What is the primary source of law in the UAE?

The primary source of law in the UAE is Islamic law, also known as Sharia law. Islamic law serves as the foundation for the legal system, significantly influencing legislation and court decisions. It encompasses a wide range of legal principles and ethical guidelines that govern both personal conduct and legal matters, including family law, contracts, and criminal law.

While other legal systems such as civil and statutory law do exist in the UAE and play important roles in specific areas, they operate under the overarching framework established by Islamic law. The legal landscape in the UAE is a mix of Sharia and other forms of law; however, Islamic law remains the most significant source. This is particularly relevant in matters such as personal status law, which includes marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

In contrast, common law is not a primary source of law in the UAE, as the legal framework does not follow the precedential basis characteristic of common law systems like those found in the UK or US. Statutory law, while important, derives from the principles and frameworks established primarily by Islamic law. Thus, the centrality of Islamic law in shaping the country's legal structure is key to understanding the UAE's legal system.