UAE Lowers Age of Maturity to 18

  • Publish date: since 18 hour Reading time: two min read

Landmark legal reform redefines adulthood, strengthens youth rights and aligns UAE law with global standards.

In a major legal overhaul, the United Arab Emirates has officially lowered the age of legal maturity from 21 to 18, marking a significant shift in the nation’s civil law framework.

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The change comes as part of a new Civil Transactions Law enacted through a federal decree, aimed at modernising the UAE’s legal system and better aligning it with contemporary social and economic realities. 

Under the reformed legislation, individuals who reach 18 years of age are now recognised as fully mature under the law, granting them full legal capacity to manage their affairs independently without needing guardian consent. This includes the ability to enter into contracts, manage financial assets and make legal decisions previously restricted to those 21 and older. 

Empowering Youth and Boosting Participation

The amendments also expand financial autonomy for younger Emiratis: those aged 18 can now independently administer their financial assets, while individuals as young as 15 can seek judicial permission to manage their own property. Lawmakers say this move supports entrepreneurship and encourages wider youth participation in the economy. 

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Officials explained that lowering the age of majority to 18 Gregorian years, aligning with international legal norms, fosters legal clarity and harmonises civil responsibilities with other areas of law, such as juvenile and labour legislation. 

A Broader Civil Law Transformation

This shift forms part of the most comprehensive update to the UAE’s civil legal code in decades, covering a range of areas such as compensation, contracts, insurance, and corporate governance. The new law also introduces modern legal concepts, supports transparent pre-contractual negotiations and strengthens protections against exploitation for those lacking full capacity.

Judicial reforms embedded in the law grant judges broader discretion in applying principles of Islamic Sharia in cases where written statutes are silent, ensuring decisions align with justice and public interest. 

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What This Means for Emirati Society

Legal experts and government officials alike hail the reforms as a milestone in the UAE’s evolving legal landscape — one that empowers young adults, simplifies legal procedures, and better reflects modern societal norms. By aligning the age of maturity with global standards, the UAE is reinforcing its commitment to the rule of law and fostering a more supportive environment for youth development and economic engagement. 

The new age-of-maturity provisions took effect at the start of 2026 and are expected to influence numerous aspects of civil and commercial life in the Emirates moving forward.