Who gets custody of children during a divorce in the UAE?

In the UAE, custody is decided as part of the family case, with the child's interests central to the outcome. The personal status framework traditionally distinguishes between custody (the day-to-day care of the child, often with the mother) and guardianship (responsibility for matters such as the child's upbringing and finances, often with the father), though arrangements depend on the law applied and the facts. For Muslims, the Sharia-based personal status rules govern, while non-Muslim residents use the civil personal status track, which approaches custody in a way designed for expatriate families and may emphasize shared or joint arrangements. Custody, visitation and child maintenance can be agreed at the reconciliation stage or decided by the judge if disputed. Because outcomes turn heavily on the child's age, the parents' circumstances and which law applies, you should get advice specific to your case rather than assume a fixed rule. A verified UAE legal professional listed on LEXAI who handles custody matters can explain the likely arrangement and help protect your parental rights.