Child Support (Nafaqa) Rights in the UAE (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Under UAE law, fathers have a legal obligation to financially support their children. This is called nafaqa:
- Father's obligation: The father must provide for the child's food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care. This applies whether the parents are married, separated, or divorced.
- Amount: The court sets the maintenance amount based on the father's income and financial ability and the child's needs. There is no fixed formula.
- Duration: Support continues until sons can support themselves (typically after completing education) and until daughters marry, unless they are employed.
- Wife's maintenance: A husband must also provide nafaqa to his wife during the marriage and during the iddah period after divorce.
- Housing: The custodial parent (usually the mother) is entitled to suitable housing for herself and the children, paid for by the father.
When does it apply?
- You are a parent going through divorce or separation and have dependent children.
- The father is financially able to provide support.
- If the father cannot pay, the obligation may shift to the grandfather or other male relatives under Sharia rules.
What to Do If the Father Is Not Paying Child Support in the UAE
- File a maintenance claim at the Family Court if the father is not providing adequate support.
- Provide evidence of expenses: school fees, rent receipts, medical bills, and other costs related to the child.
- Request a temporary maintenance order — the court can issue an urgent order while the full case is heard.
- If the father fails to pay court-ordered maintenance, file an enforcement claim — non-payment can result in imprisonment.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept informal promises — get a court order that specifies the exact amount and payment schedule.
- Do not exaggerate expenses — the court will review evidence carefully, and inflated claims can hurt your credibility.
- Do not withhold visitation because of unpaid maintenance — these are separate legal issues, and the court may penalise you.
About Family Law in Oman
The UAE runs two parallel family-law tracks. Muslim residents fall under the Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024), which came into force on 15 April 2025 and expressly repeals the prior Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (the 2005 Personal Status Law). Non-Muslims can use Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 — a secular code for marriage, no-fault divorce, joint custody, and equal inheritance, run mainly through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Wills can be registered at the DIFC Wills Service Centre. Domestic abuse is criminalised by Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2019; the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children helpline is 800-111.
Common Questions
What is the child support & maintenance (nafaqa) right in Oman?
Under UAE law, fathers have a legal obligation to financially support their children. This is called nafaqa:Father's obligation: The father must provide for the child's food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care. This applies whether the parents are married, separated, or divorced.Amount: The court sets the maintenance amount based on the father's income and financial ability and the child's needs. There is no fixed formula.Duration: Support continues until sons can support themselves (typically after completing education) and until daughters marry, unless they are employed.Wife's ma...
When does it apply — child support & maintenance (nafaqa)?
You are a parent going through divorce or separation and have dependent children.The father is financially able to provide support.If the father cannot pay, the obligation may shift to the grandfather or other male relatives under Sharia rules.
What should I do if the father of my children in the UAE is refusing to pay child support?
File a maintenance claim at the Family Court if the father is not providing adequate support.Provide evidence of expenses: school fees, rent receipts, medical bills, and other costs related to the child.Request a temporary maintenance order — the court can issue an urgent order while the full case is heard.If the father fails to pay court-ordered maintenance, file an enforcement claim — non-payment can result in imprisonment.
What should you NOT do — child support & maintenance (nafaqa)?
Do not accept informal promises — get a court order that specifies the exact amount and payment schedule.Do not exaggerate expenses — the court will review evidence carefully, and inflated claims can hurt your credibility.Do not withhold visitation because of unpaid maintenance — these are separate legal issues, and the court may penalise you.