UAE Lowers Legal Age of Adulthood to 18 Under New Civil Law
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new civil law that sets 18 as the legal age of adulthood, a reform experts say will significantly expand the rights and responsibilities of young people and align the country with international standards.
Under previous legislation, adulthood in the UAE was defined as 21 lunar years — roughly equivalent to 20 years under the Gregorian calendar. The new reform, enacted through amendments to the Civil Transactions Law, grants full legal and financial independence at the age of 18.
Under the updated rules, individuals aged 18 and above can manage their personal finances without the consent of a legal guardian. They are now permitted to enter contracts, obtain bank loans, buy and sell property, and register and operate businesses independently.
The amendments also allow minors aged 15 to apply for judicial permission to manage their assets, a move aimed at supporting early entrepreneurship and business activity.
The UAE government said the change will standardize the age of majority across all legislation, including labor and juvenile laws, improving legal clarity and consistency.
For many expatriates, including a large number of Pakistanis living and working in the UAE — such as students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs — the reform is expected to ease access to banking services, employment, and business opportunities.
The UAE already allows individuals to work, drive, marry, and be tried in criminal courts as adults from the age of 18. The new civil law formally aligns civil rights and responsibilities with those existing legal provisions.
The move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to encourage youth participation in economic growth and promote entrepreneurship.
