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UAE Enacts Decree-Law Toughening Penalties for Sexual Offences Involving Minors and Prostitution

The overhaul adds post-release risk checks alongside strict minimum terms.

Overview

  • Adults who engage in sexual activity with anyone under 18 face at least 10 years in prison and a minimum AED100,000 fine, even if consent is alleged.
  • Consent is legally recognized only if the victim has completed 16 years of age.
  • Individuals under 18 involved in consensual sexual acts will be dealt with under juvenile law regardless of the genders of those involved.
  • Incitement, solicitation or enticement to debauchery or prostitution carries at least two years’ imprisonment and a fine, with tougher sentences if the victim is under 18.
  • Courts may order medical, psychological and social examinations in the final six months of a sentence, prosecutors can seek precautionary measures after release such as rehabilitation or electronic monitoring, and judges may suspend certain state-security sentences on the Attorney General’s request with revocation for breaches.