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Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Penal Code) Verified

UAE Federal Penal Code & Criminal Law Guide

Complete elaborated guide to UAE criminal law — major offenses, expat-specific criminal risks, cybercrime penalties, drug laws, and your constitutional rights during criminal proceedings.

UAE Federal Penal Code Framework

Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, effective since 2 January 2022, is the governing UAE Federal Penal Code — replacing Federal Law No. 3 of 1987. It applies to all criminal offenses committed within the UAE's territory, including by UAE residents and visiting foreigners, alongside the Cybercrime Law (Decree-Law 34/2021) and specialized federal criminal statutes.

For the UAE judicial system, see our Supreme Court & Judicial System Guide. For landmark criminal rulings, see our Landmark Legal Cases Guide.

Interlinked Portals

⚖️ Judicial System Guide →🔨 Landmark Cases →🛡️ Fundamental Rights →📜 Constitution Articles →

Major Offenses & Penalties

Cybercrime (Art. 9 — Decree-Law 34/2021)

Covers hacking, unauthorized access, online defamation, spreading fake news online, and misuse of social media.

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021
⚠️ Penalty:

AED 250,000–AED 2 Million fine + 6 months to 2 years imprisonment

Drug Possession (Art. 40 — Narcotics Law 14/1995)

Zero tolerance. Trace amounts trigger mandatory arrest. Some prescription drugs (tramadol, codeine) require MOHAP permits.

Federal Law No. 14 of 1995
⚠️ Penalty:

Minimum 4 years imprisonment; life imprisonment for trafficking

Alcohol-Related Offenses

Drinking in public is prohibited. Selling alcohol without a license is a criminal offense. Sharjah has a complete alcohol ban.

Federal Penal Code (Dec.-Law 31/2021)
⚠️ Penalty:

AED 10,000–AED 30,000 + imprisonment. Drunk driving = immediate vehicle impoundment

Defamation / Insult (Art. 20 — Penal Code)

Insulting a person verbally, in writing, or online — including by email, WhatsApp, or social media — is a criminal offense.

Federal Penal Code Art. 20 & 21
⚠️ Penalty:

AED 250,000 fine + up to 2 years imprisonment

Bounced Cheque (Art. 401 — Commercial Transactions Law)

2022 reforms allow criminal case withdrawal if cheque is paid. Security cheques for rent/loans remain criminalized.

Federal Law No. 18 of 1993 (Art. 401)
⚠️ Penalty:

Imprisonment + deportation for expats. Civil claim for full amount

Domestic Violence (Federal Law 10/2008)

UAE domestic violence law protects spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Police can issue immediate protective orders.

Federal Law No. 10 of 2008 on Domestic Violence
⚠️ Penalty:

6 months–3 years imprisonment; protective orders issued by courts

Frequently Asked Questions (UAE Criminal Law)

The UAE Federal Penal Code is Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, effective 2 January 2022. It governs all criminal offenses across the UAE including defamation, assault, fraud, and public order offenses, replacing the earlier Federal Law No. 3 of 1987.

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrime Law) Article 29 makes it a criminal offense to publish content that harms national unity, insults the UAE government or leaders, or spreads false information online. Penalties include up to AED 1 million fine and 3 years imprisonment. See our Landmark Legal Cases Guide.

Under Federal Penal Code Article 121, foreign nationals convicted of a criminal offense in the UAE are automatically deported after serving their prison sentence and permanently banned from returning to the UAE.

The UAE has zero tolerance for drugs under Federal Law No. 14 of 1995. Even trace amounts trigger arrest. Drug possession carries a minimum 4-year imprisonment. Drug trafficking carries life imprisonment. Some prescription medications require MOHAP import permits before bringing into the UAE.
UAE Ministry of Justice VerifiedFederal Penal Code Decree-Law 31/2021

• UAE Ministry of Justice (Federal Laws Portal): moj.gov.ae
• UAE Public Prosecution (Criminal Matters): pp.gov.ae
• UAE Ministry of Interior (Police Reporting): moi.gov.ae