Background – Custody Calendar UAE

A custody calendar in the UAE is essential for expatriate families navigating shared parenting arrangements, offering clarity beyond what judicial orders typically provide. Custody arrangements in the United Arab Emirates have become increasingly structured following the introduction of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, which regulates personal status matters for non-Muslims. As courts adopt a more predictable and child-centred approach, custody calendars have emerged as a practical tool for defining parenting time, clarifying responsibilities, and reducing conflict between separated or divorced parents.

Custody calendars are not expressly mandated by statute; however, they are widely accepted in judicial practice and are frequently requested by courts to ensure that parenting arrangements are sufficiently detailed, enforceable, and aligned with the child’s best interests.

This publication outlines the concept of custody calendars, their components, and the practical considerations relevant to parents and practitioners.

1. Purpose and Function of Custody Calendars in the UAE

A custody calendar is a structured schedule that sets out where the child will reside, how time is divided between parents, and how transitions will occur. Its primary functions include:

ensuring predictability and stability for the child;
reducing ambiguity that may lead to disputes;
facilitating compliance with court orders;
supporting consistent routines, particularly regarding schooling and activities;
enabling courts to assess whether arrangements serve the child’s best interests.

Courts increasingly favour written parenting frameworks, particularly in expatriate cases involving international travel or complex schedules.

2. Legal Framework and Judicial Expectations

Although Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 does not prescribe a specific format for custody calendars, it emphasises:

shared parental responsibility;
prioritisation of the child’s welfare;
continuity in schooling, healthcare, and daily life;
emotional and developmental stability.

Judges routinely review custody calendars to ensure alignment with these principles. Clear and detailed schedules often facilitate approval of parenting agreements and assist in resolving contested matters.

3. Key Elements of a Custody Calendar in the UAE

A well-drafted custody calendar typically addresses the following areas.

3.1 Weekly or Bi-Weekly Schedule

primary residence allocation;
weekday and weekend arrangements;
pick-up and drop-off times and locations;
measured flexibility where work schedules require it.

3.2 Holiday and Vacation Schedule

UAE national holidays and school breaks;
Ramadan and Eid arrangements, where applicable;
spring, term, and summer holidays, including international travel periods;
special occasions such as birthdays and family events.

3.3 Communication Arrangements

scheduled video or telephone contact;
rules governing digital communication;
procedures for emergency contact.

3.4 Education and Activities

school-related logistics and responsibilities;
extracurricular activity schedules;
notification of school events or assessments.

3.5 Travel and Relocation Provisions

notice requirements for travel;
exchange of passports, visas, and itineraries;
conditions for international travel consent;
protocols for travel disruptions.

3.6 Decision-Making Responsibilities

healthcare decisions;
educational choices;
consent for special activities or interventions;
management of unforeseen situations affecting the child.

Because court orders rarely include this level of detail, a negotiated custody calendar incorporated into a divorce agreement provides significantly greater clarity and reduces the risk of conflict.

4. Practical Considerations for Parents

4.1 Child-Centred Design

The calendar should reflect the child’s age, developmental needs, schooling, and capacity to transition between households.

4.2 Consistency and Stability

Judicial assessments place considerable weight on consistency in routines, schooling, and daily life.

4.3 Flexibility and Communication

While structure is essential, reasonable flexibility should be built in to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, particularly for expatriate families.

4.4 Documentation and Evidence

Parents should retain records such as:

school calendars;
travel bookings;
medical appointments;
written communications regarding schedule changes.

This documentation assists with future amendments or enforcement proceedings.

5. Custody Calendars in Contested Cases

Where agreement cannot be reached, the court may:

review competing custody proposals;
refer the parties to mediation;
order a child welfare assessment;
issue interim or final orders based on the child’s best interests.

A well-prepared and balanced calendar can materially strengthen a party’s position by demonstrating foresight and child-focused planning.

Conclusion

Custody calendars have become a central feature of parenting arrangements in the UAE, particularly for expatriate families operating under the non-Muslim Personal Status Law. A clear, evidence-based calendar promotes stability for the child, reduces parental conflict, and assists courts in evaluating whether arrangements truly serve the child’s best interests.

Legal guidance is strongly recommended when drafting or negotiating custody calendars to ensure compliance with statutory principles and judicial expectations.

Related Rubert & Partners Publications

Child Custody Arrangements Under UAE Law
https://www.rubertpartners.com/child-custody-arrangements-uae/
Divorce Mediation in the UAE – What? How? Worth?
https://www.rubertpartners.com/divorce-mediation-uae/
Updated UAE Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022)
https://www.rubertpartners.com/updated-uae-personal-status-law/
Divorce in the UAE: 10 Main Takeaways for Expatriates
https://www.rubertpartners.com/divorce-in-the-uae-10-main-takeaways/

Watch legal insights on family law topics, including custody and divorce:

Maria Rubert YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaRubert

Curated family-law playlist:
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlauK-0RUo0TkoxiHdDSGw_4jHyloqtZY

Disclaimer

This publication is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional guidance should be obtained based on individual circumstances. Rubert & Partners accepts no liability for actions taken in reliance on this content.