Child custody refers to the legal responsibility for the daily care, upbringing and supervision of a child in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Status Law.

Guardianship refers to legal authority over the child’s affairs including education, financial matters and legal representation as regulated by UAE personal status law.

Courts examine the circumstances of the parents and determine custody arrangements based on the best interests of the child in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Status Law.

Yes. Disputes concerning custody, visitation rights and guardianship authority may be examined and resolved by the competent personal status courts in Dubai.

Yes. Under UAE personal status law, custody and guardianship are distinct legal concepts and may be assigned separately depending on the circumstances of the case.

Child custody and guardianship matters are governed primarily by Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on the Issuance of the Personal Status Law , which regulates parental responsibility and child welfare matters.