Legal Ages in the UAE

The age you become an adult in the UAE, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority in the UAE

You are an adult at 18 under Civil Transactions Law No. 25 of 2025. Before that the age was 21 lunar years.

No elections

There is no general vote. Half of the Federal National Council is chosen by electoral colleges of citizens picked by each emirate’s ruler.

You can get a car licence at 17 since the new traffic law took effect on 29 March 2025.

You must be 21 to buy or drink alcohol, and Muslims may not drink. Sharjah bans alcohol; Dubai needs a free personal licence to buy for home.

The Personal Status Law (No. 41 of 2024) sets 18. A court must approve the marriage of anyone younger.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you. Recent changes checked against: Khaleej Times: UAE reduces age of majority to 18; Gulf News: UAE lowers minimum driving age to 17; Gulf News: New Personal Status Law sets marriage age at 18.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in the UAE

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

UAE public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.

At what age are you an adult in the UAE?

You are an adult at 18 under Civil Transactions Law No. 25 of 2025. Before that the age was 21 lunar years.

What is the voting age in the UAE?

There is no general vote. Half of the Federal National Council is chosen by electoral colleges of citizens picked by each emirate’s ruler.

What is the legal driving age in the UAE?

You can get a car licence at 17 since the new traffic law took effect on 29 March 2025.

What is the legal drinking age in the UAE?

You must be 21 to buy or drink alcohol, and Muslims may not drink. Sharjah bans alcohol; Dubai needs a free personal licence to buy for home.

What is the legal age for marriage in the UAE?

The Personal Status Law (No. 41 of 2024) sets 18. A court must approve the marriage of anyone younger.