Question: After a fight with my husband, I tried to commit suicide and cut my wrist. But I only injured myself and have since made a full recovery. I want to know what the law says about suicide in the UAE.
Answer: Unfortunately, you felt the need to try to take your own life. Under UAE law this act is a crime. Article No 335 states that "a person who attempts suicide is subject to imprisonment that does not exceed six months or a fine that does not exceed Dh5,000 or both". But one of the main factors considered by a court is the intention of the accused, and whether there was a genuine desire to kill oneself. The criminal court has the discretionary power to reach a conclusion on the person's intentions, usually based on a medical statement or the statements of family members. If prosecutors believed that there was no intention to commit suicide, they also have the power to close the case and return the accused's passport.
UPDATE:
The United Arab Emirates abrogated the earlier Penal Code and issued a new law to govern crimes and penalties, called the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on the Issuance of Crimes and Penalties Law. The new Penal Code was issued on 20 September 2021 and came into force on 2 January 2022. The punishments for attempting suicide (imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or fine not exceeding AED 5,000 or both) have been set out under Article 386 of the new Penal Code.
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