What counts as domestic violence?
Article 4 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 (Protection Against Domestic Violence) defines it as any act, omission, statement or threat of it, neglect, or sexual or economic exploitation committed or shared by one or more family members against another, exceeding the guardianship, authority or responsibility held by the perpetrator, that results in or aims to cause physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm.
Article 3 defines family broadly: husband, wife and children, spouses of parents, children of a spouse from another marriage, relatives by blood or marriage up to the fourth degree, people linked by guardianship, custody or legal authority, and a fostered child.
Who must report, and to whom?
The victim has the right to report. Anyone who becomes aware of an incident, including family members and providers of health, education, social, psychological or sports services, must promptly report it, to the Ministry, the competent authority or the social support centre. The police must be informed if the act is physical or sexual violence (Article 5).
The reporter's identity may not be disclosed unless required by judicial procedures. Failing to report, or submitting a false or malicious report, carries a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 (Article 22).
What are the penalties?
Imprisonment and a fine not exceeding AED 50,000, or either (Article 21).
It is an aggravating circumstance if the victim is a parent or ascendant of the perpetrator, over 60, pregnant, a child, a person with disabilities or legally incapacitated, or if the offence is repeated within one year. The court also requires the perpetrator to attend rehabilitation courses, and may order community service (Articles 21 and 26). A severer penalty in another law still applies (Article 20).
Can the matter be settled?
In some cases. Family reconciliation may be offered within 14 days of the report if both sides agree, but not if the act is a felony (Article 13). Penal reconciliation, where permissible under the Criminal Procedures Law, can end the criminal case or stay the judgment, with consent of both parties (Article 14).
Using force or threat against the victim to compel withdrawal of a report is itself an offence, punished by imprisonment and a fine of AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 (Article 25).
What should I do first?
Do not contact the complainant
Contact can breach a restraining order.
Keep messages and records
They show context.
Think about children's welfare
A child protection specialist may be involved (Article 7).
Get advice before any reconciliation
Terms are binding once signed.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is domestic violence a crime in the UAE?
Yes. Article 21 provides imprisonment and a fine up to AED 50,000, or either.
Who counts as family?
A wide group, including relatives to the fourth degree and guardians (Article 3).
Can a victim withdraw?
Penal reconciliation is possible where permitted (Article 14). Coercing a victim to withdraw is an offence (Article 25).
Are false reports punished?
Yes, with a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 (Article 22).
Related guides
Domestic Violence overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewRestraining Orders
Who can issue a restraining order, how long it lasts, what it can prohibit and how to challenge it.
Read the guideStalking and Threats
How threats, persistent harassment, tracking and online extortion are punished under the Crimes and Cybercrimes Laws.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 (Protection Against Domestic Violence), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active, in force from 16 September 2024. The Arabic text prevails over translations. 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.