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    Cybercrime Punishment in the UAE

    Cybercrime punishment in the UAE ranges from fines as low as AED 10,000 for minor violations to life imprisonment and fines up to AED 5,000,000 for serious offenses such as terrorism-related content, hacking government systems, or trafficking illegal data.

    The new UAE cybercrime law, officially titled Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes sets clear penalties and punishments for a wide range of online offenses.

    From stealing credit card numbers and hacking bank account statements to forgery, imitation, and copying of credit or debit cards, this law imposes severe consequences to protect individuals and institutions from cyber threats.

    Contact our expert lawyers in the UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.

    Cybercrime Punishment under UAE Law

    The UAE enforces some of the strictest penalties for cybercrimes in the region.

    The law classifies offenses into several categories, such as hacking, forgery, unauthorized access, financial data theft, and spreading false news.

    • Hacking Penalties:
      Unauthorized access to any website, information system (IS), or information technology equipment (ITE) can result in a minimum fine of AED 100,000 and/or imprisonment. If damage or data theft occurs, the fine can go up to AED 500,000, and imprisonment extends to six months or more.
    • Government System Hacking:
      Hacking government systems leads to temporary imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 200,000 to AED 1,500,000. If the offense compromises sensitive data or operations, imprisonment starts at five years.
    • Forgery and Credit Card Offenses:
      The forgery, imitation, and copying of a credit card, debit card, or any e-payment method is punishable by at least AED 200,000 and up to AED 2,000,000, along with imprisonment. Using forged cards knowingly or designing tools to create them is equally punishable.
    • Theft of Financial or Personal Information:
      Acquiring or leaking bank account statements, medical records, or any personal data without consent is a criminal offense. Penalties include imprisonment of six months or more and fines ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 3,000,000, depending on the sensitivity of the data.
    • Spreading Rumors and False News:
      Publishing or circulating false, misleading, or unofficial news can lead to one to two years of imprisonment and fines from AED 100,000 to AED 200,000, increasing during national crises.
    • Cyber Fraud and Extortion:
      Online fraud or impersonation for financial gain carries fines of AED 250,000 to AED 1,000,000 and imprisonment of at least one year. Cyberextortion—threatening others using digital tools—can lead to up to 10 years imprisonment if crimes or dishonorable acts are involved.
    • Unauthorized Collection of Personal Data:
      Using IT systems to collect personal data without a license is punishable by imprisonment and/or fines between AED 50,000 and AED 500,000.
    • Digital Content Violations:
      Uploading obscene material, promoting gambling, or publishing unlicensed medical advertisements can result in fines of up to AED 1,000,000 and possible imprisonment.
    • Internet Use to Incite Disruption or Violence:
      Using digital platforms to mock UAE leaders, incite hatred, or promote terrorism leads to life imprisonment or fines as high as AED 4,000,000, based on the offense’s gravity.

    Our law firm specializes in comprehensive legal defense and compliance advisory for cybercrime cases in the UAE. Our legal team offers:

    • Cybercrime Defense Representation: Defense against accusations like hacking, fraud, or data theft.
    • Digital Evidence Review & Strategy: Expert analysis of digital records used in investigations.
    • E-payment and Data Protection Compliance: Legal audits for businesses handling customer data or credit card transactions.
    • Legal Support for Victims of Cybercrimes: Civil claims and recovery services for individuals or entities harmed by cyber offenses.
    • Crisis Management for Government-Targeted Offenses: Immediate response for executives and IT professionals involved in high-stakes cyber investigations.
    • Consultation for Businesses on UAE Cyber Law Compliance: Help your business comply with all articles under Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021.

    Learn more:

    FAQs about UAE Cybercrime Penalties

    The punishment for cybercrime in the UAE varies by offence type, with penalties ranging from temporary or standard imprisonment and fines—from tens of thousands of dirhams up to AED 5,000,000—and, in severe cases, life imprisonment, depending on the specific cyber offence.
    Using a VPN in the UAE is not explicitly banned, but if it's used to commit or hide a crime, it may violate Article 10. This can result in temporary imprisonment and fines from AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000.

    Contact our advocates in the UAE for professional help. Click the WhatsApp icon below.

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