Naming your child in the UAE? This law says you can't choose just any name

Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 – known as Wadeema’s Law, outlines what names are legally acceptable for children born in the UAE.

A recent viral social media post has brought fresh attention to a lesser-known but important law in the UAE: naming regulations for newborns under Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, widely known as Wadeema’s Law.

This law, introduced in memory of Wadeema, a child whose tragic death sparked national outrage, was enacted to protect children’s rights across all areas of life in the UAE. Among its many provisions is a clear guideline on how children may be named at birth.

The law behind naming: What article 8 says

According to Article 8 of Wadeema’s Law, “A child has the right from birth to a name that does not imply humiliation or insult to their dignity and is not contrary to religious beliefs or social customs.”

This means parents in the UAE are legally prohibited from giving a child a name that could be deemed:

• Offensive
• Insulting to the child’s dignity
• In conflict with religious values
• Inappropriate in the context of local culture or customs

The law does not list banned names explicitly, but the language makes it clear: the choice of a name must align with social respect, cultural norms, and religious sensitivity.

Additional rights under Wadeema’s Law

The law contains several other critical rights that cover a child’s identity and legal status in the UAE. These include:

• Article 7:

Every child has the right to life and personal safety, and the state guarantees the child’s growth, development, and care in accordance with the law.

• Article 9:

A child must be registered immediately after birth in the official births register in line with the applicable legal system.

• Article 10:

A child has the right to acquire a nationality, according to the laws in force within the UAE.

• Article 11:

Every child has the right to legal parentage and family affiliation. The child must be affiliated with their lawful parents under prevailing national laws.

In addition, both parents or the child’s legal guardian are required to obtain all necessary legal documents related to the child’s birth, identity, and nationality. This includes:

• Birth certificate
• Nationality papers
• Any other state-issued identification documents

Why it matters

While naming a child might seem like a personal choice, the UAE government sees it as part of the child’s fundamental dignity and legal identity. By regulating names, Wadeema’s Law ensures that no child is burdened with a name that could affect their self-worth, cultural belonging, or legal standing.

This renewed public attention serves as a timely reminder to parents and guardians to be fully aware of their legal responsibilities, not just in caring for a child, but in safeguarding their identity from day one.