UAE(The COW News Digital)The United Arab Emirates has officially declared 18 years as the legal age of adulthood under a newly implemented civil law, granting young adults the authority to make independent financial and legal decisions without the consent of a guardian. The move marks a significant shift in the country’s legal framework aimed at empowering youth and modernizing civil regulations.
Under the new law, individuals who reach the age of 18 are now recognized as legally mature and capable of managing their own affairs. Previously, the legal age of adulthood in the UAE was set at 20. Officials say the change aligns the country’s laws with international standards and reflects evolving social and economic realities.
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According to government authorities, 18-year-olds will now be able to enter into contracts, take loans, purchase property, and make other binding legal and financial decisions independently. The reform is expected to enhance personal autonomy and encourage greater participation of young adults in economic activities.
The law also introduces provisions for minors aged 15 and above. With court approval, individuals in this age group will be allowed to manage their own assets. This includes the ability to oversee personal finances under judicial supervision, a measure designed to balance responsibility with legal protection.
In addition, the updated regulations permit young people to register businesses in their own name, a step that officials believe will promote entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth. By lowering barriers to business ownership, the UAE aims to support its broader economic diversification strategy and nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Legal experts say the new civil law represents a progressive development in the UAE’s legal system. They note that defining adulthood at 18 brings clarity to issues related to guardianship, contracts, and financial responsibility, reducing ambiguity for both individuals and institutions.
The announcement comes as the UAE continues to introduce reforms across multiple sectors, including education, labor, and family law. Authorities have emphasized that the changes are part of a wider effort to modernize legislation while safeguarding social stability.
Officials have advised young citizens and residents to familiarize themselves with their new rights and responsibilities under the law. Financial institutions and legal bodies are also expected to update their procedures to reflect the revised age requirements.
The implementation of the new civil law is being viewed as a milestone in the UAE’s legal evolution, signaling increased trust in the decision-making abilities of young adults and reinforcing the country’s commitment to legal modernization and youth empowerment.
