UAE legal adulthood age shifts from 21 to 18: Here’s what the new rules mean
Younger residents gain wider powers under updated civil framework
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing for one of its most significant legal reforms in recent years, with a sweeping update to the country’s Civil Transactions Law set to come into force on June 1.
Among the most widely discussed changes is a reduction in the legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18, a move expected to reshape how young adults engage with financial, legal and civil matters.
Issued under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 and published in the Official Gazette, the updated legislation aims to strengthen individual rights while creating a more unified legal framework. The changes are also intended to bring consistency across laws covering labour, juveniles and civil responsibility. For residents wondering what exactly changes and why it matters, the reforms go much further than age limits.
Age shift
The headline change is the lowering of the age of majority from 21 lunar Hijri years to 18 Gregorian years. Under the new law, individuals reaching 18 will be recognised as fully legally capable adults.
The distinction between lunar and Gregorian calendars is significant. Lunar Hijri years are based on moon cycles and are typically around 10 to 12 days shorter than Gregorian years. In practical terms, the previous threshold often applied to individuals at roughly 20-and-a-half years old.
The UAE government says the adjustment aims to create one unified legal standard and align the country’s laws more closely.
Legal experts say the shift also reflects broader legislative trends already visible across the UAE. Individuals aged 18 can already work full-time, marry independently and, in many cases, manage bank accounts. Meanwhile, updated traffic legislation has lowered the driving age to 17, and commercial laws have already reduced the age for engaging in trade from 21 to 18.
The reform could also trigger discussions around other age-linked rights in the future, including areas such as legal drinking rules.
Asset rules
Another notable reform affects younger individuals managing financial assets. Under previous provisions, minors could gain authority over financial matters at 18 lunar years. Under the revised framework, that threshold may fall to 15 Gregorian years under strict judicial supervision.
The proposed change would allow court-approved management of personal or inherited assets while maintaining safeguards designed to prevent exploitation or financial harm.
Authorities say the measure is intended to encourage youth participation in economic activity and entrepreneurship at an earlier age.
The wider legislation also addresses situations involving expatriate assets. Reports suggest the law introduces clearer mechanisms for handling cases where foreigners die without leaving a will or legal heirs.
Current procedures may ultimately result in assets reverting to the state. Under the proposed framework, financial assets without claimants could instead be directed into charitable endowments under official oversight and management.
Wider changes
The overhaul extends beyond age and inheritance matters.
The revised law introduces stronger protections surrounding legal agreements and contracts, including provisions affecting pre-contract negotiations. Parties may be required to disclose essential information before agreements are signed, with the aim of ensuring informed decisions and reducing disputes.
Changes are also expected in sales contracts and buyer protections. Updated provisions may give buyers clearer rights where products or property contain hidden defects, including options to reject goods, seek replacements or request price reductions.
Additional reforms are expected in compensation frameworks involving death and injury cases. Under proposed provisions, compensation beyond traditional blood money or assessed amounts could become possible where material or moral damages remain insufficiently addressed.
The Civil Transactions Law is considered the UAE’s largest federal law and establishes a broad legal foundation governing contracts and interactions across society. Alongside age reforms, it also introduces updated rules covering nonprofit companies, insurance provisions and works contracts, signalling one of the most extensive legal restructurings seen in recent years.