The answer to “When Does Guardianship End in the UAE” depends on the type of guardianship, the person’s capacity, and the applicable termination ground. Article 156(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 generally ends guardianship or tutorship at majority with mental faculties intact. Continuation rules may still apply.
Article 84 of the Civil Transactions Law, issued by Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, sets majority at 18 Gregorian years. That law took effect on June 1, 2026. Ending one guardian’s appointment does not always end the person’s need for legal protection.
When Does Guardianship End in the UAE under Article 156
Article 156 of the 2024 Personal Status Law lists eight termination grounds:
- The minor reaches majority with their mental faculties intact.
- A court judgment lifts interdiction from the interdicted person.
- The minor dies.
- The minor’s father regains legal capacity and the ability to perform guardianship duties.
- The guardian or tutor is removed, or their resignation is accepted.
- The guardian or tutor dies, or loses all or part of their legal capacity.
- The guardian or tutor is proven missing or absent.
- The ward’s state of being missing or absent ends.
Some grounds concern the ward’s need for protection. Others end the current guardian’s role and may require a replacement. A guardian’s removal or death does not itself give a child full legal capacity.
For the separate removal process, see how a legal guardian may be removed in the UAE.
Distinguish personal guardianship from property guardianship
Under Article 128(1)(a), guardianship over the person includes general supervision, guidance, discipline, and care. Article 128(1)(b) addresses guardianship or trusteeship over property. It covers managing, investing, and preserving the minor’s money and other financial affairs.
Custody is a separate role. Under Article 112(1), it involves keeping, raising, and caring for the child without conflicting with guardianship rights. Custody alone does not authorize a parent to manage the child’s property.
A custodian needs a separate legal basis to act over that property. Article 126(2) allows the court to appoint the mother as guardian of the child’s property.
Educational authority also needs separate consideration. See educational guardianship in the UAE when the dispute concerns school decisions rather than asset management.
Need Clarity on When Guardianship Ends?
Discuss the type of appointment, applicable termination ground, continuation requirements, and property handover duties with our lawyers.
When guardianship may continue after age 18
Reaching majority does not always end guardianship or tutorship. Article 157 addresses a person who reaches majority with diminished capacity or cannot be trusted with their property.
In those circumstances, the court-appointed guardian or tutor must apply for the court to consider continuation. This is a duty to apply when the statutory circumstances exist. It does not create a general option to control any adult’s affairs.
Continuation requires the court’s consideration. It should not be assumed solely because a parent wants it.
Transfer the property and records within the statutory deadline
Article 158 applies when a court-appointed guardian’s or tutor’s task ends. They must deliver the property and all related accounts and documents to the person designated by the court, under its supervision.
The maximum period is 30 days from the end of the task. This is not a universal deadline for every institution administering a minor’s assets.
Property administration may also involve inherited assets. For related planning issues, see protecting children’s inheritance in the UAE.
Official legal sources
- Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on the Issuance of the Personal Status Law, Articles 112, 126, 128, and 156–158.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 promulgating the Civil Transactions Law, Article 84.
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