Dubai Custody Committee created to protect children

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, has overseen the formation of a Custody Committee, affiliated to Dubai Courts, to ensure the welfare and protection of children affected by custody battles.

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 report, following which a site visit will take place to ensure the custodian or guardian is fit to take care of the child, apart from assessing other requirements.

Those in charge of a child's affairs are obligated to fully cooperate with the Committee, providing all information requested. 

The 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.

It 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 Decision is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

.@MaktoumMohammed issues Decision No. (7) of 2022 pertaining to the formation of the Custody Committee, affiliated to @DubaiCourts.https://t.co/IraeZP8iqI
(Archive Photo) pic.twitter.com/n3vXpl45t0

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 21, 2022