The personal status matters in the UAE are regulated by the Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (UAE Personal Status Law), as amended and Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 on Civil Transactions Law, as amended. Additionally, Emirates of Abu Dhabi has issued a new law called the Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021, which mainly applies to non-Muslims based in Abu Dhabi. The UAE Personal Status Law continues to apply to Muslims in Abu Dhabi.
Adoption is not specifically recognized under UAE Laws. However, Federal Law No. 1/2012 Concerning the Custody of Children of Unknown Parentage (Custody Law) and Federal Law No. 3/2016 On Child's Rights (Wadeema's Law) provide protection and care for children of unknown parentage in the UAE.
The laws of the UAE prohibit adoption within the UAE by non-Emirati couples. This means that only Emirati citizens holding UAE passports may adopt abandoned children in the UAE.
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