The UAE will introduce a major update to its civil legal system from June 1, with a new law officially lowering the age of majority from 21 to 18.

The changes come under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, which introduces updates across areas including legal capacity, contracts, guardianship and civil transactions.

Published in the Official Gazette in October 2025, the law is designed to strengthen individual legal rights while maintaining safeguards against exploitation and abuse.

What changes from June 1?

Under the new law, individuals in the UAE will gain full legal capacity at 18 years old instead of 21.

This means 18-year-olds will legally be able to:

• Manage financial and legal affairs independently
• Sign contracts and civil agreements
• Open and operate bank accounts
• Conduct commercial activities

New rules for minors managing assets

Another significant update could allow minors as young as 15 to manage inherited or personal assets with court approval.

However, this would still require strict judicial supervision and specific safeguards before approval is granted.

If implemented, the change would give younger individuals limited financial autonomy while keeping court oversight in place.

The update reflects broader legal and social shifts already taking place across the UAE. The country recently lowered the minimum driving age to 17, while commercial laws already allow individuals to engage in business activities from the age of 18.

Many banks in the UAE already allow 18-year-olds to independently open and manage accounts, while existing commercial laws permit them to engage in business activities.

The new legislation reflects how young adults today are taking on greater responsibilities earlier, whether through higher education, employment, entrepreneurship or managing their own financial affairs.

ANAROCK Group has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it looks to expand its footprint across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on Dubai’s growing real estate market.

The independent real estate consultancy said the appointments come as the region enters a new phase of growth, driven by rising investor confidence, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand across residential and institutional real estate sectors.

New leadership appointments

Anuj Kejriwal has been appointed CEO, EMEA, while continuing his current role as Founding Partner and Head of Retail Advisory.

In his expanded position, Kejriwal will oversee the rollout of ANAROCK’s institutional advisory services across the Middle East, including capital markets, land services, consulting and valuation.

The company said Dubai will act as the launchpad for its wider regional expansion strategy before moving into broader European markets.

Meanwhile, Aayush Puri has been named CEO – Residential, Middle East and CEO of ANAROCK Channel Partner (ACP).

He will lead the firm’s residential business across the region while continuing to oversee the international operations of ANACITY, the group’s proptech and property management platform.

Focus on Dubai’s growth

According to ANAROCK, Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the key long-term growth drivers for the company, supported by strong economic fundamentals and sustained investor demand.

The firm also plans to hire senior local talent across consulting, residential and capital markets divisions as part of its expansion push.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and capturing new cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

A new women-focused platform has officially launched in the UAE with ambitions to become one of the GCC’s leading ecosystems for female empowerment, entrepreneurship and community support.

FEMPOWERMENT was founded by Kirsten Jenna Michaels and Alexander Sailer and aims to support women through business opportunities, coaching, education and networking initiatives.

Launched in Dubai, the platform combines community events, business launch support, workshops, coaching programmes and large-scale experiences designed to help women grow personally and professionally.

At the centre of the initiative is the Women’s Business Launchpad, a programme created to help women set up and scale businesses in the UAE through partnerships with banking, licensing and business service providers.

Founder and CEO Kirsten Jenna Michaels said the platform was designed to move beyond traditional empowerment messaging and focus on creating real opportunities for women.

The platform also features tiered membership programmes offering access to networking events, certifications, workshops and coaching experiences, alongside promotional opportunities for female-led businesses.

Co-Founder Alexander Sailer said the long-term vision is to build a scalable ecosystem that helps women access funding, launch ventures and create sustainable growth opportunities across the region.

Alongside its business and networking focus, FEMPOWERMENT has also pledged to support social impact initiatives, including plans to provide meals for 1,000 labour camp workers in the UAE and contribute to healthcare and education-related causes.

The organisation plans to expand across the GCC and international markets as part of its broader growth strategy.