UAE amends provisions of Crimes and Penalties Law

The UAE has issued a Federal Decree Law amending provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law, decriminalising attempted suicide and introducing stricter penalties for anyone who incites or assists another person to take their own life.

Under the amendments, attempted suicide will no longer be treated as a criminal offence.

The move is intended to encourage people experiencing psychological crises to seek help without fear of legal consequences, while supporting prevention, treatment and early intervention efforts.

The law introduces graduated penalties for inciting or assisting suicide, with punishments increasing depending on the outcome.

Penalties range from detention and fines when a suicide attempt does not result in death, to prison terms if the attempt causes permanent disability or leads to death.

The amendments also provide stronger legal protection for vulnerable individuals, including minors and those with diminished will or perception.

In such cases, offenders may face penalties equivalent to those prescribed for intentional murder or attempted murder.

Foreign nationals convicted under the provisions on inciting or assisting suicide will also face deportation.

In addition, the decree law amends provisions relating to 'qisas', or retribution, by increasing prison sentences in certain cases where the victim's heirs waive their right to 'qisas'.

The change is intended to strengthen deterrence while balancing the rights of victims' families with the public interest and societal protection.

The UAE said the amendments form part of its ongoing efforts to modernise legislation, strengthen the justice system and balance legal deterrence with humanitarian considerations and the protection of human dignity.

UAE Government issues a Federal Decree Law amending certain provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law pic.twitter.com/esFL02QGEn

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) October 8, 2026