UAE Strengthens Legal Framework With Seven New Laws Across Social and Economic Sectors, Tightening Penalties

In recent weeks, the UAE has introduced a series of new laws aimed at safeguarding society and tightening oversight across several sectors. The legislation strengthens penalties for criminal offences, cracks down on illegal practices, and introduces reforms spanning family welfare, healthcare and taxation.

From streamlining foster care for families to imposing tougher measures against sexual crimes involving minors, the new laws are designed to protect the community. Others represent significant developments in the medical and financial spheres.

1. Sexual Assault Law

Under the new legislation, stricter penalties have been introduced for sexual assault and consensual sexual relations involving minors. Anyone aged over 18 is prohibited from engaging in sexual intercourse with a female or a person of the same sex under the age of 18, even where consent is claimed. Such offences carry a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of at least Dh100,000.

A separate provision states that consent is not recognised unless the victim has completed 16 years of age. Individuals under 18 involved in consensual sexual acts will be dealt with under the Juvenile Delinquents and Juveniles at Risk of Delinquency Law.

Offences involving the incitement, solicitation or enticement of debauchery or prostitution are punishable by a minimum of two years’ imprisonment and a fine. Harsher penalties apply where the victim is a minor under 18.

2. Drug Law

To curb the spread of narcotics, the UAE has imposed tougher penalties on pharmacies and physicians who prescribe controlled substances without a licence. Offenders face prison sentences of not less than five years and fines starting from Dh50,000.

Foreign nationals convicted of drug offences will be deported, with limited exceptions. These include cases where the offender is the spouse or a first-degree relative of a UAE citizen, or where deportation would cause serious harm to family stability or deprive a family member of essential care, provided the family can financially support treatment.

3. Foster Law

The new foster law allows resident families to assume custody of a child of unknown parentage, provided both spouses are at least 25 years old and submit a joint application.

Single women aged over 30 who are financially independent may also be granted custody. Foster families and individuals will be subject to continuous monitoring by a specialised committee. Custody may be withdrawn if conditions are no longer met or legal obligations are breached, although corrective plans may be considered for less serious violations.

4. Personal Status Law

Five new regulations have been introduced under the Personal Status Law to unify family justice procedures and accelerate digital transformation in federal courts. The rules govern arbitrators’ work, family guidance, visitation rights, affidavits and authentications, and the regulation of Sharia marriage officers.

The reforms aim to speed up procedures, enhance child protection and support amicable family dispute resolution, while advancing a fully digital justice system.

5. Veterinary Products Law

The UAE has introduced a comprehensive law regulating veterinary medical products at every stage, from development and manufacture to import, distribution and use.

The legislation covers biological preparations, injectable supplements, raw materials, supplementary products, veterinary medical devices, genetically modified organisms intended for veterinary use, and controlled or semi-controlled substances, including chemical precursors.

Authorities are empowered to shut down veterinary pharmaceutical establishments that fail to comply with the law. It also bans the manufacture, import or export of prohibited veterinary substances, as well as the circulation, trading or storage of counterfeit, defective or expired veterinary products.

Strict controls have been imposed on prescribing and dispensing, with changes to veterinary prescriptions permitted only by licensed and qualified veterinarians.

6. Animal-based Organ Transplants

Under new provisions governing organ donation and transplantation, the UAE now allows the use of non-human organs and tissues in medical treatments. These include animal-based organs, 3D-printed organs and engineered tissues.

Such procedures are permitted only under strict medical and technical conditions. The removal of animal organs for transplantation requires approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the relevant local health authority, while the manufacture or use of any non-human organs or tissues also requires proper licensing.

Health facilities, manufacturers or specialist doctors who violate the rules face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh2 million.

7. VAT Law

The UAE has issued a federal law amending provisions of the Value Added Tax framework, with the changes set to come into force in January 2026.

Aimed at simplifying tax procedures, the amendments exempt taxable persons from issuing self-invoices when applying the reverse charge mechanism, while still requiring them to retain supporting documentation related to supply transactions.

The law also introduces a five-year time limit for submitting claims to recover excess refundable tax after tax reconciliation has been completed.

 

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