On 8 October 2026 the UAE issued a Federal Decree-Law amending certain provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021). The amendment addresses three themes: tighter rules on qisas (retribution), decriminalisation of attempted suicide, and stiffer penalties for inciting or assisting suicide. As publicly reported, the stated aim is to strengthen prevention, protection and care while balancing deterrence, human dignity and public safety. Readers should consult the text published in the Official Gazette to confirm the decree number and effective date before relying on it in any proceeding.

1. Attempted suicide is no longer a criminal offence

The most significant change is that attempting suicide is no longer punishable. The legislature has opted for a preventive and therapeutic approach intended to encourage people in distress to seek help early without fear of prosecution. In practice, this moves a person in crisis from the position of a suspect to that of someone entitled to medical, psychological and social support, and it makes it easier for families, employers, schools and healthcare providers to intervene.

2. Harsher penalties for inciting or assisting suicide

At the same time, the decree replaces Article 386 of the Crimes and Penalties Law with a graduated penalty scheme based on the outcome. Where the victim survives without serious consequences, the penalty is detention, a fine, or both. Where the attempt causes permanent disability, illness, or an inability to perform personal tasks for more than 20 days, the penalty is temporary imprisonment of three to five years plus a fine. Where the victim dies by suicide, the penalty is temporary imprisonment of five to seven years.

The penalties are aggravated where the victim is under 18 or has diminished will or perception. Where the victim has no will or perception at all, the punishment for intentional murder, or attempted intentional murder, applies as the case may be. A foreign national convicted of these offences must be deported. On the other side of the ledger, the court may exempt an inciter or assistant who voluntarily and effectively intervenes before the suicide is completed and prevents the death, although this exemption does not apply if the attempt results in permanent disability, illness, or inability to perform personal tasks for more than 20 days.

3. Qisas: the amended Clause 3 of Article 384

The decree also amends Clause 3 of Article 384. Where the victim’s heirs waive their right to qisas at any stage of the case, or before the sentence has been fully carried out, the offender is liable to imprisonment of not less than 15 and not more than 20 years. This sets a clear floor and ceiling for the alternative penalty following a pardon, preserving deterrence and the public interest even where the private right has been waived. Because the penalty attaches to a waiver at any stage, the rule applies whether the pardon is granted during trial or after judgment.

Practical implications

Individuals, families, employers and providers of healthcare and education should familiarise themselves with these changes. Inciting or assisting suicide, including through digital channels and social media, can now expose a person to custodial sentences and, for non-citizens, mandatory deportation. Conversely, a person who attempts suicide during a mental-health crisis should no longer face prosecution for the attempt and should be directed to the appropriate health authorities. Counsel acting in homicide and qisas matters should reassess defence and settlement strategy in light of the amended Clause 3 of Article 384.

Establishing the exact effective date is essential when assessing facts that straddle the amendment. Under the general principle that criminal law is not retroactive unless it is more favourable to the accused, the decriminalisation of attempted suicide may benefit earlier cases, subject to how the courts apply the text. Mohamed Al Azazi Advocates & Legal Consultants advises clients on criminal matters and on how these developments affect their legal position.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any specific facts.