The Government of the United Arab Emirates has issued a Federal Decree Law promulgating a new Civil Transactions Law, representing one of the most significant legislative developments in recent years.

Among its most impactful reforms is the reduction of the age of legal majority from 21 lunar (Hijri) years to 18 Gregorian (ميلادية) years, effective 1 January 2026. This amendment introduces a unified and modern standard of legal capacity across the UAE’s civil framework.

Legal Capacity Under the New Civil Transactions Law

Under the new law, any individual who has reached the age of 18 Gregorian years is deemed to have full legal capacity to conduct civil and commercial transactions, unless otherwise restricted by law.

This change replaces the previous legal position, which relied on 21 lunar years, and resolves long-standing inconsistencies between civil law, labour law, criminal responsibility, and financial regulations.

The reform aligns the UAE with international legal norms and strengthens legal certainty across all sectors.

Expanded Financial Independence for Minors

In addition to redefining legal majority, the law introduces a progressive amendment allowing minors to apply for judicial authorization to manage their own assets.

This provision aims to:

• Encourage youth entrepreneurship
• Support early economic participation
• Maintain judicial oversight while enabling financial responsibility

Practical Impact on Property and Conveyancing Transactions

From a conveyancing and property law perspective, this reform has direct and immediate implications, including:

• Individuals aged 18 will be legally competent to buy, sell, mortgage, and manage real
• estate in their own name
• Clearer assessment of capacity and consent in sale and purchase agreements
• Reduced transactional risk related to age-based challenges
• Streamlined procedures for brokers, developers, and trustee offices

Dubai Land Department (DLD) Implementation

It is important to note that once the Dubai Land Department (DLD) receives and issues the official implementation circular, the new age of legal majority will be applied operationally
during property transfers and related registration procedures.

Accordingly, conveyancing practices, trustee office processes, and transfer requirements will be updated to reflect the new legal standard as part of DLD execution.

Why This Reform Matters

• This legislative change enhances:
• Legal clarity and consistency
• Youth empowerment and economic inclusion
• Transactional efficiency and enforceability
• Confidence in the UAE’s civil and property framework

For buyers, sellers, investors, and intermediaries, understanding and applying the new standard
is essential to avoid procedural delays and legal exposure.

Final Word
The reduction of the age of legal majority to 18 Gregorian years marks a defining moment in
the modernization of the UAE’s civil law system.
At Fam Conveyancing, we remain committed to guiding clients through legislative
developments with precision, transparency, and full regulatory compliance. We closely monitor
all official circulars and implementation guidelines to ensure seamless execution across
property and civil transactions.

Fam Conveyancing – Trusted Conveyancing Partner