Sheikh Mansour Approves Abu Dhabi Post-Separation Family Charter to Protect Children
ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued Resolution No. 43 of 2026 approving the Post-Separation Charter – Year of Family, a new framework designed to protect children’s best interests and promote stability following the separation of their parents.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, approved the charter as part of efforts to strengthen family welfare and ensure children remain protected from the negative effects of parental disputes.
The new charter establishes guidelines governing the relationship and responsibilities of separated parents, placing children’s psychological, social and physical wellbeing at the centre of family-related decisions.
What is Abu Dhabi’s Post-Separation Charter?
The Post-Separation Charter – Year of Family is a framework that defines how parents should cooperate after separation or divorce, particularly on matters involving their children.
Its central principle is that the end of a marriage does not mean the end of parental responsibility.
Under the charter, both parents are expected to continue playing meaningful roles in their children’s lives by providing care, maintaining safe communication and creating a stable environment that gives children a sense of security and belonging.
The framework also seeks to prevent children from becoming involved in conflicts between their parents.
Children’s Best Interests Come First
The charter emphasises that decisions involving children must prioritise their welfare above disagreements between parents.
It encourages separated parents to maintain mutual respect and understanding while protecting children from emotional distress linked to divorce or family disputes.
Parents are also expected to reassure their children that parental separation does not change the love, care and support they receive from either parent.
Compliance with the charter is presented as part of parents’ continuing moral and legal responsibilities towards their children.
Parents Must Cooperate on Education, Healthcare and Upbringing
Under the charter, parents are required to work together on major aspects of their children’s lives, including:
- Moral and religious upbringing
- Schooling and educational development
- Medical care and healthcare decisions
- Behavioural guidance
- Major decisions affecting the child
- Travel arrangements
The parent who has custody is expected to keep the other parent informed about important developments, including school reports, health conditions and educational or school-related activities.
Both parents are also expected to consult each other when significant decisions concerning education, medical treatment or travel arise.
Charter Defines Responsibilities Towards Children
The framework outlines a series of obligations for parents regarding children in their care.
Each parent is expected to fulfil their parental responsibilities faithfully and contribute to the child’s education, healthcare and general wellbeing.
Parents must also protect children’s physical and psychological health while promoting positive values and responsible behaviour.
The charter highlights the importance of raising children in accordance with Emirati customs and traditions, helping strengthen their identity, sense of belonging and responsibility towards their family and society.
It also protects the right of the other parent to maintain communication and visitation, while requiring notification when significant issues involving the child arise.
Parents Told Not to Criticise Each Other in Front of Children
A key element of the charter concerns how separated parents behave towards one another.
Parents must avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of their children or involving children in discussions about the causes of separation or divorce.
The charter promotes continued respect for both parents and seeks to ensure that children are not pressured to take sides in family disputes.
It also prohibits parents from using children’s legal rights, including visitation and maintenance, as tools for pressure, bargaining or retaliation.
Rules Cover Visitation, Overnight Stays and Travel
The Post-Separation Charter is based on provisions established under the Federal Personal Status Law, including rules governing custody, maintenance, visitation and educational guardianship.
It provides a framework through which parents can agree on practical arrangements involving their children, including:
- Visitation schedules
- Overnight stays
- Travel arrangements for children in custody
- Financial commitments agreed between parents
The aim is to establish clear expectations and reduce future disagreements that could negatively affect children.
How Will Disputes Under the Charter Be Resolved?
The charter establishes a step-by-step process for addressing disagreements between parents.
Parents must first attempt to resolve disputes amicably.
When an agreement cannot be reached, the matter is referred to the Family Guidance Centre, where efforts are made to facilitate reconciliation and find a mutually acceptable solution.
If those efforts are unsuccessful, the dispute may then be referred to the court.
This process is intended to encourage cooperative solutions before judicial intervention becomes necessary.
How Will the Post-Separation Charter Be Implemented?
Under the implementation procedure, a Family Guidance Counsellor will present the charter to parents following their separation.
Parents may sign the document in full or agree to specific parts of it and commit to complying with the applicable provisions.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts in Abu Dhabi to strengthen social stability and family protection by placing children’s wellbeing at the heart of post-separation arrangements and encouraging parents to maintain shared responsibility even after their marital relationship ends.
Why the New Family Charter Matters
The charter creates a structured framework for separated parents to manage parenting responsibilities while minimising the impact of family disputes on children.
Its key message is that while a marital relationship may end, parenthood and the responsibility to protect a child’s wellbeing continue.
By encouraging cooperation on education, healthcare, visitation and major life decisions, the framework seeks to provide children with greater continuity, emotional security and stability after parental separation.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Partners with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Resolution No. 43 of 2026?
Resolution No. 43 of 2026 approves the Post-Separation Charter – Year of Family, which establishes guidelines for separated parents to protect children’s interests and manage their continuing parental responsibilities.
Who issued the resolution?
The resolution was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
What is the main purpose of the Post-Separation Charter?
Its primary purpose is to protect children’s psychological, social and physical wellbeing following parental separation while encouraging both parents to remain actively involved in their upbringing.
What responsibilities do separated parents have under the charter?
Parents are expected to cooperate on education, healthcare, upbringing, visitation, travel and other major decisions affecting their children. They must also avoid involving children in parental conflicts.
Can parents use visitation or maintenance during disputes?
No. The charter prohibits using children’s legal rights, including visitation and maintenance, as a means of pressure, bargaining or causing harm.
What happens if separated parents disagree?
Parents must first seek an amicable solution. If this fails, the dispute is referred to the Family Guidance Centre for reconciliation efforts before it may proceed to court.
Does divorce end parental responsibilities?
No. A central principle of the charter is that separation or divorce does not end parenthood. Both parents remain responsible for protecting and supporting their children.