The UAE Civil Personal Status Law places strong emphasis on preserving a child’s relationship with both parents, even after the breakdown of a marriage. Divorce or separation does not diminish a father’s role in his child’s life; rather, the law expressly safeguards his right to maintain meaningful and continuous contact through structured visitation arrangements.

Where custody is granted to one parent, the non-custodial parent -- most commonly the father --retains a legally enforceable right of visitation. These rights are not confined to brief or symbolic meetings. A father may request that the child spend time with him at his residence, including on weekdays, weekends, during overnight stays, school holidays, and other mutually agreed periods, always subject to the best interests of the child.

The Courts recognise that marital breakdown should not disrupt a child’s daily lifestyle, emotional stability, or established routine. Accordingly, visitation schedules are framed to allow the child to continue experiencing normal family interactions, including homework routines, recreational activities, and meaningful parental engagement, rather than restricting contact to short or artificial visits.

Importantly, visitation rights cannot be unreasonably denied or obstructed. Any limitation, suspension, or requirement for supervised visitation must be supported by clear and compelling evidence that such contact would adversely affect the child’s welfare. In the absence of such circumstances, the Courts generally encourage cooperative parenting and continuity of parental involvement.

Through this balanced and child-centric approach, the UAE Civil Personal Status Law seeks to insulate children from parental conflict while ensuring they continue to benefit from the care, guidance, and presence of both parents -- reaffirming the principle that divorce ends a marriage, but not parenthood.