UAE grants the same benefits to children born to Emirati mothers

The situation of women in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates continues to improve the situation of women and their families, and a new law has been passed to that effect.

This news comes as a relief to Emirati mothers married to foreigners. The decision comes as the government strengthens “the support and stability of Emirati mothers’ families”.

The new UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a new directive on June 30, 2022, giving children of Emirati mothers living in the UAE the same education and health benefits as children of two Emirati parents.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the UAE, has been tasked with implementing the new directive.

Equal health and education benefits

In the United Arab Emirates, children born of an Emirati mother and a foreign father have the possibility to apply for Emirati citizenship, but it is not automatic. Indeed, in the UAE, the child obtains by default the nationality of his father. On the other hand, children born to a local man and a foreign woman receive citizenship at birth.

This type of situation is similar in many Middle Eastern countries, where efforts to expand citizenship rights are met with resistance. The UAE, as usual, is a pioneer in all areas and is making efforts to accommodate the entire community.