The UAE has set out reforms to its legal system that formally establish 18 as the age of adulthood, strengthen the rights of people as young as 15 to manage their own financial affairs and give greater decision-making powers to its judiciary.

The government said the new Civil Transactions Law – established through a federal decree – would serve as a "pivotal legislative milestone" and help modernise the country's legal landscape.

The age of majority, when a person is legally defined as an adult, will be reduced from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years, using the calendar adopted by a majority of the world.