Penalty Info

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Cybercrime / hackingVerified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text. Last verified: 2026-10-19.

Statutory range

Art. 2(1) — hacking a website / information system / network / information technology means

Imprisonment
Imprisonment (term not specified in article)
Fine
Fine AED 100,000–300,000 and/or

Art. 2(2) — hacking + damage / destruction / interruption / data loss

Imprisonment
At least 6 months
Fine
Fine AED 150,000–500,000 and/or (maximum not specified)

Art. 2(3) — hacking to acquire data for illegal purposes

Imprisonment
At least 1 year
Fine
Fine AED 200,000–500,000 and/or (maximum not specified)

Art. 3(1) — hacking government entities

Imprisonment
Temporary imprisonment (3–15 years)
Fine
Fine AED 200,000–500,000

Art. 3(2) — government hacking + damage / disruption / cyberattack

Imprisonment
At least 5 years
Fine
Fine AED 250,000–1,500,000 (maximum not specified)

Art. 3(3) — government hacking to acquire data

Imprisonment
Temporary imprisonment: at least 7 years
Fine
Fine AED 250,000–1,500,000 (no maxima)
Note on this entry

Art. 1 defines Hacking. Arts. 4–5 (critical facility) and 6–8 (data types) set higher tiers that are NOT covered here.

Source

Statute
Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, Arts. 1–3
Official source
ADGM regulator-hosted copy (flagged not uaelegislation.gov.ae)
Verification status
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.