Abu Dhabi announces new family law for non-Muslims

A new family law to regulate issues pertaining to divorce, child custody and inheritance for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi has been unveiled.

Issued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the law is aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a destination for global talent and ensuring the laws are in line with international practices.

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will set up a specialised court and the procedures will be carried out in both Arabic and English to "enhance judicial transparency".

The law will consist of 20 articles that cover civil marriage, divorce, joint custody of children and inheritance.

It will uphold civil marriage for non-Muslims where the "will" of both the man and the woman is a must. 

The law will also look at "the rights of the spouses after divorce" and the "financial rights of the wife" based on the assessment of a number of criteria like the number of marriage years, the woman's age, economic standing.

Joint or shared child custody will come into focus, with equal rights for both parents to "safeguard the family's cohesion after divorce and to preserve the psychological health of the children".

Inheritance laws also have been streamlined, with foreigners now able to draw up a will detailing who their property will go to. 

Meanwhile, proof of paternity is set to be based on marriage or the recognition of paternity.