What is perjury?
Article 302 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) punishes whoever gives false testimony under oath before a judicial authority competent to hear witnesses, or denies the truth or conceals all or part of what they know about the facts, whether or not their testimony is accepted, with incarceration of not less than three months.
If the act occurs in the investigation or trial of a felony, the penalty is temporary imprisonment. If the false testimony results in a death sentence or life imprisonment, the false witness gets the same penalty.
Can a witness avoid punishment?
Yes. A witness is exempted if they retract before the end of the criminal investigation and before they are denounced, or, in a trial, before any judgment on the merits, even if not final (Article 303).
A witness is also exempted if telling the truth would expose themselves to serious prejudice to their liberty or honour, or expose a spouse or close relatives (Article 304).
What about experts, translators and others?
An expert, translator or fact-finder appointed by a judicial or administrative authority who knowingly confirms something contrary to the truth or interprets inaccurately is punished with imprisonment of one to five years, and temporary imprisonment in a felony (Article 306).
Article 308 punishes using torture, force, threat or a gift or promise to coerce someone to suppress a matter, make untrue statements or conceal evidence before a judicial authority.
What are the practical risks?
Witnesses who say what they think is helpful, or guess, or are pressed by a party, can find themselves accused later. Statements to the police and the prosecution can be compared with trial evidence.
If you are a witness, be accurate and say when you do not know. If you made a mistake, speak to a lawyer promptly, because retraction in time protects you.
What should I do first?
Write down exactly what you know
Separate fact from belief.
Do not agree your account with others
It can look like coordination.
Correct mistakes through your lawyer
Early retraction protects you.
Ask if you are entitled to decline
Article 304 gives exemptions.
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Frequently asked questions
Is perjury punished by prison?
Incarceration of not less than three months, and temporary imprisonment if in a felony (Article 302).
Can I retract false testimony?
Yes, before the end of the investigation or the judgment on the merits (Article 303).
Does the law cover interpreters?
Yes. A translator who knowingly interprets inaccurately faces one to five years (Article 306).
Does it apply if my testimony was not accepted?
Yes, whether or not accepted in the proceedings (Article 302).
Related guides
Offences Against Justice overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewObstruction of Justice
How the law treats altering the scene, concealing evidence or documents and refusing to hand over items needed in a case.
Read the guideFalse Complaint
What the law says about knowingly false reports, the penalties and how a falsely accused person can claim compensation.
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.