What is theft under UAE law?
Article 435 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) says theft occurs by embezzlement of movable property owned by a person other than the perpetrator.
Everything after that depends on the circumstances. The law grades theft from a simple offence up to life imprisonment, so the facts of where, when and how it happened decide the charge.
What is the penalty for simple theft?
Incarceration for a period of not less than six months, or a fine, where none of the aggravating circumstances in the preceding articles applies (Article 443).
Attempted theft of this kind is punished by half the penalty for the completed offence (Article 445). Where the court gives incarceration of one year or more for theft or attempt against a recidivist, it may order probation of up to two years (Article 446).
When does the penalty become much more serious?
Article 442 sets incarceration of not less than one year where theft happens in a place of worship, an inhabited place, a means of transport or an airport, through breaking in or using duplicate keys, by someone posing as a public official, by two or more persons, or against property of the State or the authorities referred to in Article 5.
Article 441 provides incarceration of two to seven years for theft at night or by a person carrying weapons, and temporary imprisonment of five to seven years for theft by a worker at his place of work or with intent to harm his employer. Theft by coercion or threat to use weapons carries temporary imprisonment (Article 438), and the gravest forms carry life imprisonment (Articles 436 and 437).
What about taking a car without permission?
Using a car, motorcycle or similar vehicle without the owner's consent is punished by incarceration of up to one year and/or a fine of up to AED 10,000 (Article 447).
That is a separate offence from theft, because the intent is to use rather than to keep. The distinction can matter a great deal to the outcome.
What should I do first?
Do not talk to the complainant
Contact can be reported as pressure.
Preserve messages, receipts and CCTV details
They often show ownership, permission or intent.
Do not return or sell the property without advice
It can help or harm depending on the case.
Call us before any police interview
What you say about ownership and intent is central.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is theft always a prison offence?
Simple theft carries incarceration of not less than six months or a fine (Article 443), so a fine is possible. Aggravated theft carries much heavier penalties.
What if I thought the property was mine?
Theft concerns property owned by a person other than the perpetrator, and the intent is part of the case. Honest belief in ownership is something the defence examines.
Is an employee treated more harshly?
Article 441 provides temporary imprisonment of five to seven years for theft by a worker at the working place or with intent to harm the employer.
Is attempt punished?
For the misdemeanour of theft, attempt is punishable by half the penalty for the completed offence (Article 445).
Related guides
Theft & Breach of Trust overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewBreach of Trust
When using, spending or keeping money or property that was entrusted to you becomes a crime, and who the law treats as a person holding property in trust.
Read the guideEmbezzlement
What the law says about embezzlement by public servants and by people entrusted with public service, and how it differs from private breach of trust.
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.