non-Muslims no longer have to make decisions and verdicts in accordance with the Sharia principles (Islamic Law). This new development is a perfect reflection of the
UAE’s vision to cater to non-Muslims and their specification. This new level of progress has improved Dubai’s overall reputation and goodwill.
Some of the exceptional laws and provisions introduced in the UAE family laws are several. Let us discuss the crucial ones in detail. The wills and inheritance under the new reforms have completely transformed the personal status law. They cover wills and estate planning which was previously governed under the Islamic principle for non-Muslims in Dubai. In the past, inheritance matters were governed under Sharia principles (Islamic Law) for Muslims which has now evolved. Now, the non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai can easily handle the inheritance according to their home country’s laws. Further, this will not conflict or contradict with their personal desires or aspirations.
The groundbreaking reform in family law is regarding the Civil Marriage and Divorce in Dubai. There is an introduction of proper and unified civil marriage and divorce procedures. The new procedures are based on best global practices. The new procedures are more similar to Western legal system. They tend to be more flexible for non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai.
Expatriates in Dubai can use the local and native laws of their home country. Besides, their family matters can be resolved using the home country’s legal frameworks and regulations. The civil divorce has removed the compulsory religion rules for non-Muslims. Under the new reforms, the non-Muslims are free to marry or divorce by making independent decisions. This has resulted in religious accountability that was missing previously. The sharia law accountability on non-Muslims has been removed.
This allows a greater level of autonomy and freedom for the non-Muslims expatriates in Dubai to manage their matters in their own way. Therefore, they can adhere to their home country’s laws to manage their personal disputes. Child Custody has introduced revised laws for family matters on non-Muslims in Dubai. They have taken up a more modern and progressive approach to dealing with child custody arrangements. The topmost priority is given to the child’s betterment and wellness.
Therefore, for it, a balanced approach is followed that gives equal parental involvement in child upbringing. The concept of co-parenting is introduced. This promotes a robust relationship between parents and children. It also helps in maintaining coordinated relationships. In addition, this positively impacts both the parents and the children.
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The new family law reforms have resulted in the strengthening of the reputation and improved the international image of the UAE. Expatriates will feel more respected and valued than ever before. Introducing significant new reforms in UAE family laws has empowered the residents of Dubai. This exercise is quite common in modern and developed nations of the world. They introduced family laws to liberate and empower the residents. It also leads to a strong sense of belongingness towards UAE and its culture.