While the federal personal status law applies to all UAE nationals and non-nationals (with exceptions provided for), Abu Dhabi has a separate personal status law for foreigners. While the federal personal status law applies to all UAE nationals and non-nationals (with exceptions provided for), Abu Dhabi has a separate personal status law for foreigners.
Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2020 (PDF, 500 KB) amending certain provisions of the Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 concerning Personal Status (Personal Status law) governs personal affairs such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, etc.
Non-Muslim UAE nationals
The provisions of this law apply to all UAE nationals unless non-Muslims have their own provisions applicable to their religion and sect.
Non-UAE nationals
The provisions of this law apply to non-UAE nationals unless they adhere to their native laws, subject to the provisions of Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 27 and 28 of the Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 of the Civil Transactions Law of the UAE, as amended.
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