Fostering in the UAE
The UAE Expands Foster Care Law to Include Non-Emiratis
November 2025 – UAE updated family law broadens opportunities for loving homes and prioritises child welfare.
The UAE has introduced Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, amending the Federal Decree-Law No. (24) of 2022. This is a landmark reform that significantly expands who can foster children of unknown parentage in the country. Previously, the foster care system was largely limited to Emirati Muslim married couples and Emirati Muslim women under specific age criteria. Under the new law, non-Emirati couples and single women now have a legal pathway to become foster carers, marking a major shift in the UAE’s child welfare framework.
Key provisions of the updated law include the ability for any married couple aged 25 or older, regardless of nationality or religion, to apply to foster a child. Single women aged 30 and above may also apply, with no upper age limit. These changes aim to widen access to stable, nurturing homes for children who need care, while ensuring thorough screening and support to prioritise the child’s wellbeing.
The reform reflects a broader national commitment to enhancing family support systems and child protection policies in the UAE. By opening foster care to a more diverse group of residents, the law is expected to increase the number of safe, loving environments available for children of unknown parentage and strengthen oversight of care arrangements.