New UAE Personal Status Law: Guardian Consent for Marriage

The Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 marks a transformative moment for Muslim residents in the UAE, introducing new levels of flexibility in personal status matters like marriage.

For the first time, non-citizen Muslim women are empowered to request the application of their home country’s laws, allowing them to bypass traditional guardian consent requirements if their home country permits independent marriage decisions.

This change represents a significant step forward in accommodating the diverse cultural and legal needs of the UAE's population while respecting the nation’s commitment to Islamic Sharia principles.

At its core, the law maintains a thoughtful balance, offering a modernized framework for non-citizens and upholding traditional provisions for those who opt for UAE law. Muslim women who prefer the UAE’s Sharia-based approach will still navigate its established processes, but with added flexibility for court waivers in cases where guardian consent is deemed arbitrary or unjustified.

This progressive reform ensures that the UAE remains an inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.

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