UAE: You Can’t Just Name Your Child Anything! Here’s What The Lesser-Known Law Says

Naming one’s child is a big responsibility; after all, the little one stays with the name throughout their life. It defines their personality and how people address them. So it’s important to wisely choose the name and ensure that it is meaningful. But did you know that the UAE actually has a lesser-known law called the Wadeema’s Law, which, in its outline, mentions names that are legally acceptable for children born in the UAE? This is true, and we are here to tell you all about this lesson, but an equally important law.

What Is Wadeema’s Law?

Wadeema’s Law, or Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, outlines the types of names that are acceptable for children born in the UAE. As revealed in a report by the Times of India, an Indian daily, this law is about naming regulations for newborns. The law had been introduced in the memory of a child whose tragic death had caused national outrage. As it happens, the law had been enacted to protect children’s rights across all areas of life in the UAE.

What Kind Of Names To Avoid?

So, according to Article 8 of children’s rights from birth to their name, which is not humiliating or insulting to their dignity. Not to mention, it is not contrary to the religious beliefs or social customs. It is prohibited to name the child anything which could be any of the following:

• Offensive
• It should not be inappropriate, especially in the context of local culture or customs
• In conflict with religious values
• Insulting to the child’s dignity

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Regulated Names Ensure No Child Is Faced With Its Burden

At this point, you might have realised that the law does not inherently ban names explicitly. But it makes clear that the name must align with social respect, cultural norms and even religious sensitivity. According to Article 7 of the law, every child has the right to life and personal safety, and the state government guarantees that there is child growth and development in accordance with the law.

There are several other articles, and they are all important. Although children might same like a personal choice, the government sees them as a part of the child’s fundamental dignity. Finally, a name has legal identity, so if the names are regulated, no child has to face the burden of a name that could affect their self-confidence and legal standing.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels