What are the principal penalties?
Article 67 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) lists them: Qisas and Diya, the death penalty, life imprisonment, temporary imprisonment, incarceration, detention and fines.
A death sentence issued by a federal court is executed only after it is ratified by the President (Article 68).
What are the ranges?
Temporary imprisonment is not less than three years or more than fifteen unless the law says otherwise (Article 69). Incarceration is not less than one month or more than three years (Article 70). A fine is not less than AED 1,000 and not more than AED 10,000,000 in felonies and AED 5,000,000 in misdemeanours, unless the law stipulates otherwise (Article 72).
Each offence then sets its own penalty, and the specific provision always prevails over these defaults.
What else follows a conviction?
Accessory penalties apply by force of law without being mentioned in the judgment: deprivation of some rights and privileges, police probation and dismissal from public service (Article 74).
A sentence to life or temporary imprisonment removes, for up to three years after the sentence ends, rights such as being a member of boards of public bodies or a joint stock company, a guardian or proxy, and carrying arms (Article 76).
Can a company be penalised?
Legal persons, other than government bodies, can be fined up to AED 5,000,000 where the crime carries another principal penalty, plus confiscation and criminal measures (Article 66).
The individuals responsible can still be punished personally.
What should I do first?
Identify the exact article charged
The penalty comes from the specific offence.
Ask about accessory consequences
Jobs, board seats and licences can be affected.
Ask whether deportation applies
For foreigners it often does.
Plan early
Penalty options narrow after judgment.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is incarceration?
Detention in a penal establishment for one month to three years unless the law says otherwise (Article 70).
What is the maximum fine?
AED 10,000,000 in felonies and AED 5,000,000 in misdemeanours, unless the law stipulates otherwise (Article 72).
Does a conviction affect my job?
Accessory penalties include dismissal from public service and deprivation of some rights (Article 74).
Does the death penalty need ratification?
A federal court's death sentence is executed only after ratification by the President (Article 68).
Related guides
Dubai Criminal Law overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCriminal Sentencing
How courts move from the penalty range to the actual sentence: stay of execution, extenuating and aggravating factors and recidivism.
Read the guideCriminal Liability
What the Crimes and Penalties Law requires for someone to be criminally liable, and the situations in which liability is removed or reduced.
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.