What is soliciting?
Article 414 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) punishes whoever is found on a public road or frequented place instigating passers-by, by words or gestures, to debauchery, with imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of up to AED 100,000.
Article 415 covers publicly prompting others to debauchery by any means, with incarceration of up to one month and/or a fine of up to AED 100,000.
What about inciting or compelling others?
Article 417 punishes inciting, enticing or seducing a male or female by any means to debauchery or prostitution, or assisting in it, with imprisonment of not less than two years and a fine.
Article 418 punishes doing so by coercion, trick or threat with temporary imprisonment of up to ten years, and not less than ten years if the victim is under 18, and holding a person against their will for that purpose.
What about premises and profit?
Article 419 punishes establishing or running a house for debauchery or prostitution, or facilitating or assisting in it, with temporary imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 100,000, and the place is closed.
Article 420 punishes taking advantage of another's prostitution with temporary imprisonment of up to five years, and Article 421 treats the relationship or authority of the perpetrator as an aggravating circumstance.
What happens to a habitual offender?
Article 422 provides temporary imprisonment for a habitual prostitute or debauchee, and Article 423 adds probation equal to the sentence where a sentence of one year or more is imposed.
Article 424 presumes that the perpetrator knows the victim's age. Foreigners can also face deportation, so take advice immediately if you or someone you know is detained.
What should I do first?
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Frequently asked questions
Is soliciting in public a crime?
Yes, under Article 414.
What is the penalty for running a house for prostitution?
Temporary imprisonment, a fine of not less than AED 100,000 and closure (Article 419).
Is living off someone's prostitution punished?
Yes, with temporary imprisonment of up to five years (Article 420).
Is deportation possible?
For a foreigner, yes. See our deportation guides.
Related guides
Public Order Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewPublic Indecency
What counts as an indecent act or conduct against public morals, the penalties and the rules on obscene materials.
Read the guideConsensual Relations
What the Crimes and Penalties Law says about consensual relations between adults, when a complaint is needed and the rules for pregnancies outside marriage.
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.