Family Protection Policy in UAE: Legal Shield Under Decree-Law 13 of 2024

In Dubai, a young mother suffering silent psychological abuse reached out to her local family development center in early 2025. Her awareness of the family protection policy in UAE enabled her to file a legal complaint, secure a restraining order, and access professional counseling—all within a week. This was made possible by Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, a landmark reform for family security in the UAE.

If your family faces similar risks, click on the WhatsApp icon below to reach our licensed legal team.

What Is the Family Protection Policy in UAE?

The family protection policy UAE is the strategic national framework designed to safeguard women, children, the elderly, and people of determination from domestic abuse. It operates legally under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, issued on 10 September 2024 and enforced from 2 October 2024.

The law defines domestic violence broadly, including:

• Physical harm
• Psychological or verbal abuse
• Sexual offenses
• Economic deprivation
• Neglect or threats

The policy’s goals are to preserve family unity, protect vulnerable members, and provide swift judicial and social interventions.

Legal Foundation: Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024

This law is the legal backbone of the UAE’s approach to family safety.

Scope and Applicability

According to Article 1–4, the law applies to abuse by a relative, guardian, spouse, or any member of the extended household up to the fourth degree.

Protective Orders (Articles 8–11)

• Initial Restraining Order: Valid for 30 days, renewable up to 90 days.
• Court Order: May prohibit contact, mandate removal from shared residence, order counseling or financial support.

Support for Victims

• Shelter Access: Temporary accommodation and medical/psychological assistance.
• Counseling: Mandatory rehabilitation for perpetrators (Article 11).
• Confidentiality: Strict data protection; He shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine of not less than (20,000) dirhams, or by one of these two penalties.

Penalties

• Abuse: Imprisonment or fines up to AED 50,000 (Article 21).
• Breach of order: Up to AED 100,000 and six months’ jail (Article 23).
• Failure to report known abuse: Fines between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000 (Article 22).

Implementation Mechanisms

Learn how different government bodies work together to enforce protection. From the police to family courts and shelters, the policy functions through seamless cooperation to ensure timely intervention, legal processing, and ongoing support for survivors.

The policy functions through:

• Judicial Authorities: Immediate case registration and protection enforcement.
• Public Prosecution: Empowered to issue urgent protective measures.
• Ministry of Community Development: Oversees shelter services and case tracking.

Comparison with Other Family Laws

Understanding how this policy differs helps you choose the right legal path.

Unlike the broader National Family Policy or the Personal Status Law, the family protection policy UAE is exclusively designed to address domestic abuse with enforceable legal tools.

Legal Support for Families

Our licensed UAE lawyers handle complaints, apply for protection orders, and liaise with courts and shelters—ensuring your family receives immediate and long-term protection.

As legal advocates, we help by:

1. Filing complaints under Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024
2. Securing protection orders from Public Prosecution or courts
3. Representing victims in shelter and custody proceedings
4. Ensuring offender rehabilitation compliance

FAQ

The family protection policy in UAE, supported by Federal Decree‑Law No. 13 of 2024, offers families robust legal tools to combat domestic violence. Through protective orders, shelter access, and punitive measures, the UAE leads in legal reform for family safety.

For legal action or urgent protection, contact our licensed lawyers in Dubai via WhatsApp today.

Read more about The Best Family Lawyers in Dubai.