According to Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, there has been a more than 50% increase in cybercrime and electronic fraud reports in the UAE, as of 2023.

Like many wealthy nations, the UAE is no exception to cyberattacks. Businesses and multinational companies face disruptions and losses every year. However, the UAE adopted a stringent policy to combat cybercrimes, as well as to punish the perpetrators.

This guide is designed to assist corporations and entities in the UAE in understanding the cybercrime laws in the UAE, as well as the rights of persons facing cybercrime allegations, and the UAE’s cybercrime law and penalties.

What is the Cybercrime Law in the UAE?

In recent years, the UAE has overhauled its federal policies, bringing in new decrees for prosecuting cybercrimes. Here’s the law for Cybercrime in the UAE

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 On Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes

Replacing the UAE cybercrime law No. 5 of 2012, the new decree has more stringent punishments and penalties for cybercrimes. Under the decree, there are many offenses, including:

Cybercrime offences and penalties in the UAE

Offence Maximum Penalty
Hacking Fine up to AED 1,500,000 and imprisonment up to seven years (for hacking a government system)
Infringement of Data and Information Fine up to AED 100,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of six months
Unauthorized Acquisition of Codes and Ciphers Fine up to AED 500,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of six months
Creating Fake Emails, Websites, or Electronic Accounts Fine up to AED 2,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years
Illegal Interception and Disclosure of Information Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for at least one year
Collecting or Processing Personal Data Without Consent Fine up to AED 500,000
Forging E-documents or Hacking E-Payment Instruments Fine up to AED 2,000,000 (for E-Payment hacking) and AED 750,000 for foreign E-documents
Tampering with Digital Evidence Fine up to AED 200,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of six months
Advocacy and Promotion of Terrorist Groups Fine up to AED 4,000,000 and/or imprisonment for life
Dissemination of Information Harming UAE Interests or Judicial Officers Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or temporary imprisonment
Promoting Sedition or Harming National Unity Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or temporary imprisonment
Trafficking or Promotion of Firearms, Ammunition, or Explosives Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for at least one year
Creation and Management of a Website for Trafficking in Human Beings Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or temporary imprisonment
Incitement to Immoral Acts or Prostitution Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for at least five years (if the victim is a child)
Internet Fraud Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of one year
Unauthorized Fundraising or Promoting Donations Without a License Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years
Defamation and Slander Fine up to AED 500,000 and/or imprisonment
Revealing Secrets or Invasion of Privacy Fine up to AED 500,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of one year
Disclosure of Confidential Information at Work Fine up to AED 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of six months

Important: Penalties may include both imprisonment and fines depending on the offence and circumstances.

Important Note: The penalties for the above offences may include either or both imprisonment and fines.

Need Legal Help: Kayrouz & Associates’ Criminal Law team advises and guides clients accused of any cybercrime or fraud cases, with precision and discretion, to obtain the best possible outcome and avoid penalties.

How To Lodge a Cybercrime Complaint in the UAE?

For certain crimes related to or against the UAE government, the relevant government authority may act directly, or at the request of the Prosecutor-General.

For other crimes, individuals may directly report to the e-Crimes platform. There are other options as well, such as:

Dubai Police e-Crime website

●  Abu Dhabi Police Aman service

●  Calling 999

●  Visiting the nearest UAE police station

●  Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) for suspicious phone calls, emails, or messages.

Important Note: Cybercrime and fraud can also be reported on the UAE Central Bank’s official website or by contacting their hotline.

Legal Help: Kayrouz & Associates’ Civil Law team assists individuals and organisations in protecting their privacy and personal rights. Book a free consultation to start the process.

Can Sharing a Link Lead to a Cybercrime Case in the UAE?

Yes, even sharing a link to any illegal content or prohibited website can be considered a cybercrime in the UAE.

Even if you have not created the content and only shared a link, you may be facing fines and penalties.

Additionally, under the new cyberlaw, you don’t have to be successful in committing a cybercrime. If it is proved that you have attempted to commit a cybercrime, you may face up to half of the penalties listed for that particular offence.

Crucial Note: Under Article 58, if a cybercrime is committed, both the website or entity (legal person) and the person responsible for its management (owner, partner, or director) will be held equally liable and face the same penalties.

Important Note: According to Article 72, there may also be more severe penalties under other laws, including the UAE penal law.

Can the Penalties Under the Act Be Avoided?

If you have been accused of a cybercrime and you are unable to defend yourself in court successfully, you may be able to avoid the entire penalty under the decree. There are two ways:

  1. Settlement with the Victim: For certain offenses under Articles 67 and 68, such as hacking, infringement of personal data and information, and creation of fake emails or websites, parties may be able to reach an amicable settlement before the judgment becomes final, by paying fines to the victim or the court.
  2. Providing Information About Other Crimes: In accordance with Article 61, an offender may provide information about any other crime, which may lead to its detection and the arrest of another offender.

Legal Guidance: Kayrouz & Associates’ Criminal Law team provides strategic and robust legal representation at all stages of the criminal process, ensuring proper defense against cybercrime charges.

How Kayrouz & Associates Can Help Manage Cybercrime Laws in the UAE?

With a 96% client satisfaction rate and over 25 full-time lawyers and consultants, Kayrouz & Associates is a well-established, full-service law firm in the UAE and the Middle East. We have been assisting clients since 2006.

We advise clients both in pursuing cybercrime complaints and remedies, as well as represent and support them in defending against allegations of cybercrimes.

Additionally, we also advise on regulatory compliance with the UAE laws and the mandatory requirements under them, such as the Federal Decree by Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data.

Book a free consultation or visit our UAE office located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to discuss your case.

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