UAE Introduces a New Law That Allows Non-Emiratis to Foster Children

The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking legal reform: non-Emiratis can now foster children, marking a major shift in the country’s child welfare policy.

Previously, fostering was largely restricted to Emirati Muslim married couples and Muslim women aged between 30 and 50. The new amendments, however, open the door to a much wider range of prospective foster parents.

Under the new rules, any married couple in the UAE aged 25 or above—regardless of their nationality or religion—can apply to become foster carers. Single women aged 30 and over are also eligible, and the reform importantly removes any upper age limit for them. 

To be eligible, foster parents must demonstrate their financial ability to support a child. They are also required to sign a formal agreement pledging not to change the foster child’s identity or religious beliefs. 

Crucially, the amendment removes the risk of immediate removal for children if minor issues arise: instead of automatic removal, a committee will now assess the situation and recommend corrective steps, provided the issue is not considered serious. 

Legal experts have hailed the change as a sign of increasing inclusivity in the UAE’s social policy. Barrister Shabana Saleem described it as a “modern, compassionate and inclusive” move that recognizes the diverse paths many families take to parenthood. 

However, some have raised concerns over long-term stability. Since many expatriates’ residency ties to employment contracts, critics worry about the permanence of residency and housing, which could affect a foster child’s sense of security.

Under the revised regulations, foster children do not gain inheritance rights, nor do they legally become part of their foster family’s lineage, maintaining distinction from full adoption. 

Overall, the reform reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to placing child welfare at the heart of its legal framework, while ensuring its laws reflect the realities of its cosmopolitan society.