A number of MPs, led by Basma Mubarak, have submitted a proposal calling for the expansion of child visitation venues for separated parents to include shopping malls, cafés, family areas and play centres.
These venues, they argue, leave a positive impact on children compared to confined locations.
The MPs noted that the current Family Law stipulates that visitation must take place at agreed times and locations, provided it does not harm the child physically or psychologically.
They stressed that the proposed amendment is in line with children’s best interests and consistent with Family Law, particularly concerning visitation arrangements.
According to the MPs, implementing this proposal would safeguard children’s mental and social wellbeing.
The explanatory memorandum obtained by our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej highlighted that the proposal stems from the need to provide a psychologically supportive environment for the child outside rigid official settings.
“Such environments would help ease stress and anxiety, enabling children to feel comfortable, secure and emotionally connected, while reducing the adversarial nature of court-ordered visitation,” it said.
The MPs further explained that allowing visits in public recreational spaces would strengthen the child’s emotional bond with the non-custodial parent, create a natural and positive interaction and help establish a healthy relationship free from previous tensions.
The legislators added that this would also mitigate the negative effects of parental separation, enabling the child to feel a sense of normalcy and continuity in life. They stressed that recreational and social activities were essential for children, leaving a positive impact on their psychological health and overall development.
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