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Adoption in the United Arab Emirates

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Adoption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is illegal. The UAE operates under Sharia (Islamic) law, which prohibits traditional adoption. Instead, the country allows a system of kafala, wherein families provide care, support, and upbringing for a child without granting them the full legal status of an adopted child, such as inheritance rights. This system only allows citizens of the country to foster. Though adoption within the country is illegal, children adopted from other countries by expatriates are recognized.

Law

Adoption is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Article 24 of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, also known as Wadeema's Law, states that a child deprived of a biological family has the right to care from a foster family or public and private institutions, if a foster family is not available. A foster couple must be Emiratis, Muslim, residents of the UAE, at least 25 years of age, have no criminal record, be free of severe physical or psychological illnesses, and have the ability to support the child. Single women must be at least 30, while single men are not eligible. The country provides foster families with monthly financial assistance. The Emirates Red Crescent facilitates sponsorship programmes for orphans within the country. The UAE recognizes children adopted from other countries by expatriates.

References

  1. ^ "Fostering and sponsoring children of unknown parentage". The United Arab Emirates' Government portal. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  2. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (8 March 2016). Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Report).
  3. Asif, Yusra (7 February 2024). "UAE laws on fostering and sponsoring children – All you need to know". Alarabiya. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  4. Fisher, Amanda (6 March 2015). "Adopting orphans and breaking taboos in Dubai". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  5. Anwer, Laraib (6 February 2024). "UAE: Is it legal to adopt a child? Laws, eligibility explained". Khaleej Times. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  6. "Intercountry adoption - United Arab Emirates". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 17 December 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
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