Legal Analysis of Life Imprisonment as Penalty in the UAE

The penalties in UAE are taken very seriously by the authorities. The UAE government ensures that everyone stays safe in UAE. Therefore, criminal laws are revised after every few years. However, life imprisonment is one of the most severe penalties a criminal can get. Consequently, the understanding of life imprisonment and its implications in the UAE are significant to legal professionals and residents across the Emirates. Our lawyers in Dubai always offer the invaluable services.

The UAE legal system decides on life imprisonment against the crime offender. While other countries have a cap on the years of life imprisonment, the UAE has different laws. In many cases, depending on the severity of the crime, it can go up to 25 years. A cap free punishment is in the best favour of UAE.

The UAE’s Penal Code has established the imprisonment sentence rule. However, certain aspects have to be taken into account to decide the imprisonment sentence:

• Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 of UAE Penal Code

According to the UAE Penal Code, life imprisonment is given for specific crimes such as involvement in drug trafficking, acts of terrorism or being found guilty of a planned murder.

• Islamic Law in the UAE

Knowing that the UAE is an Islamic state influences Sharia Law. Though life imprisonment is temporary, depending on religious practices and laws, the criminal can be convicted of heinous crimes. For better understanding please consult our lawyers in Dubai.

• Legal Discretion

The judges in the UAE have to determine the life imprisonment sentences and how they are imposed in certain cases.

Life imprisonment in UAE deters many criminal activities. Crimes that are threatening to the public are often considered for life imprisonment. We have the best team of Criminal Law lawyers. Let’s take a look at those crimes:

• Intentional Murder

If the person is found guilty of attempting an intentional murder, the least penalty would be life imprisonment. The years are decided by the UAE criminal laws or the judges while hearing the case.

The use of drugs is strictly prohibited in the UAE. The anti-narcotics laws have ensured severe penalties for individuals involved in such crimes. A life imprisonment is a very common sentence given to the crime offenders in drug trafficking cases.

• Terrorism

Putting national security at risk is an act of terrorism which has severe penalties in the UAE. The life imprisonment could be extended and lead to the death penalty, too.

• Betraying the Country

Treason and espionage are heinous crimes in all countries. However, the UAE’s legal system has severe penalties for treason, which can result in prolonged life imprisonment and the death penalty.

• Human Trafficking

Human rights are given much more importance in the UAE. Violating human rights is a crime on the international level. Pertaining to its importance across the world, the UAE has stringent penalties for human trafficking. Life imprisonment is the least penalty in the UAE. Otherwise, it can lead to the death penalty as well.

The parole system is strict in the UAE. Several aspects are involved in deciding parole for life-term prisoners:

• Eligibility for Bail

Prisoners who have served life sentences of 15-20 years, if their crimes were not too serious, are eligible for parole.

• Change in Life Imprisonment Sentence

The years of life imprisonment can be reduced under special situations, such as announcing national celebrations or religious holidays.

• Judicial Review

The decisions for bail need judicial approval to ensure fairness and compliance with UAE criminal laws.

The UAE laws are fair to everyone. However, the criminal laws are stringent. There have been concerns for life imprisonment in several emirates as it questions human rights and ethics:

• Fair Trials

The UAE judicial system ensures that everyone gets fair trials, qualified legal services, and the opportunity to appeal in court.

• Attention to Rehabilitation

The UAE Penal Code takes corrective measures. However, it focuses on rehabilitation, where vocational training and educational programmes are offered to prisoners.

• Compliance with Human Rights

The UAE has several human rights treaties that ensure that it meets international standards of human rights, especially in providing kind treatment to prisoners.

• Expats Receiving Life Imprisonment in the UAE

The expats are a major portion of the UAE’s population. For criminal cases, they are penalised in the same way as the local Emiratis. However, there are a few more things that can be done to the expats in the UAE for committing a crime:

• Deportation

The expats will serve their sentences in the UAE as per the law. However, they will be deported to their home country after serving their sentences in the UAE.

• Legal Representation

Expats have the right to get legal representation for their cases. They also get interpreters in court trials, ensuring they have handled their cases with a proper understanding of the laws.

• Cultural Sensitivity

The expats should learn the social, legal and cultural norms of the UAE so they can avoid getting involved in any crime because the UAE penalties are severe for everyone.

The UAE government has a good understanding of human rights as it has signed treaties with international organisations. Though life imprisonment can be prolonged for many criminals, depending on the severity of their crime, rehabilitation programmes have been developed for those prisoners:

Juvenile justice can be done in prison by providing education to young prisoners, as it contributes to their personal growth. Educational programmes can be taught to anyone who wants to get a higher education while serving a prison sentence.

• Vocational Training

Prisoners can learn many skills while in jail. These vocational training include carpentry, tailoring, and even hands-on experience with technology. These skills help prisoners reintegrate into society.

The prisoners can also get psychological counselling to deal with their mental health problems, as it helps them to serve the imprisonment sentence in a better way.

Life imprisonment is helpful in the UAE as many crime offenders stay away from committing crimes. However, society views life imprisonment as being on a different spectrum. Some people have opined that life imprisonment leads to economic costs and a financial burden on the state. This is because life imprisonment comes with rehabilitation programmes in the UAE. However, it also affects the families of the prisoners, especially if they have been the breadwinner of their family. Other people find life imprisonment a good decision in the UAE because it shows public safety to the expats and other people across the world.

Comparing life imprisonment practices in the UAE with other countries provides valuable insights:

1. United States:

The U.S. imposes life imprisonment more frequently, often without parole, for a broader range of crimes.

1. European Union:

EU countries emphasize rehabilitative justice, with life sentences often including review mechanisms after 20 to 25 years.

1. Neighboring Gulf States:

Similar to the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations impose life imprisonment for severe crimes, reflecting shared cultural and legal principles.

The UAE continues to evolve its legal system to balance justice, deterrence, and rehabilitation. Potential reforms include:

1. Enhanced Rehabilitation Programs:

Expanding educational and vocational training initiatives.

1. Standardized Sentencing:

Establishing clearer guidelines for imposing life sentences to ensure consistency.

1. Increased Transparency:

Improving access to parole and commutation processes for eligible prisoners.

Life imprisonment in the UAE is a critical component of its criminal justice system, reflecting the nation’s commitment to public safety and justice. While it serves as a powerful deterrent against serious crimes, the UAE’s emphasis on rehabilitation ensures that even life-term prisoners have opportunities for personal growth and potential reintegration. By aligning its practices with global standards and addressing ethical concerns, the UAE continues to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and human dignity. By understanding the intricacies of life imprisonment in the UAE, individuals can better navigate its legal landscape, fostering a safer and more equitable society. For further understanding, you can also learn from our lawyers in Dubai. Our lawyers in Dubai, are leading lawyers in United Arab Emirates.