Is bribery in a private company a crime?
Yes. Article 278 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) punishes a person who manages a private sector entity or establishment, or works for it in any capacity, and who requests, accepts, takes or promises an unentitled gift, privilege or grant in return for performing or omitting an act within their duties or violating them, with temporary imprisonment of up to five years.
It applies even if the person intended not to perform the act, and even if the request or acceptance came after the act.
What about the person paying?
Article 279 punishes anyone who promises, offers or grants a person managing or working for a private sector entity an unentitled gift, privilege or grant in return for performing or omitting an act within their duties or violating them, also with temporary imprisonment of up to five years.
The gift can be for the person or for someone else, and it can be given directly or indirectly. That catches commissions routed through relatives, agents or third companies.
What penalties follow besides prison?
A fine equal to what was requested, offered or accepted, at least AED 5,000, and confiscation of the gift (Article 283). Attempt is punished as the completed crime (Article 287).
The criminal lawsuit does not expire with time (Article 286).
How should a business handle this risk?
Keep clear approval records for gifts, commissions and hospitality, and separate legitimate commercial discounts from payments to individuals.
Exemption exists for a briber or intermediary who informs the authorities before the crime is discovered (Article 284). Take advice before deciding to disclose.
What should I do first?
Collect contracts, commission letters and approvals
They show what was agreed.
Do not discuss payments with the other side
Statements can be used.
Check who received each payment
Direct or indirect.
Get advice before any internal report
Disclosure timing matters.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a crime to pay a company employee for a favour?
Yes, if the payment is an unentitled gift in return for performing or omitting an act within or violating their duties (Article 279).
What is the maximum prison term?
Temporary imprisonment of up to five years (Articles 278 and 279).
Is a commission always a bribe?
No. A disclosed, contractual commission is different from a secret payment for violating duties.
Can the case be brought years later?
Yes. The criminal lawsuit for these crimes does not expire (Article 286).
Related guides
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Who can be charged with giving or taking a bribe, what counts as a bribe and the rules on time limits, attempts and informing the authorities.
Read the guideAbuse of Public Office
What the law says about public servants who misuse their powers, take profit from their job, harm their entity or use unlawful force against accused persons.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 7 September 2026. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.