UAE decriminalizes attempted suicide, tightens penalties for aiding it

The UAE has decriminalized attempted suicide under amendments to its Crimes and Penalties Law, Gulf News reported. The government announced the Federal Decree-Law on Thursday, October 8.

The change seeks to treat suicide attempts as a mental health concern rather than a criminal offence, encouraging people experiencing psychological distress to seek timely help.

Is attempted suicide still a crime in the UAE?

No. Under the new Federal Decree-Law, people who attempt suicide will no longer face criminal punishment. Instead, authorities will adopt a preventive, therapeutic and humanitarian approach. However, penalties remain in place for those who incite or assist another person’s suicide.

The government said the change is intended to reduce fears of legal consequences that may prevent people in psychological crisis from seeking help. It is also expected to support earlier intervention, improve access to medical and psychological care, strengthen suicide prevention programmes and enhance case monitoring and data collection.

What is the punishment for inciting or assisting suicide in the UAE?

The law establishes different penalties for anyone who encourages or assists another person’s suicide, depending on the outcome of the attempt.

• If the person survives without suffering the specified serious consequences, the offender faces detention, a fine or both.
• If the attempt results in permanent disability, illness or an inability to perform personal tasks for more than 20 days, the offender faces three to five years of temporary imprisonment and a fine.
• If the person dies, the offender faces five to seven years of temporary imprisonment.

How does the new law protect minors and vulnerable people?

The law treats incitement or assistance as an aggravating circumstance when the person targeted is under 18 or has diminished will or perception. These provisions aim to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation, coercion and other forms of harm.

If a person who dies by suicide or attempts suicide lacks the capacity for will or perception specified under the law, the offender faces the penalties applicable to intentional murder or attempted intentional murder, depending on the circumstances.

Foreign nationals convicted of inciting or assisting suicide are also subject to deportation.

Can an offender avoid punishment by preventing a suicide?

Yes, under certain conditions. A court may exempt an offender from punishment if they voluntarily intervene before the suicide is completed and save the person’s life.

However, this exemption does not apply if the attempt results in permanent disability, illness or an inability to perform personal tasks for more than 20 days.

The provision is intended to encourage people to intervene in life-threatening situations while maintaining accountability when an attempt results in serious harm.

What else changed in the Crimes and Penalties Law?

The decree-law also amends Clause 3 of Article 384, which concerns qisas, or retribution under Islamic law.

Under the amendment, an offender faces 15 to 20 years in prison if the victim’s heirs waive their right to qisas. The waiver may be granted at any stage of the proceedings or before the sentence is carried out.

The change seeks to balance the rights of victims’ families with the state’s responsibility to protect society and deter serious crimes. It also reinforces the principle that waiving a right to private retribution does not eliminate the state’s interest in imposing an appropriate punishment.

Why is the UAE reforming its criminal law?

The government said the amendments form part of ongoing efforts to modernize criminal legislation and improve the efficiency of the justice system.

The reforms combine penalties for serious offences with a more compassionate approach to people experiencing psychological distress. They also reflect the government’s stated commitment to the rule of law, human dignity, public security and societal stability.