UAE Felony Laws: Serious Crimes & Penalties in Dubai & Abu Dhabi (2024)

The United Arab Emirates has a robust legal system that takes a stern stance against serious criminal offenses classified as felonies. These felony crimes are considered the most inexcusable violations of UAE laws, threatening the safety and security of both citizens and residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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Criminal acts are classified into three distinct categories: felonies, misdemeanors, and minor offenses. Each of these classifications carries its own set of penalties, punishments and consequences.

What Constitutes a Felony (Serious Crime) in Dubai?

A felony is a grave offense under UAE criminal law, leading to harsh consequences. In Dubai, felony charges can result in severe punishments, including imprisonment for more than a year. Crimes such as murder, robbery, rape, and kidnapping fall into this category, reflecting the seriousness of these offenses.

On the other hand, a misdemeanor is considered less serious, with lighter penalties, usually involving less than a year of jail time. However, both types of crimes are treated with strict enforcement across the UAE, and Abu Dhabi’s criminal penalties are similarly stringent when dealing with felony offenses.

Examples: theft, vandalism, disorderly conduct, and assault. Contravention is a minor offense that doesn’t involve serious harm or damage. Examples: traffic offenses (e.g., speeding, parking violations), noise pollution, and littering. Typically results in a fine or warning.

Examples of Felony Crimes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Based on the UAE Penal Code and criminal laws, some examples of felony crimes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi include: Murder and manslaughter, Rape and sexual assault, Kidnapping, Drug trafficking, Treason, Terrorism, Armed robbery, Aggravated assault causing serious injury, Large-scale financial crimes and fraud, Human trafficking, Counterfeiting currency, Arson, etc.

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Penalties for Felonies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

According to Federal Law by Decree No. (31) of 2021, felonies are considered the most serious category of crimes in the UAE and typically carry penalties such as: Death penalty (in rare cases), Life imprisonment, Temporary imprisonment for 3-15 years, Fines exceeding AED 10,000, Deportation for expatriates after serving sentence.

Felony sentences are often served in federal prisons (Abu Dhabi), rather than local jails (other emirates) in the UAE. Conviction of a felony may result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, or hold public office.

The exact punishment depends on the specific circumstances of the crime. Felony cases are tried in the Criminal Courts and have more severe consequences compared to misdemeanors or minor infractions under UAE law. The prosecution and courts take felony charges very seriously given their impact on public safety and society. Maintaining law and order has been a priority for the UAE.

penalties for felony in dubai abu dhabi

Statistics or Reports on Felony Crimes in Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2024

  • For the full year 2023, the number of criminal reports decreased by 49.9% compared to 2022
  • The Khaleej Times reported a 38% drop in serious violent crime over a five-year period
  • Dubai is considered very safe for walking alone during daylight (92% safety rating) and at night (85% safety rating)
  • Dubai has a crime index of 19.52 and a safety index of 80.48, ranking it among the safest cities globally
  • Abu Dhabi is considered very safe, with a crime index of 7.96 (very low) and safety walking alone during daylight rated at 91.09 (very high)
  • Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the safest city in the world for multiple consecutive years by global data platform Numbeo

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, reported that “the number of criminal reports were down by 49.9 per cent, and the crime index dropped 42 per cent compared to the year 2022”

Colonel Rashed Bin Dhaboui, Dubai Police’s Director of Criminal Control Department, presented a report showcasing “the results achieved through implementing developmental and strategic plans in order to reduce alarming crime rates, ensure speedy handling of reports, reduce crime rates in specific areas and form effective task forces”

Criminal Laws in the UAE for Felony Crimes

The UAE has enacted a comprehensive set of laws under the Federal Criminal Code and other statutes to strictly define and punish felony offenses. This includes the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on criminal procedural law, Federal Law No. 35 of 1992 on countering narcotics and psychotropic substances, Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 on anti-money laundering, the Federal Penal Code covering crimes like murder, theft, assault, kidnapping, and the recently updated Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating cybercrimes.

Several laws also draw principles from Sharia to criminalize moral offenses considered felonies, such as the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 on Issuance of the Penal Code which prohibits crimes relating to public decency and honor like rape and sexual assault. 

The UAE legal framework leaves no ambiguity in defining the grave nature of felonies and mandates rulings by courts based on detailed evidence to ensure fair prosecution.

Real-life cases illustrate the application of felony laws in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For instance, individuals have been sentenced to capital punishment for drug trafficking, and severe imprisonment terms have been handed down for crimes like rape and murder. These cases underscore the strict enforcement of felony laws in the region.

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Is it Possible to Reduce Felony Crime Penalties in an Appeal Court?

Defendants have the right to appeal felony convictions and sentences to higher courts. They have 15 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal, and 30 days to appeal to the Court of Cassation.

If the appeal court finds mitigating circumstances or If the court finds that the circumstances of the crime or perpetrator call for mercy, it may reduce the penalty. The appeal court has some discretion to amend the sentence if it upholds the appeal. For example:

  • A death sentence may be reduced to life or temporary imprisonment
  • Life imprisonment may be reduced to temporary imprisonment or at least 6 months incarceration
  • Temporary imprisonment may be reduced to at least 3 months incarceration

Reach us at +971506531334 or +971558018669 to discuss how we can help you in your felony criminal case.

What Approach should one take if he is Accused of a Felony Crime in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

  • Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney specializing in felony crimes immediately. Do not try to handle this on your own. A skilled lawyer is essential for working through the complex legal system and building a strong defense.
  • Do not make any statements to police or prosecutors without legal advice from a specialized felony attorney in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Anything you say can be used against you.
  • Carefully review the felony crime evidence and felony charges with your attorney. Let the lawyer examine police reports, witness statements, and other evidence to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
  • Explore all possible defenses with your appointed lawyer. Depending on the specifics, potential defenses could include alibi, lack of intent, mistaken identity, self-defense, or constitutional violations in how evidence was obtained for the felony crime.

Prepare thoroughly if going to felony trial or a felony court hearing in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. This includes developing a strong defense strategy, preparing to testify if advisable, and challenging the prosecution’s evidence on felonies.

It’s always recommended to seek legal advice or representation without delay when dealing with serious criminal charges to ensure the best possible outcome. Reach us at +971506531334 or +971558018669 to discuss how we can help you in your felony criminal case.

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