The UAE Government has issued Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025, a major legal reform focused on children of unknown parentage, that is, children whose biological parents are not legally identified or known. This law strengthens how the country cares for vulnerable children and ensures they grow up in safe, stable environments. The decree is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to update its child welfare framework following decades of legislative activity, including the existing Child Rights Law (formerly known as Wadeema’s Law).
What the new law does for child rights?
The new law reframes how children without known parents are cared for and supported. It does the following:
- Prioritizes “the best interests of the child” in care, custody, and upbringing decisions.
- Creates an integrated care system that coordinates social, health, educational and psychological support for each child.
- Protects children’s identity and privacy, helping them integrate positively into society, grow with dignity, and avoid stigma associated with their origins.
Under the reform, all decisions involving these children must reflect their physical, emotional and social needs, including access to education, healthcare and secure family environments. This law builds on the existing Child Rights Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016), which already guarantees a broad set of protections for all children in the UAE, including protection from neglect, abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
Child protection in the UAE
Children with unknown parentage often face complex legal and social challenges, such as lack of documentation, unclear affiliation, and difficulty accessing services. The new law aims to remove these barriers by:
- Ensuring access to essential services and opportunities regardless of a child’s parental status.
- Standardizing care protocols so authorities and caregivers follow a unified, child-first approach across the nation.
- Promoting integration into society, helping children grow with dignity, identity and opportunities equal to other residents.
Experts welcomed the move as a logical continuation of the UAE’s child welfare strategy, which prioritizes safety, health, education and emotional development for all children, from newborns to teenagers.
UAE and ongoing initiatives
The new law aligns with other efforts in the UAE to strengthen child rights and safety. The Child Rights Law (Wadeema’s Law) already protects children against abuse, neglect, and psychological harm, and places priority on family and safe environments for children. Local forums and initiatives, such as the Child Safety Forum in Sharjah, bring authorities and experts together to promote best practices in child protection. Updated personal status and family laws in the UAE have also placed children’s welfare at the heart of legal reforms, including custody, support and identity issues.These developments show the UAE is working on multiple fronts to create a comprehensive child protection ecosystem, not just for children with known families but also for the most vulnerable who lack parental identity. The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. (12) of 2025 marks a significant step in modernizing and strengthening child protection laws. By focusing on the best interests of children with unknown parents, and ensuring stable care, rights, and opportunity, the country reinforces its long-standing commitment to children’s welfare and social inclusion.
