Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Understanding Child Custody in Dubai, UAE: A Guide for Fathers

Child custody in Dubai, UAE, is a deeply sensitive and complex issue, especially when parents are in conflict. While the law does not explicitly favor mothers over fathers, in practice, the mother often holds an advantage when it comes to custodianship. Fathers seeking full custody, joint custody, or other legal settlements must prepare for a challenging journey in asserting their parental rights.

Under the UAE Personal Status Law of 2005, custody decisions are made based on the best interest of the child. This means the court has full discretion to grant custody to either parent. While fathers are typically recognized as the guardians—responsible for financial support and making key decisions regarding education and welfare—the custodian (usually the mother) is the one who manages daily care and physical upbringing.

That said, if a father believes the mother is unfit—due to behavior or circumstances that may negatively impact the child—he can challenge her custodianship in court. If successful, this may shift the balance in favor of the father’s custody rights. However, he must present strong evidence proving he is the more suitable parent.


The UAE law also provides visiting rights for the father, ensuring that guardians have regular, court-approved access to their children. Fathers can apply to the court for visitation schedules and even request a travel ban to prevent the custodian from relocating the child without consent.

A groundbreaking development for child custody in Dubai, UAE, came with the 2022 Civil Personal Status Law for non-Muslims. This law introduced the concept of joint custody, giving both parents equal rights and responsibilities after divorce, with a continued focus on the child’s well-being. If conflicts arise, courts can step in to settle disagreements in the child’s favor.

For fathers pursuing custody, careful preparation is vital. Keeping detailed records of child-related contributions and showing active involvement in the child's life can significantly support their claim.

At ProConsult Dubai, our experienced Family Law team is ready to guide and support fathers through their child custody challenges in Dubai, UAE.


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Understanding Child Custody in Dubai, UAE: A Guide for Fathers

Child custody in Dubai, UAE, is a deeply sensitive and complex issue, especially when parents are in conflict. While the law does not explic...