The new legislation is part of Dubai Government’s commitment to ensure the welfare and protection of children affected by custody conflicts and protect their physical and mental wellbeing.
According to the Decision, the Custody Committee will consist of two representatives from Dubai Courts nominated by the Director General of Dubai Courts, who will serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee, and two representatives of the Community Development Authority in Dubai nominated by the Director General of the Authority, one of whom will be from its child protection unit. The Committee will also include two representatives from Dubai Police specialised in children’s protection appointed by the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and an official of Dubai Courts who will serve as the rapporteur of the Committee.
The Committee is tasked with preparing a detailed report on the social, mental, health and criminal status of the person requesting the custody or the person to whom the court will be granting custody of a child.
The Decision also outlines the procedures for issuing a custody eligibility report. The court will first request the Committee to prepare a custody eligibility report, following which a site visit will take place to ensure the custodian or guardian of the child is fit to take care of the child, apart from assessing other requirements.
The Decision obligates concerned authorities in Dubai in charge of children’s affairs to fully cooperate with the Committee and provide all information and data requested by it to carry out its duties. The Decision is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
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