What is obstruction of justice?
Article 315 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) punishes with incarceration anyone who, with the intention to mislead the judiciary, the investigation authority or evidence-gathering, modifies the situation of persons, places or things, conceals the evidence of a crime, or knowingly provides false information about it.
The intention to mislead is central. Cleaning a scene or deleting messages without that intention is a different matter, but it can be read as concealment.
What about documents?
Article 316 punishes with incarceration and a fine anyone who conceals, destroys or takes possession of a document, deed or other thing submitted to the investigation authorities or in a lawsuit, for the purpose of misleading them. It applies even if the document is left in the possession of the person who submitted it, until requested.
Article 317 punishes with incarceration of up to six months or a fine of up to AED 5,000 anyone legally bound to submit a document or object useful to establish an incident presented to the courts who abstains, in cases other than those permitted.
Can helping a suspect be a crime?
Yes. Coercing a witness to conceal evidence or make untrue statements is covered by Article 308, and breaking seals or tampering with objects held in safe-keeping has its own chapter.
A person who helps the accused escape or hides them can also face charges. Take advice before helping anyone involved in an investigation.
What should I do if I hold evidence?
Keep it as it is, record how you came to have it and hand it to your lawyer, who can decide how and whether to produce it.
Do not destroy, modify or move it. Production that is lawful and timely protects you.
What should I do first?
Preserve everything exactly as it is
Devices, documents, messages.
Do not tidy up or delete
It can look like concealment.
List what you hold and when you got it
A simple note.
Send it through your lawyer
Do not hand things to the other side.
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Frequently asked questions
Is deleting messages obstruction?
It can be, if done with the intention to mislead investigators (Article 315). Do not delete.
What is the penalty?
Incarceration (Article 315), and incarceration and a fine for documents (Article 316).
Must I hand over a document I hold?
If legally bound to submit one, abstaining is punished under Article 317.
Does this apply to witnesses?
Coercing a witness is covered by Article 308.
Related guides
Offences Against Justice overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewPerjury
What counts as false testimony under UAE law, when a witness is protected for retracting and the penalties for experts and translators.
Read the guideResisting Arrest
How the law treats forcibly resisting or assaulting a public servant, and what happens if someone escapes custody.
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.