What is the Non-Muslim Personal Status Law in the UAE?

The UAE introduced a federal civil personal status framework for non-Muslims — Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status — to govern family matters for non-Muslim residents and citizens on a civil rather than Sharia basis. It addresses areas such as civil marriage, divorce, custody of children, and inheritance, and it generally reflects principles like spousal equality and testamentary freedom, meaning non-Muslims can largely choose how their estate is distributed by making a will. Abu Dhabi also has its own civil marriage law administered through its courts, and the federal law extended a civil option more broadly across the emirates. The aim is to give expatriates a family-law system closer to what many are familiar with from their home countries, while still being applied by UAE courts. Because specific provisions, conditions and procedures are defined in the law and its regulations and can be detailed, confirm how a particular rule applies to your situation through official sources or a qualified lawyer. You can find UAE family-law professionals who advise non-Muslims on civil marriage, divorce and wills on LEXAI.