Punishments for Committing a Crime in UAE

If we talk about the legal system in the United Arab Emirates, justice is prevalent in all emirates. The several non-Muslim expats might find the UAE legal system complicated because it is a blend of Sharia law and civil law. However, Muslims follow Sharia law, whereas non-Muslims prefer their cases to be resolved through global civil laws or the laws used in their countries. Committing a crime in UAE can lead to imprisonment and even a death sentence. Depending on the severity of the crime, one can also resolve it by paying a fine for the criminal offense.

Under the criminal laws of the UAE, the following rules are applied:

• Federal Penal Code (Federal Law. No. 3 of 1987)

It is the fundamental rule applied to determine the offenses and penalties against them.

• Federal Law on Combating Cybercrime

The law serves to resolve disputes over cybercrime activities, such as online harassment or hacked accounts.

• Anti-Narcotics Law

The illegal use of drugs is reported and resolved through anti-narcotics law.

• Sharia Law

According to Islamic principles, the law for committing a crime is different from that of other parts of the world. However, the UAE ensures that criminal offenses are penalized as per the severity of the crime and the nationality of the offender because non-Muslims cannot be penalized as per Islamic criminal laws. They will be punished according to the international criminal laws.

The punishments under the UAE criminal laws can be divided into the severity of the crime:

• Imprisonment

In the UAE, imprisonment could be given if the offender committed theft, fraud, or assault. However, the duration of imprisonment is determined in three ways: short-term sentences, long-term sentences, and life imprisonment. Minor offenses have short-term imprisonment, whereas long-term imprisonment can be more than three years. Life imprisonment is given if a heinous crime has taken place in the UAE.

However, the UAE’s prison system ensures that criminals are trained in prison for various good activities so they can become better people when they get out. Therefore, they are admitted to rehabilitation centres within the prisons.

• Fines

Fines are imposed for traffic violations, hacking someone’s account, and defaming any person in the UAE.

• Commercial Crimes

Crimes related to businesses, such as breach of contract or fraud, can be penalized under the Commercial Crimes Act.

• Deportation

As an expat, you can be deported to your home country for serious criminal offenses such as drug trafficking and sexual assaults.

• Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment involves crimes that are related to moral and personal offenses, such as adultery and alcohol consumption. Adultery is forbidden in all religions, whereas alcohol consumption is only forbidden in Islam. Therefore, any Muslim caught drinking in the UAE will be imprisoned by the authorities.

• Death Penalty in the UAE

The UAE has the death penalty for intended murder, terrorism, and huge drug trafficking. The execution of Capital Punishment is conducted either by hanging the offender or firing them in a designated area for such punishments.

• Community Service as Penalty

Small criminal offenses can also be resolved through community service. The offender will have to serve the UAE’s community in specific areas as guided by the authorities.

• Suspended Sentences

First-time offenders can avoid imprisonment under specific circumstances.

• Punishments Under the UAE Criminal Laws

Though the crime rate is low in the UAE, crimes still happen. The UAE has criminal laws and punishments, but these are executed as per the principles of the criminal offense:

• Deterrence

In the UAE, the punishments are executed to lower the crime rate in all emirates. Discouraging offenders and the public to commit crimes is a public responsibility of every individual in the UAE. Anyone who sees a crime happening must inform the relevant authorities at the earliest.

• Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation system ensures the well-being of crime offenders in prison. Several vocational activities and training programs are devised to improve individuals’ lives.

• Restoration

Financial compensation shall be given to the victim if they have property damages due to the negligence of the other party.

• Proportionality

The bigger the criminal offense, the bigger the punishment. Depending on the severity of the offense, the UAE authorities ensure justice for the victim.

• Cultural Sensitivity

The legal system in the UAE works according to Sharia laws. However, due to its diverse population, non-Muslims are penalised as per international criminal laws.

• Expatriates in United Arab Emirates

The expatriates indeed contribute to a major portion of the UAE’s population. However, the criminal laws are applied regardless of the nationality. If you are an expatriate in United Arab Emirates, you will need to understand the cultural and legal differences to avoid doing a crime. For example, alcohol consumption is prohibited for Muslims. Also, the language barrier will require expats to have a translator in their dispute. Moreover, an expat cannot travel outside the UAE unless they have resolved a criminal dispute within the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE criminal laws work great to deter several criminal offenses, but sometimes, it becomes difficult to manage criminal punishment. Sometimes, penalties are imposed for an unintentional crime. This usually happens with expats who are unfamiliar with the UAE Penal Code. Also, corporal punishment and deportation are considered to be harsh punishments and receive criticism from many people in the UAE. However, variations in the same criminal offenses can lead to inconsistencies, which some individuals in the UAE do not like.

The UAE has made developments in its legal reforms, strengthening its criminal justice system. These reforms are related to the UAE Personal Status Laws, Anti-discrimination Laws, and Juvenile Justice. The Personal Status Law has been revised, and alcohol consumption and cohabitation laws have been revised to the UAE’s societal norms. However, hate speech is discouraged, whereas inclusivity is promoted. Nevertheless, juvenile prisons have rehabilitation services to educate the young offenders in prison. Making changes to those laws ensures justice to the UAE’s legal system.

If you are considering hiring legal services in UAE, then you should know what kind of lawyer you will need. Most importantly, you should hire a lawyer who understands the cultural differences because they understand the expats better. Considering the multi-dynamic culture and vibrant colors of the UAE, legal services could be expensive. Some lawyers are charging higher, but many are economical too. You will need to interview the lawyers before you hire one.

Finding a lawyer in UAE can be daunting when you have no idea about the UAE legal system. A language barrier can also create CHAOS in your daily life, leading to problems that were not intended in the first place. You must choose a legal consultant who has a degree in law, is practicing their degree, and has a good track record of success. However, they should have economical rates to resolve your case.

A lawyer based in the UAE who has been dealing with international clients is known as an international lawyer. They have more experience and better communication skills. If you have found a lawyer with international experience, you should hire them. Ask The Law Al Shaiba Advocates and Legal Consultants is recognized as top Law Firm in Dubai, serving expatriates living in United Arab Emirates.