UAE laws by sector
UAE criminal, cybercrime, public security, emergency, narcotics, traffic and safety legislation.
Federal Law No. (12) of 2020
This federal institutional law establishes the International Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism as a UAE-based center for research, knowledge, capacity building, international cooperation and coordinated efforts to prevent and counter extremism and violent extremism.
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Federal Law No. (11) of 2009
The UAE Martial Laws statute regulates when martial law may be declared, the content and territorial scope of the declaration, extraordinary executive measures, temporary martial courts, offences during martial law, review and termination of exceptional measures.
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Federal Law No. (7) of 2014
The UAE federal terrorism law defines terrorist crimes and terrorist purpose, establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction, criminalises a wide range of terrorism-related conduct, regulates financing and support, authorises freezing and confiscation measures, creates national counter-terrorism structures and regulates terrorism lists.
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Federal Law No. (6) of 2014
The UAE National and Reserve Service Law regulates compulsory national service for qualifying male UAE citizens, voluntary service for women, eligibility and exemptions, alternative service, postponement, service periods, employment/education protections, reserve duties, call-up, offences and military jurisdiction.
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Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021
The UAE cybercrime law criminalises unlawful access, system and data attacks, electronic fraud, privacy violations, extortion, prohibited online content, rumours and false information, and sets digital enforcement and jurisdiction rules.
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Federal Decree by Law No. (1) of 2001
This federal decree-law assigns the Armed Forces responsibility for guarding the UAE's land and sea borders and regulates border areas, crossing and maritime controls, border-guard powers, hot pursuit, inspection/seizure of vessels, enforcement coordination and implementation.
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Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021
The UAE Crimes and Penalties Law is the general federal penal code, establishing criminal-law principles, responsibility, participation, penalties and measures and defining a broad range of offences against persons, property, public service, justice and public security.
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Federal Decree by Law No. (2) of 2025
The Decree-Law establishes the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) as a federal authority, transfers specified federal anti-narcotics functions and assets to it, and defines its powers, governance, personnel, oversight, cooperation and enforcement framework. It entered into force on 1 January 2026.
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Federal Law by Decree No. (34) of 2023
This federal decree-law criminalises specified acts of blasphemy, discrimination, hate speech, tribal strife and extremism and regulates related material, organisations, funding and special preventive measures. It replaced Federal Decree-Law No. (2) of 2015 on combating discrimination and hatred.
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Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024
The federal traffic framework regulates road use, driving licences, vehicle registration and licensing, traffic-control powers, road-safety rules, offences and penalties, and newer subjects such as self-driving vehicles and modern technology. It replaced Federal Law No. (21) of 1995 and entered into force on 29 March 2025.
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Federal Decree by Law No. (10) of 2025
The Decree-Law establishes the UAE federal framework for anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and proliferation financing. It defines core offences, investigative and freezing powers, duties of regulated persons, national coordination mechanisms, enforcement measures and penalties, supported by Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 as its Executive Regulations.
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