Legal Rules Governing Criminal Sanctions Against Juvenile Delinquents under UAE Law
By Legal Researcher: Sara Abdullah

The child is the cornerstone and foundational pillar of society. Recognizing this, the UAE legislator has given special attention to protecting children and ensuring their proper upbringing—even in cases where a child commits a criminal act or demonstrates delinquent behavior.

Thus, the UAE law concerning juvenile delinquents and those at risk of delinquency reflects an advanced legal vision that places the best interest of the child above all else. This approach regards the child more as a victim of circumstances than as a criminal deserving punishment. Accordingly, the law adopts a rehabilitative and educational approach in dealing with juveniles, imposing measures that align with their age, psychological needs, and social conditions—steering away from traditional punitive sanctions. The legislator’s goal is not punishment, but rather to rehabilitate the child and assist them in reintegrating into society as a productive and responsible individual.

The UAE legislator enacted Federal Law No. (6) of 2022 concerning juvenile delinquents and those at risk of delinquency. Under this law, the following definitions are established:

• Juvenile delinquent: A child who commits an offense punishable under the Penal Code or any other law.

• Child at risk of delinquency: A child whose moral, sexual, physical, psychological, mental, intellectual, or educational safety is in danger in a way that may lead to their classification as a juvenile delinquent.

Among the most important provisions of this law is Article (8), which sets out the rules for sentencing juvenile delinquents:

1. A juvenile delinquent may not be sentenced to the death penalty or imprisonment.

2. If a juvenile commits a crime punishable by death or imprisonment, the sentence is commuted to a term of detention not exceeding ten (10) years.

3. The length of the detention imposed on a juvenile delinquent must not exceed half of the maximum sentence prescribed for the original offense.

In all cases, detention sentences against juvenile delinquents are carried out in juvenile facilities. If the delinquent turns eighteen (18) years old while still serving their sentence, they are transferred to an adult correctional institution to complete the remaining term.

Article (9) outlines the criminal principles for dealing with juvenile delinquents:

1. The provisions on repeat offenders (recidivism) do not apply to juvenile delinquents.

2. Juveniles are not subject to supplementary or accessory penalties, except for confiscation and dismissal from public office, and only if the court deems such measures beneficial.

3. Juvenile delinquents are not subject to financial penalties.

From the above, it is clear that the UAE legislator is keen to protect the interests of juvenile delinquents, recognizing that they commit crimes without full awareness or comprehension. Therefore, specific and lenient legal rules have been established to reduce the severity of punishments for crimes committed by juveniles.