The Penal Code (Criminal Law) (UAE, Federal Law No. 3, 1987) in English

Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 is the UAE Penal Code that governed criminal law across the federation for thirty-five years. It was repealed by Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties, in force since January 2022 — but that repeal is precisely why the 1987 text stays in demand. Criminal conduct is judged under the law in force at the time it occurred, so investigations, prosecutions and appeals concerning anything before 2022 still run on this code.

Defence lawyers with legacy UAE matters, compliance teams reviewing historical conduct, and academics comparing the old and new codes are the usual readers. For current offences, the 2021 decree-law is the operative text; for anything earlier, this is.

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The Penal Code (Criminal Law) (UAE, Federal Law No. 3, 1987) Information

Article 1

The Code (law) attached hereto shall apply to all crimes and punishments, and any text contradicting its provisions shall become null and void.

Book 1

Part 1 - Introductory Provisions
Part 2 - Provisions Governing The Application Of The Penal Code - Criminal Law
Part 3 - Crimes - Criminal Law
Part 4 - Criminal Liability and Causes Of Non-Imputability
Part 5 - Punishments
Part 6 - Legal Excuses And Discretionary Extenuating And Aggravating Circumstances
Part 7 - Criminal Measures
Part 8 - Social Defense
Part 9 - Amnesty, Pardon And Judicial Act of grace

Book 2

Part 1 - Crimes Against The Security And Interests Of The State
Part 2 - Crimes Against Public Administration
Part 3 - Crimes Against The Administration Of Justice
Part 4 - Crimes Causing Public Danger
Part 5 - Crimes Against Religious Faith And Rites
Part 6 - Crimes Against The Family
Part 7 - Crimes Against Persons
Part 8 - Crimes Against Property