What does the Crimes Law say?
Under the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), sexual offences against a person aged 18 or under carry the highest penalties. Rape of a victim not more than 18 carries death (Article 406), and indecent assault on such a victim carries imprisonment of ten to twenty-five years (Article 407).
An indecent act with a woman or boy under 18 is punished with incarceration of not less than one year even if not in public (Article 411).
What about conduct with consent?
Article 409(2) punishes a person aged 18 or over who has sexual intercourse with a female, or engages in sexual conduct with a male or female, who has not attained 18, even with mutual consent, with imprisonment of not less than ten years and a fine of not less than AED 100,000.
Consent under that clause is recognised only if the person is 16 or over (Article 409(3)). For younger victims, the rape and assault provisions apply. Under-18s who engage in such conduct with consent are dealt with under the juvenile legislation (Article 409(4)).
Does it matter if the defendant did not know the age?
Article 424 says the perpetrator, under the provisions of the chapter, is assumed to know the victim's age.
That makes the evidence about how the age was known or could be known important, and it is something the defence examines carefully.
What other provisions protect children?
Sexual harassment of a victim aged 18 or under carries aggravated penalties (Article 413), and inciting, enticing or compelling minors to debauchery or prostitution carries heavier penalties (Articles 417 and 418).
Criminal procedure also allows a child protection specialist to be engaged in investigations and trials involving children. The Domestic Violence Law adds protection where the victim is a family member.
What should I do first?
Do not contact the child or family
Directly or through others.
Preserve devices and messages
Do not delete.
Do not discuss with anyone but your lawyer
Statements are used.
Call a lawyer before any interview
Immediately.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is consent a defence if the victim is under 18?
Not under Article 409(2), and consent is only recognised from age 16 (Article 409(3)).
What is the penalty under Article 409(2)?
Imprisonment of not less than ten years and a fine of not less than AED 100,000.
Is the defendant presumed to know the age?
Yes (Article 424).
What happens to a minor who consents?
They are dealt with under the juvenile legislation (Article 409(4)).
Related guides
Sexual Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewRape and Sexual Assault
What the Crimes and Penalties Law says about rape, indecent assault and attempt, and how the penalty rises with the circumstances.
Read the guideSexual Harassment
How the law defines sexual harassment, the penalty and what makes it more serious, plus related offences in public places.
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.