UAE introduces stricter penalties for sexual offences involving minors and prostitution

The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law amending key provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law, reinforcing the country’s commitment to justice, rights protection and community safety while continuing to modernise its legislative framework in line with evolving social and security needs.

The amendments reinforce the rule of law, enhance both general and specific deterrence, and strengthen protection for the most vulnerable segments of society.

They align with the UAE’s broader efforts to regularly review legislation and enhance enforcement mechanisms to ensure laws remain effective and responsive.

UAE crimes and penalties

Under the amendments, the judiciary’s ability to assess criminal risk in certain serious offences has been expanded.

Judicial authorities may subject convicted offenders to medical, psychological and social examinations during the final six months of their sentence, enabling a comprehensive evaluation based on criminal history, behaviour, specialised tests and accredited professional reports.

The amendments also authorise the Public Prosecution, where deemed necessary, to request that the competent court impose additional precautionary measures after an offender has completed the original sentence, if continued criminal risk is established and such measures are required to preserve public safety.

These measures may include placement in rehabilitation centres, therapeutic facilities, or submission to supervision or electronic monitoring, with the court retaining full discretion over such decisions.

In addition, the amendments grant the court, upon a request by the Attorney General, the authority to suspend the execution of custodial sentences in certain offences affecting State security, provided there are serious grounds to justify confidence in the offender’s reform.

Any suspension may be subject to one or more measures stipulated in Article (235) of the Crimes and Penalties Law, with the duration not exceeding the imposed sentence or its remaining term.

New UAE laws

The court may revoke a suspension order and return the offender to a correctional facility, upon a request by the Attorney General, if court-imposed conditions are breached or if the offender commits a new intentional offence during the period of the measure.

This approach aims to balance the protection of State security with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Federal Decree-Law also introduces stricter provisions for offences involving sexual assault or consensual intercourse with minors.

Any person aged 18 or above who engages in sexual intercourse with a female, or engages in sexual activity with a person of the same sex, under the age of 18 shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten years and a fine of not less than AED100,000 ($27,225), even where consent is alleged.

The amendments further clarify that consent is not recognised unless the victim has completed 16 years of age.

Individuals under 18 involved in consensual sexual acts will be subject to the Juvenile Delinquents and Juvenile at the Risk of Delinquency Law, regardless of gender or the sex of the other party, reflecting the UAE’s firm commitment to protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.

New penalties

Penalties have also been strengthened for offences involving incitement, solicitation or enticement to debauchery or prostitution.

These offences will be punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years and a fine, with harsher penalties applied when the victim is a minor under 18, ensuring enhanced safeguards for children.

The amendments reaffirm that modernising the Crimes and Penalties Law remains a central pillar of the UAE’s legislative development, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to community security, justice, human dignity and the protection of vulnerable groups.

The Federal Decree-Law represents a significant step in strengthening deterrence, combating crime and reinforcing a modern justice system that supports long-term stability and safety.