UAE lowers legal adulthood age from 21 to 18 under new federal law
The United Arab Emirates has announced a major legal change that will lower the age of adulthood from 21 to 18. The new rule is part of a Federal Decree-Law under the Civil Transactions Law and will officially come into effect on Monday, June 1.
This change is an important update in UAE law and is designed to support young people and improve their legal rights. It will also help align different laws across the country, making the legal system more clear and consistent.
Under the new law, the legal age of adulthood will change from 21 lunar Hijri years to 18 Gregorian years. This means a person will now be considered a full adult at 18 instead of around 20 and a half under the previous system.
The UAE government says this update will help unify the legal age for full responsibility. It will also ensure better consistency with other laws such as labour laws and juvenile laws. It also helps balance civil and criminal responsibility standards across the country.
People in the UAE already receive some adult rights at age 18, including:
• The right to work full-time
• The right to drive
• The right to get married
With the new law, other rights may also be reviewed in the future based on legal decisions.
A key goal of this change is to give young people more control over their financial affairs. The government believes this will support youth independence and increase participation in economic activities and business.
The law also reduces the age at which a minor can manage financial assets from 18 lunar years to 15 Gregorian years. This change is expected to support young entrepreneurs and early financial responsibility.
The UAE uses two calendar systems in its laws. The Hijri calendar is based on the moon, while the Gregorian calendar is based on the sun. Because lunar years are shorter, 21 lunar years equals about 20 and a half Gregorian years.
Officials said this new law is one of the most important federal legal updates in the country. It provides a legal framework for contracts and legal actions between individuals and organizations in the UAE.
The updated law also introduces new rules to protect free will in legal agreements. It ensures all parties clearly understand contracts before signing them, helping reduce disputes and improve trust between individuals and businesses.
Another important update is improved pre-contract negotiations. Parties must now share key information before final agreements are signed. This increases transparency and reduces legal misunderstandings.
The new legal framework also includes rules for nonprofit companies, updates to sales contracts, insurance regulations, and work contracts. These changes aim to modernize the legal system and support economic growth.
The UAE government believes these updates will strengthen the country’s legal environment. It will also create a more flexible, business-friendly system that supports investment and innovation.
Experts say the change will benefit young people by giving them earlier recognition as adults. This may open more opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Overall, this new law marks a major step in UAE legal development. It simplifies rules, strengthens youth rights, and supports the country’s long-term economic vision.
