The UAE Government has issued Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025 focused on children of unknown parentage, meaning children whose biological parents are not legally known. This law aims to improve how the country cares for vulnerable children and ensures they grow up in safe and stable homes. The new law prioritizes “the best interests of the child” in all care and custody decisions. It creates a coordinated support system combining social, health, educational, and psychological help tailored for each child. The law also protects children’s identity and privacy to help them grow with dignity and avoid stigma. All decisions involving these children will now consider their physical, emotional, and social needs, including education, healthcare, and secure family environments. Building on the existing Child Rights Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016), this reform removes barriers faced by children without known parents, such as lack of documentation and difficulty accessing services. It guarantees equal access to essential services regardless of parental status and standardizes care to follow a unified, child-first approach across the UAE. Experts welcome the law as a strong addition to the UAE’s child welfare efforts, which emphasize safety, health, education, and emotional growth for all children. This step aligns with other UAE initiatives like Wadeema’s Law and the Child Safety Forum in Sharjah. Together, these efforts build a full child protection system for vulnerable children and those without family identity. Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025 marks a key moment in the UAE’s commitment to children’s welfare and social inclusion by ensuring stable care, rights, and opportunities for all children, including the most at risk.