How is sexual harassment defined?
Article 413 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) defines it as any persistent behaviour which disturbs the victim through the repetition of acts, words or gestures that would offend that person's modesty, with the intention of causing that person to submit to the sexual desires of the perpetrator or a third party.
The elements that matter are persistence, offence to modesty and the intention to obtain submission to sexual desires.
What is the penalty?
Incarceration of not less than one year and/or a fine of not less than AED 10,000 (Article 413).
The penalty rises to incarceration of not less than two years and/or a fine of not less than AED 50,000 if there are multiple perpetrators, the perpetrator carries a weapon, the victim is 18 or under, or the perpetrator is a relative, carer, person in authority or servant of the victim.
What related offences exist?
Article 412 punishes a man who approaches a female on a public road or frequented place in an indecent manner with words or acts, with incarceration of up to one year and/or a fine of up to AED 10,000.
Online, Article 44 of the Cybercrimes Law covers invasion of privacy, and Article 42 covers cyber threats and extortion.
How is a harassment allegation defended?
By examining whether the behaviour was persistent, whether it was directed at the complainant, what was said and the intention behind it.
Messages, call records and workplace records decide these cases. Keep everything and do not contact the complainant.
What should I do first?
Preserve messages and records
They show frequency and content.
Stop contact
Even apologies can be reported.
Collect witness names
Colleagues and others.
Take advice before an HR or police interview
Statements are used.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is one comment sexual harassment?
Article 413 requires persistent behaviour through repetition.
What is the minimum penalty?
Incarceration of not less than one year and/or a fine of not less than AED 10,000.
Is workplace harassment covered?
The offence is general. A workplace is not a requirement, although it can bring other consequences.
Is it an offence to approach someone indecently in public?
Article 412 punishes a man doing so in a public place.
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 guideStalking and Threats
How threats, persistent harassment, tracking and online extortion are punished under the Crimes and Cybercrimes Laws.
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. Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 4 April 2024, with one amendment. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.