Home / United Arab Emirates / Family offences (newborn, custody, maintenance)

Family offences (newborn, custody, maintenance)Verified against official source

Verified against official source

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

Statutory range

Art. 378 — isolating a newborn from the person with legitimate power over him; hiding a newborn; replacing him with another newborn; falsely imputing him to other than his parents

Imprisonment: Temporary imprisonment (3–15 years)
Fine: —

Art. 378 — same, where there is evidence the newborn was born dead

Imprisonment: Incarceration up to 2 months
Fine: Fine up to AED 50,000 and/or

Note on this entry

"Temporary imprisonment" = 3–15 years unless the law states otherwise.

Source

Statute: Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, Art. 378
Official source: uaelegislation.gov.ae (Legislation 1529)
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.