UAE Lowers Age Of Legal Majority To 18, Overhauls Civil Transactions Law

The UAE has enacted a landmark overhaul of its Civil Transactions Law through a new Federal Decree Law, reducing the age of legal majority from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years.

The reform allows 18-year-olds to independently enter contracts and manage financial affairs, aligning UAE civil law with global standards and existing labour and juvenile laws. The law also strengthens consumer protection, introduces duties of disclosure in contracts, clarifies remedies for defective goods, and recognises single-person companies.

It streamlines rules on insurance, construction contracts, compensation, and property rights, while enhancing safeguards for judicial integrity.

Aimed at legal certainty, the reform modernises civil law to reflect evolving social and business realities.