Harassment, whether in person or online, is a serious crime under UAE law.
The legal system imposes strict harassment punishment in Dubai to protect individuals and uphold public morality.
This article explains how the law defines harassment, the consequences for offenders, and how legal professionals can assist those involved in such cases in 2025.
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Harassment Punishment in Dubai
Dubai imposes strict penalties for all forms of harassment to protect individuals and maintain public order.
The law distinguishes between physical and online harassment, with each type carrying serious legal consequences, including jail time and substantial fines.
Whether the offense happens in person or online, the punishment reflects the severity of the act.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is covered under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021.
The law defines it as any persistent action, word, or sign that causes annoyance and attempts to provoke sexual desire, either for the offender or another person.
Under Article 413, a person convicted of sexual harassment faces at least one year in jail and a fine of no less than AED 10,000.
The punishment becomes more severe if aggravating factors are involved.
For instance, if more than one person commits the crime, involves a weapon, or if the victim is a child, the jail term increases to a minimum of two years with a fine starting at AED 50,000.
Additionally, if the offender is someone in a position of trust—such as a parent, guardian, or employer—the court imposes the higher penalty.
The law aims to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors and those who rely on others for care or support.
False Accusations of Sexual Harassment
Being falsely accused of harassment can have serious consequences, and the UAE law recognizes this.
Articles 324 and 325 of the Penal Code allow for the punishment of individuals who make false claims or fabricate evidence.
If a person knowingly files a false report to damage someone’s reputation, they can face jail time, a fine, or both.
In cases where a false accusation results in a felony conviction for the accused, the person who made the false claim may receive the same penalty that was imposed on the victim of the false report.
Victims of false accusations are encouraged to report the matter to the police and provide witness statements or other supporting evidence.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
The digital world is not exempt from legal boundaries. Federal Decree No. 34 of 2021 covers cyberbullying and online harassment, among other online offenses.
Spreading rumors online, for example, can lead to up to two years in jail and a fine of at least AED 100,000.
More serious violations, such as online threats, defamation, or sharing someone’s private information without consent, carry heavier penalties.
These can range from large fines to jail sentences of several years.
Online harassment can take many forms—messages, social media posts, or unauthorized sharing of private content.
If the content involves children, the harassment punishment in Dubai is even harsher, with imprisonment of at least one year and fines reaching AED 1 million.
The law is especially strict when content promotes lewd behavior or is linked to child exploitation.
Dubai’s legal system ensures that digital actions have real-world consequences.
Victims of online harassment can file police complaints, and authorities are empowered to investigate digital evidence, including messages, emails, and social media activity.
Learn more about Cyber Bullying Punishment in Dubai.
Legal Services Related to Harassment in Dubai
Dealing with a harassment case—whether as a victim or someone accused—requires expert legal guidance.
Our law firm in UAE provides specialized legal services that are strictly focused on harassment-related matters in Dubai.
We assist clients accused of sexual or online harassment by preparing strong legal defenses and representing them before police and courts.
Our Criminal Lawyers in Dubai ensure that the rights of the accused are protected throughout every stage of the legal process.
For victims, we offer full legal support in filing complaints, gathering evidence, and securing protection orders when needed.
We also help pursue damages in civil court if the harassment has caused emotional, psychological, or reputational harm.
In cases involving false accusations, we take swift legal action to expose the bad faith behind the claims.
We guide clients through the process of pressing charges for false reporting, ensuring that justice is served.
Our expertise also extends to handling cybercrime complaints.
We work closely with Dubai’s cybercrime units, helping clients address issues like blackmail, defamation, or unauthorized distribution of private content online.
FAQs about Penalties for Harassment in Dubai
Harassment punishment in Dubai is strictly enforced, with serious legal consequences aimed at protecting individuals and upholding public order.
The penalties for harassment, whether physical or online, can include imprisonment, substantial fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
Dubai’s laws ensure that offenders are held accountable and victims are safeguarded.
If you are experiencing harassment or have been wrongly accused, it is important to seek legal advice to fully understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
