Home / United Arab Emirates / Consensual extramarital sexual conduct

Consensual extramarital sexual conductPossibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Art. 409 — consensual extramarital / same-sex sexual conduct between adultsPossibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: Incarceration: not less than 6 months
Fine: —

Complaint-gated (spouse / guardian).

Art. 409 as amended — adult (18+) engaging in sexual intercourse / sexual activity with a person under 18, even where consent is allegedPossibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: Imprisonment: not less than 10 years
Fine: Fine of not less than AED 100,000

Consent recognised only where the victim has completed 16 years. Under-18s involved in consensual acts are dealt with under juvenile law.

Source

Statute: Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, Art. 409 (as amended Dec. 2025)
Official source: Secondary sources (batch-1 research note on Art. 409; Government Media Office / The National on the Dec. 2025 amendments) — official text not retrieved
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.