Punishment of Kidnapping in UAE

Kidnapping is treated as one of the most serious crimes in United Arab Emirates, where there is a zero-tolerance policy showed by the government. UAE has and maintained very strict laws to make sure that residents are fully safe and secured. Not just the residents, the visitors are also provided with full security and safety.

The UAE Penal Code describes severe punishments for offenses related to kidnapping, whether the victim is an adult or a child. UAE legal system, is a combination of civil law and Sharia law, and it covers all the essential legislation to stop kidnapping in country. Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (UAE Penal Code) is about legislation of kidnapping punishments. We will discuss different categories of kidnapping, as well as the role of lawyers in Dubai and lawyers in UAE.

Kidnapping is defined in UAE as the act of forcefully abducting a person, or restraining a person against his choice or will. Coercion or threats are used to remove an individual from his lawful location. Kidnapping cases in the UAE generally fall under the following categories:

1. Kidnapping – Unlawful abduction without the consent of a person, by using force.
2. Minor Kidnapping / Physical Harm – Cases involving minors, physical harm, ransom demands, or use of weapons.
3. Parental Kidnapping – When one parent retains a child unlawfully.

The Understanding of the categories is very much essential for lawyers practicing in UAE who defend or prosecute the legal cases.

We have stated in the beginning that UAE takes kidnapping on very serious note. UAE government imposes punishments but depending on the severity. Please find the key legal provisions as follows:

1. Kidnapping

• Article 344 of the UAE Penal Code states that, if anyone kidnaps a person unlawfully, can have or may face imprisonment ranging from 5 to 10 years.

2. Provoked Kidnapping

When certain aggravating factors are involved, it increases the punishment as:

• If the victim is woman, a disabled person or woman, then the punishment is life imprisonment.
• If the victim is treated with torture, assault, injuries, sexual assault, the punishment can be death penalty.
• If the kidnapping is done by a group of people/gangsters, the penalty can be more severe, if it is proved that it is an organized crime by number of people.

3. Parental Kidnapping

• Violation of a custody order, the accused parent can face up to 3 years in prison.

4. Ransom Purposed

• If the person is kidnapped with an aim of demanding ransom, the punishment is either life imprisonment or the death penalty, or both.

Legal defenses used by lawyers in Dubai:

1. If the accused did not try to kidnap, but he was only involved, in a misunderstanding.
2. If the victim willingly accompanied the accused.
3. False Accusations
4. If a parent was unaware of a legal custody order.

Lawyers in Dubai are very competent regards to this.

• Legal Consultation: Providing expert opinion. Advising clients on their rights.

• Court Service Representation: Representing clients in court
• Plea Bargaining: Negotiation and Mediation reduced sentences or brings alternative resolutions for minor offenses.
• Extradition Cases: Defending individuals facing international legal proceedings.
• Legal representation; for falsely accused of kidnapping.

By engaging an experienced law firm, victim can get the very quick justice. We have top lawyers in Dubai and we are No.1 Dubai Law Firm.

Several measures to prevent, implemented by UAE Government;

1. CCTV monitoring, facial recognition technology, and AI-based security systems.
2. Border Control – Immigration authorities enforce exit controls to prevent illegal abductions.
3. Regulate cybercrimes linked to kidnapping attempts.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns