The UAE is introducing tougher penalties for child sex offenses and prostitution

The UAE government has issued a Federal order that contains important provisions and legal penalties, emphasizing the country’s commitment to justice, the protection of rights and public safety while meeting social and security needs.

The amendments strengthen the rule of law, improve general and specific enforcement, and strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable sections of society.

They are in line with the UAE’s wider efforts to review laws and develop enforcement mechanisms to ensure that laws are effective and accountable.

UAE crimes and penalties

Under these amendments, the powers of the Judiciary to assess criminal risk in certain serious cases have been expanded.

Judicial authorities may subject offenders to medical, psychological and social examinations in the last six months of their sentence, enabling a comprehensive assessment based on criminal history, behavior, research and special reports.

These amendments authorize the public prosecution, where it is considered appropriate, to request that the competent court impose additional security measures after the criminal risk has ended the first regime, if the continuing criminal risk is needed to maintain public safety.

These measures may include placement in rehabilitation centers, rehabilitation centers, or subjection to electronic monitoring or electronic employment, with the court retaining full discretion over such decisions.

In addition, the amendments to the amendment, at the request of the attorney general, the authority to suspend the execution of prison sentences for certain crimes affecting the security of the state, given that there are serious reasons to renew the Oudender reforms.

Any suspension may be subject to one or more measures mentioned in article (235) on crimes and penalties by law, during the penalties it does not exceed the entered sentence or its remaining time.

New UAE laws

The court can revoke the order of suspension and return the offender to the correctional institution, at the request of the attorney general, if the conditions set by the court are included or if the offender commits a new intentional crime during the period of the measure.

This approach aims to balance the protection of the State’s security with opportunities for rehabilitation and rehabilitation.

The federal regulation also introduces stricter provisions for crimes involving sexual harassment or consensual sex.

Any person aged 18 or over who engages in sexual intercourse with a woman, or commits sexual acts with a person of the same sex, under the age of 18 shall be punished by imprisonment for a period of not less than ten years and a fine of not less than AED100,000 ($27,225), even if consent is suspected.

These amendments clarify that consent is not recognized unless the victim is 16 years of age.

Persons under the age of 18 who are involved in sexual acts in accordance with the agreements will be subject to the risk of delinquency law, regardless of the gender or the gender of the other party, which shows the UAE’s strong commitment to protection and abuse.

New penalties

Penalties have been increased for offenses involving the promotion, solicitation or observation of beauty or prostitution.

These pleasures will be punished by imprisonment for a period of less than two years and the fine, with the blessings of the Harsher is used when the victim is young under 18 years, ensuring the improved safety of children.

The amendments reaffirm that criminal and penal law remains a major pillar of the UAE’s legal development, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to public security, justice, human dignity and the protection of vulnerable groups.

The federal regulation represents an important step in strengthening deterrence, fighting crime and strengthening a modern justice system that supports long-term resilience and security.