Abu Dhabi has introduced a new charter designed to protect children’s wellbeing and provide greater stability following parental separation.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Office, has issued Decision No. 43 of 2026 approving the “Post-Separation Charter – Year of the Family” document in his capacity as President of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
The charter aims to guide parents through disputes while keeping children’s interests at the centre of decisions. It seeks to protect children’s psychological and social wellbeing and encourage both parents to remain actively involved in their upbringing.
The document is based on the principle that separation ends a marital relationship but not the responsibilities of parenthood. Children should continue to receive care from both parents, maintain safe communication with them and have a stable environment that provides security and a sense of belonging.
A key focus of the charter is keeping children away from parental disagreements. Parents are expected to avoid exposing children to disputes, protect them from the consequences of conflict and maintain respect for each other.
The charter also establishes shared responsibilities covering education, healthcare, moral development and behavioural guidance. The parent with custody must keep the other parent informed about school performance, health matters and school activities.
Both parents are expected to consult each other on important decisions involving education, medical treatment and travel. They must also support their children’s physical and psychological wellbeing and raise them in a way that promotes values, responsibility and respect for Emirati customs and traditions.
Parents are required to facilitate each other’s rights to visitation and communication and inform the other parent about significant matters affecting the child.
The charter also sets standards for how parents should behave towards one another. They must not speak negatively about each other in front of their children or discuss the reasons for separation or divorce with them.
The document prohibits parents from using children’s rights, including visitation and financial support, as tools for pressure, bargaining or causing harm.
Its provisions covering custody, financial support, visitation and educational guardianship are based on the Federal Personal Status Law. Parents can agree on arrangements covering visits, overnight stays, children’s travel and financial responsibilities.
Disputes to be settled through family guidance
Parents who encounter disagreements while following the charter are expected to first seek an amicable solution.
If they cannot resolve a dispute themselves, the matter can be referred to the Family Guidance Centre. Counsellors will work with the parents to bridge differences and seek reconciliation before court proceedings begin.
Under the implementation process, a family guidance counsellor will present the charter to parents following their separation. They can sign the document in full or agree to selected provisions, creating a framework for cooperation focused on the child’s welfare.
The charter is intended to reinforce the message that parental separation does not diminish a parent’s love or responsibility towards their children and that children should continue to receive care in a safe and supportive environment.
