Alimony, or nafaqa, is one of the pillars of the UAE's personal status system, providing a financial safety net for family members — particularly wives, children, and parents — who depend on it for a dignified standard of living. Since Federal Decree-Law No. (41) of 2024 on the Personal Status Law took effect on 15 April 2025, the rules governing alimony have been refined to better balance the interests of all parties against the backdrop of changing social and economic conditions.
Article 95 of the law defines alimony as a right for the beneficiary covering essential needs — food, clothing, housing, medical treatment and education — assessed in line with customary standards. It is not simply a payment obligation; it exists to preserve dignity and ensure that dependents can meet their basic needs.
Three Categories of Alimony
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Spousal alimony
A wife becomes entitled to support once a valid marriage contract is concluded, provided she remains available to the marital relationship — this holds even if she is financially independent in her own right, and support can extend beyond divorce in certain circumstances defined by law.
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Child support
Support is an inherent right of the child and covers food, clothing, housing, education and medical care. The amount is set according to the father's financial capacity and the child's actual needs.
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Support for parents and relatives
Parents in genuine need are entitled to support from children who can afford to provide it. Certain other relatives may also qualify, provided they can show they are unable to earn a sufficient income or otherwise support themselves.
Alimony claims turn heavily on documentation and evidence of need and capacity, so gathering the right supporting records early makes a real difference to the outcome. At Husain Al Ali Advocates & Legal Consultants, we advise and represent clients on spousal, child, and family support matters, aiming for outcomes that are both fair and sustainable.
Husain Al Ali is a UAE-licensed Advocate by Ministry of Justice, admitted to practice before local and Federal Courts of the UAE.
| Article | Topic |
|---|---|
| Divorce Under UAE Law | Types of divorce and grounds for a wife to petition the court |
| Child Custody Under UAE Personal Status Law | Custody age and a child's right to choose at 15 |