Adoption in the United Arab Emirates

Adoption in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is illegal. The UAE operates under Sharia (Islamic) law, which prohibits traditional adoption. Instead, the country allows a system of kafala, wherein families provide care, support, and upbringing for a child without granting them the full legal status of an adopted child, such as inheritance rights. This system only allows citizens of the country to foster. Though adoption within the country is illegal, children adopted from other countries by expatriates are recognized.