UAE Lowers Legal Age to 18

18 is the New Legal Age in UAE: Landmark Civil Reform

The government of the United Arab Emirates has introduced a new federal law that fundamentally transforms the legal framework for civil transactions in the country. The most significant change is the lowering of the age of majority from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian calendar years, reflecting not merely a formal amendment but also a comprehensive shift towards social and economic modernization.

Modern, Unified, and Transparent Legal Framework

The aim of the new law is to establish a clear, unified, and comprehensive civil legal regulation. It strives for a system that eliminates overlaps with special laws and uses practical, easily interpretable legal language. This is particularly crucial for the legal awareness of the UAE’s diverse, international population and the secure operation of economic actors.

The regulation standardizes legal references and provides opportunities for judicial discretion in cases where there is no explicit or indirect legal provision. In such cases, the courts can decide based on Islamic sharia principles, taking into account the public interest and justice—an interpretative flexibility that represents an important step towards modern legal systems.

Property Law Reforms and Inheritance Provisions

Significant changes have also been made in the regulation of usage rights and inheritance issues. From now on, real estate usage rights must be registered with the authorities, and contracting parties can determine the duration of the legal relationship. If a foreign national dies in the UAE without heirs, their estate will be managed as a charitable trust under supervision.

This approach ensures social utility on one hand and prevents waste or unlawful appropriation of assets on the other. A separate framework has been created for property protection, allowing for preventive measures even before an actual legal harm occurs.

Protecting Free Will and Strengthening Legal Capacity

The law highlights the protection of individual free will and the strengthening of legal capacity. Its goal is for everyone to be able to consciously and independently manage their legal and financial affairs while receiving proper protection against exploitation or abuse. For those unable to express their will, a court-appointed legal representative can act in their interest.

18 Years – New Age of Majority

Undoubtedly, the reform that caused the most stir is the new definition of the age of majority. By abolishing the previous 21 lunar year limit, the new law establishes the full legal capacity age limit at 18 Gregorian calendar years. This aligns with international standards and harmonizes with other national laws concerning minors and workers.

At the same time, the age limit has also changed for minors to request court permission for asset management: instead of the previous 18 hijri years, it is now possible to submit such a request from the age of 15 Gregorian calendar years. This significantly supports youth entrepreneurship and young economic actors.

Contracts, Insurance, Compensation – New Practical Rules

The law also lays new foundations for contractual relations. It outlines detailed rules for preliminary contractual negotiations, where parties are obliged to disclose all essential information to each other. It introduces the concept of framework agreements, which can regulate recurring or long-term contractual relationships with predetermined conditions, accelerating processes.

The law also lays new foundations for consumer protection, particularly in real estate purchases when one party is partially or completely incapacitated. Clearer rules apply to sales based on samples or models, and buyers have an opportunity to object for one year in case of hidden defects.

Worthy of special attention is the provision that allows for additional material or moral compensation along with the 'blood money' (diyah) if the accident or death causes damages not fully covered by the standard compensation.

Corporate and Non-Profit Sectors: New Legal Background

The law comprehensively re-regulates corporate relations. It distinguishes between civil (non-commercial) and commercial companies, allows sole proprietorships, clarifies ownership responsibilities, regulates partner withdrawals, company dissolution, and liquidation processes.

Non-profit companies receive a new legal framework where revenues must be reinvested into objectives. Additionally, a dedicated regulation is established for professional companies, including 'mudaraba' type Islamic financial contracts, now treated separately from classic corporate legal frameworks.

Summary

The new federal law of the United Arab Emirates represents a significant step towards a modern society built on legal security. One of the most important elements of the legal reform is lowering the age of majority to 18, which simultaneously creates practical foundations for exercising individual legal capacity and supports the economic engagement of younger generations. The new legal framework provides protection, flexibility, and predictability—whether in contracts, property rights, or the freedom of personal decisions.

With this step, the UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to rule of law, societal development, and comprehensive modernization, setting an example for other countries in the region and beyond.

(Based on a statement by UAE Government.)