If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Domestic Violence in UAE law includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic harm where the statutory conditions are met. Federal law provides reporting routes, restraining orders, and criminal penalties.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in UAE Law
Article 4 of Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 covers acts, omissions, statements, threats, neglect, and sexual or economic exploitation. It applies when a family member commits or participates in conduct against another that exceeds their guardianship, authority, or responsibility. The conduct must cause or be intended to cause harm.
Intimidation, humiliation, or deliberate deprivation of essential resources may qualify where the facts meet Article 4. An ordinary disagreement alone is insufficient.
Article 3 identifies the family relationships covered by the law.
- Spouses, children, parents, stepparents, and either spouse’s children from another marriage.
- Relatives by blood or marriage through the fourth degree.
- People linked by custody, guardianship, or legal authority, and children in foster-family care under applicable law.
Where to Report Abuse
Article 5(4) requires reports of physical or sexual violence to go to the police. In an emergency, call 999. Articles 6 and 17 provide for measures that can include medical assessment and shelter where needed.
Other reports, including psychological or economic violence or neglect, may go to the ministry, competent authority, or a social support center under Article 5(3). Anyone aware of domestic violence must report it promptly under Article 5(2). See the guide to reporting domestic violence in Dubai for local channels.
Article 6(4) provides for referral to a healthcare facility when necessary. The facility prepares a medical report. Preserve relevant messages or other evidence where it is safe to do so. A medical report may support an injury claim, and its relevance depends on the case.
Articles 6 and 13 address referral to the Public Prosecution. In eligible cases, the authorities offer reconciliation within 14 days of the report if both sides agree. Family reconciliation is unavailable when the act constitutes a felony.
How a Restraining Order Works
Under Article 8(1), the Public Prosecution may issue an order on its own initiative, at the victim’s request, or at the request of authorized bodies.
- Article 9 limits the initial prosecution order to 30 days and permits two renewals for similar periods. The prosecution may then ask the court for an extension of up to six months or until the judgment becomes final.
- Article 10 allows the competent court to issue an order during criminal proceedings. The initial court order can last up to six months or until judgment becomes final. The court may extend protection after final judgment for up to 12 months where necessary.
- Article 11 allows measures such as restricting contact or access to specified places. The order may also address shelter, property protection, necessary financial support, or medical expenses as permitted.
Criminal Penalties and Separate Family Claims
Under Article 21, domestic violence can carry imprisonment, a fine of up to AED 50,000, or both. The court must also order attendance at specialized rehabilitation courses.
Aggravating circumstances include violence against a parent or other ascendant, a child, a pregnant woman, or a person over 60. They also include violence against a person with a disability or legal incapacity and repeat offending within one year.
Article 22 imposes a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for failing to report promptly as required or for submitting a false or malicious report. Article 23 separately penalizes breach of a restraining order.
Divorce, custody, and maintenance require separate decisions by the family court. A police or medical report may support a divorce claim based on harm. The court weighs the evidence as a whole.
See how UAE family courts handle divorce applications and what judges consider when deciding custody.
