What counts as forging a signature?
Article 251 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) lists putting a forged signature or seal, or altering a genuine signature, seal or thumbprint, as one means of forgery.
It also covers obtaining a signature, seal or thumbprint by surprise or fraud without the person knowing the contents of the document or validly giving consent, and filling a signed blank paper without the signer's consent.
What is the penalty?
Forgery of an official document carries imprisonment of up to ten years and of a non-official document incarceration (Article 252). Using the forged document carries the same penalty (Article 258).
Incarceration is one month to three years (Article 70). The category of document decides which penalty applies.
How is a disputed signature resolved?
Usually by expert examination, comparing the disputed signature with genuine samples.
The defence can challenge the expert's method, the samples used and the conclusions. The court weighs the whole evidence, not only the report.
What if I signed a blank paper?
Article 251 treats filling in a paper signed in blank without the signer's consent as forgery. That is a risk for anyone who signs blank documents or cheques.
If you signed but the contents were changed, the defence is that the contents were added without your consent. Keep the original and any copies you hold.
What should I do first?
Do not sign blank papers
It is a common starting point for these cases.
Request the original document
Copies are weaker evidence.
Gather genuine signature samples
Dated documents you signed around the same time.
Ask for an independent expert
Do not rely only on one report.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be charged if I did not forge it myself?
Whoever knowingly uses a forged document is punished with the penalty for forgery (Article 258).
Is tricking someone into signing forgery?
Article 251 lists obtaining a signature by surprise or fraud without the person knowing the contents as a means of forgery.
Who decides if the signature is genuine?
The court, usually with an expert report.
What penalty applies?
Imprisonment of up to ten years for an official document, incarceration for a non-official one (Article 252).
Related guides
Forgery overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewDocument Forgery
How the law defines forgery of official and non-official documents, including contracts and commercial papers, and the penalty for using a forged document.
Read the guideFraud
How the Crimes and Penalties Law defines fraud, what must be proved, and how a commercial dispute is separated from a crime.
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.