It was 18 Articles and 7 chapters.
The Law applies only citizens, both citizens as well as foreigners in UAE.
For the purpose of calculating the time period, Gregorian calendar is taken into consideration.
Divorce cases involving non-Muslims can be taken up directly to the court, and there is no need to go to family guidance committees.
The act focuses on equality of both the genders in respect of testimony, estate distribution, right to ask for divorce, and joint custody till the age of 18.
The law laid down some conditions for a marriage to be valid such as the person should be 21 years of age, they should not be related by blood, there must be an express consent between both the parties, a disclosure form must be signed and any other condition lay down by implementing regulations.
Both the parties should sign a form in front of a certification judge in competent court. The form should include disclosure of any previous marriage, and divorce date. The marriage contract is ratified by the certification judge and is entered in the register.
There is a provision for unilateral divorce, without any reason. Divorce is by court order, after notification to the other party.
Divorced person can claim alimony. If conditions of alimony are not agreed in marriage contract, then the judge has discretionary power on alimony application.
As per the law equal rights are given to both the parents with respect to joint custody except when made request or if one waives off the custody due to legal incompetence. In case of any dispute regarding child custody a request can be made for courts intervention.
If there is a will, the estate would be distributed according to the will. In case of absence of a will half of the property would be transferred to the spouse and the rest would be equally divided among the children. If there is no child, the property would be transferred to the parents. In case of absence of a child, and only 1 living parent, half the property would be given to the living parent and rest divided among the siblings. But if there is no child or parent, the property would be equally divided amongst the siblings. Further, unless there is a contrary will, heirs of foreigners can ask for the application of the civil code.
Cabinet shall issue guidelines for opening inheritance file. The foreigner’s will of to be registered in marriage contract register.
Proof of affiliation of new born, is through the parents. A request for DNA test can also be made.
In case of adoption, cabinet issues decisions.
In case a matter is not mentioned in the contract, State rules/laws are to be followed.
Cabinet issues implementing regulations of this law.
Any provision which is contrary to the provisions of this law, are to be repealed.