New law allows non-Emiratis to foster children in the UAE

Non-Emirati couples and single women are now allowed to foster children in the UAE, following a landmark ruling.

Fostering children was previously limited to Emirati Muslim married couples and Emirati Muslim women between the ages of 30 and 50.

The amendment to the law means any married couple who are both over the age of 25 can apply to foster a child, regardless of nationality or religion. Women over the age of 30 can also apply to become foster parents, with no upper age limit.

“The amendment to the law on children of unknown parentage, which now extends fostering to non-Muslims, is an exciting development,” said Shabana Saleem, senior family mediator and barrister at Al Tamimi & Co.

“Having personally relied on fertility treatment on my own path to parenthood, this reform resonates deeply as recognition of the atypical journey that many families take to start or grow their family.

“It signals the UAE’s continued commitment to modern, compassionate and inclusive family-building.”

For the first time, many of these children now have the chance to remain in the country they consider home, surrounded by their schools, friends and communities, she added.

“Extending fostering in this way places child welfare at the centre of the legal framework and strengthens the evolving fabric of families across the UAE,” said Ms Saleem.

How have the rules on fostering changed?

Foster parents must be able to prove they can financially support the child. They must also sign an agreement not to change the child’s identity or beliefs.

There is now no upper age limit on single women fostering a child. Now it is available to women of all nationalities in the UAE aged 30 or older.

New rules on fostering in the UAE have been introduced.

Previously, children would be immediately removed if foster parents were found to be at fault for any issues.