Law of the United Arab EmiratesModule 5
Civil law, property and family: the Civil Transactions Law, contracts, civil liability, real estate, personal status for Muslims and non-Muslims, marriage, divorce, custody and inheritance
The **Civil Transactions Law** (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) is the centre of UAE private law. It is a **civil code** in structure, but its **principles and many of its rules come from Islamic Sharia**, for example on **good faith, contract defects, harm and interest**. A **new Civil Code** has been introduced to update it, so the **current text** must always be checked. **Family law** has two systems: **Sharia-based personal status** for **Muslims** and a **civil personal-status law** for **non-Muslim foreigners**, adopted in 2022. **Property** is registered by the **emirates**, which allow **foreign ownership** in **designated areas**. This module explains these rules in outline. **Reforms are frequent** and are flagged.
This course explains the law of the United Arab Emirates, not US law. Rules that look the same elsewhere may be different. This covers the federal law of the UAE, with notes on the emirates and the free zones that have their own rules.
Module 1 of this course is free, and this is not it. Unlock the whole course below, or go back to the course page.
Two Ways In
Introductory PriceUnited Arab Emirates Law: buy it on its own, or get it with the Courses & AI Lab Pass
Unlock all of United Arab Emirates Law on its own with a one-time purchase, or get it as part of a Courses & AI Lab Pass, which also covers every course and the other paid tools. A member never needs to buy it separately.
This is an early, introductory price for a brand-new product — it’s expected to rise as we add more content. Buy now and it’s yours at today’s rate, forever.
No account needed: you pay, and we email you a one-click sign-in.
Courses & AI Lab Pass is $29.99 a month or $249 a year, and covers every course and most tools, this one included. Create a free account to subscribe.
Look first, then buy. Free previews on every product page. Secure payment by Stripe. Pay once, keep it forever. Details
See what is included in the Courses & AI Lab Pass →General education on the law of the United Arab Emirates, using invented people and businesses. It states laws and procedures in simplified form and is not legal advice. The law and its practice change, and every case turns on its facts, the emirate and the authority concerned. It does not offer legal representation or a legal opinion on any case. Consult a licensed UAE advocate or legal consultant for any real matter.
Teaching? Share this with your class
Free to use in class. The free parts open for everyone, no account needed.