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6 Factors for Business Migration in UAE

Dubai’s economy is thriving, but new enterprises are flocking to the city because of its reputation for safety, great education, accessibility, tax structure, and advanced healthcare facilities (as seen by the city’s quick reaction to the coronavirus epidemic).

Many sectors of the economy, such as commerce, export and import, logistics, financial services, hospitality, event management, tourism, and construction, have helped to develop the UAE into a worldwide commercial powerhouse and ultimate investment destination. As a consequence of these features, the United Arab Emirates is a favoured alternative for many businesses. The following are the top 6 reasons to do business in Dubai:

1. Dubai’s Developing Economy

The UAE’s economy remained strong despite the epidemic. To put it another way, tourism recovered the fastest in the world.

Despite the Covid-19 predicament, the UAE is planning for a brighter future by doubling its economy by 2030. Entrepreneurs, investors, and creative minds can also benefit from the country’s cutting-edge infrastructure, better connectivity, highly established incubators, accelerators, and investors, as well as different incentives and recent legislative changes.

2. Location is Ideal

Dubai’s strategic position provides easy access to all three continents, making it an ideal site for numerous economic activities such as international trade (import and export), logistics, tourism (hospitality), and events (event management). Dubai is located in the heart of the United Arab Emirates’ 400-mile-long coastline. Due to its sea and air connections, Dubai is a great transit hub for items traveling from East to West. 2.5 billion customers throughout the Gulf, Africa, Asia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States may be reached through Dubai.

3. Tax Structures are Favorable

Surprisingly, many entrepreneurs that choose Dubai as their home base are expats from high-tax cities and countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and France. Profits are tax-free in Dubai, but it is critical to understand the tax requirements of each individual’s home country. People who support self-regulation point to Dubai’s regulatory framework as another motivation to visit the city. Corporate and personal income taxes and withholding tax exemptions are available in the UAE’s 38 free zones, which were established to stimulate international investment. Moreover, you will not be charged with the following;

  • Income Tax
  • Value-added Tax
  • Business or Commercial Tax
  • Withholding Tax
  • Capital gains Tax

4. Residence Permit

A UAE Residency Visa is provided if you create a business in Dubai or another emirate in the UAE, as well as your family members and expatriate personnel. A UAE Residency Visa allows you to open a current account in UAE banks, lease an apartment for a prolonged length of time, and enter and depart the UAE several times.

Golden Permits, long-term resident permits that allow company owners and their employees to live and operate in the UAE without the need for a sponsor, were made available in 2019 to make business migration simpler. Unlike the previous requirement that a firm operating outside of a free trade zone have a local partner with at least 51% ownership, these visas are granted to qualifying people and their families for 5 or 10 years, automatically renew and provide 100% ownership of one’s business. The objective is to make the UAE more desirable to entrepreneurs and small company owners.

5. High-Class Healthcare System

Dubai’s healthcare system is first-rate, with first-rate facilities and highly skilled professionals controlled by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. There are about 40 hospitals in Dubai, in addition to the four government hospitals, Dubai, Rashid, Latifa, and Hatta. Healthcare in Dubai is available to all inhabitants, and businesses must provide health insurance to cover their workers’ expenditures.

It is hard to live a healthy lifestyle in Dubai unless you find something to do. Visitors and residents alike may enjoy the city’s gorgeous beaches, delectable food, and lively streets ideal for strolling. The most popular sports include skiing, polo, cricket, tennis, cycling, and camel riding.

6. Infrastructure

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the greatest public transit networks in the world, serving over 100 airlines and 260 destinations globally. Furthermore, according to the Airports Council International, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the world’s largest and fastest-growing passenger and cargo hub.

If you’re starting a business in Dubai, you don’t have to be concerned about locating an office, a retail store, a manufacturing unit, or a warehouse. In recent decades, there has been a massive quantity of new development on a massive scale for residential, tourism, industrial, and commercial purposes. New roadways, better public transit, and a new airport are all being built. The UAE’s infrastructure and transportation have been named among the finest in the world by the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. However, there was a huge disparity between the country’s road conditions and the quality of air travel, ports, and ground transit. Ports are classified into two types: marine and aviation.

The Final Words

While Dubai’s status as the world’s favourite destination is indisputable, it is only going to become stronger in the future. For all of these reasons, an increasing number of individuals are migrating to Dubai to do business, work, and live. Expats from over 200 countries make up over 90% of Dubai’s population. They are mostly lured to the Emirate because of its business and financial prospects.

Practice Areas

  • Commercial
  • Corporate
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation
  • Banking & Finance
  • Insurance & Securitization
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Technology & Data Protection

Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

Office Hours
9.00am to 6.00pm (GST)
Monday to Friday

CategoriesBlog,  Legal,  Legal Laws,  Money Laundering,  Real Estate

5 Things to Know About Child Adoption in Dubai

Adoption is banned, a prevalent misunderstanding among foreigners in the UAE. Many people believe that adopted children from other countries are not legally recognized in the country. The misunderstanding stems from the misconception that the UAE is a Muslim country that follows Sharia/Islamic law. However, the authorities are constantly working to make the law more accommodating to all of the people who come to work and live in the UAE.

Adoption is forbidden in Islam. However, it is legal in some forms in the UAE. Citizens of the UAE and Muslim expats are permitted to raise, care for, sponsor, or foster an orphaned or abandoned child. However, only when the procedure is carried out through authorized charitable organizations. Furthermore, the child is not permitted to adopt the foster parents’ surname, and he or she may keep their biological parent’s surname.

Any child adoption conducted outside of the UAE is also acceptable. Expats in the UAE can adopt according to their home country’s legislation, and the adopted kid has the same rights and protection as the biological child.

5 Things to Know About Child Adoption in Dubai

If you are planning to adopt a child in Dubai, you should follow these steps in order to abide by all the legal compliances.

Child Adoption for Muslim Parents

As previously stated, formal adoption is prohibited in Islam. However, financial help and caring for orphaned children are welcomed. The legal relationship between children and their adoptive parents is defined in the Quran, and the child’s biological family is always prioritized, and ties with them are never severed.

Adoptive parents are responsible for providing the child with parental affection, care, and financial support, but the child does not legally inherit anything. In Arabic, the Islamic term for adoption in kafala means to feed. The term broadly refers to the relationship between a foster parent and a child.

The relationship between a guardian and a child is governed by strict rules under UAE law, and the guardianship legislation differs from most nations’ typical adoption norms. The following are some of the legal provisions that characterize the nature of the child’s connection with adoptive parents:

  • Adopted children are given the surname of their biological parents rather than the surname of the adoptive family.
  • The government assigns the surname to abandoned children, and they keep it. The first name can be chosen by the parent.
  • Adopted children inherit the characteristics of their biological parents rather than those of the adoptive parent.
  • Adoptive parents and children are not legally considered blood relatives.
  • Adoptive family members are legally acceptable as prospective marital partners.
  • Where the grown child and adoptive family members are of the opposite sex, the law of privacy is enforced.
  • Never forget that the adoptive family cannot replace the biological family.
  • Parental legal responsibility encompasses child care, parental care, inheritance rights, and custody.

Child Adoption as an Expat

Non-Muslim expats are permitted to adopt children if the adoption takes place outside of the UAE and is recognized in their home country. In such instances, adoption is governed by the laws of the adopting parent’s and child’s respective nations. Adopted children have the same rights and protection as biological children once they and their parents arrive in the UAE. The legislation in the UAE makes no distinction between biological and adoptive children.

Process of Child Adoption in Dubai

When residing in the UAE, the adoption procedure consists of many phases. Before you begin the adoption process, you should consult with a family lawyer in the UAE. Our family attorneys in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and other regions of the UAE have successfully handled a number of adoption cases. The lawyer also guarantees that your adopted kid, like you, is granted residence in the UAE.

Local authorities conduct a home study to begin the adoption process. The home study program comprises a complete psychiatric screening, weeks of counseling, and an evaluation of the parent’s eligibility. The home study process, which includes weekly treatment sessions, can last up to 10 weeks. The treatment sessions provide a number of advantages. They help prospective parents plan ahead and allow authorities to assess any potential dangers to the child. The authorities ensure that the parents understand the UAE’s child rights laws. The entire procedure is intended to assist children rather than parents. When the home study is finished, the prospective parents are given a psychological evaluation certificate that has been certified and signed by a licensed psychologist.

Your family lawyer can set up the adoption papers while the home study program is in progress. It is advised to pick a legal company in the UAE that has successfully assisted with the adoption procedure. Aside from documentation, your family lawyer assists in setting court dates, completing and filing papers, and obtaining exit documents. When the child arrives in the UAE, a residency application is made, and a citizenship application is made in the parent’s home country.

The steps for adopting a child while living in the UAE are as follows:

  • HRIC’s home assessment (study) program.
  • Prepare the documents and submit them.
  • Contact an adoption facilitator in the adoptive parent’s home country or any other country of your choice.
  • Travel to meet the child you wish to adopt.
  • Finish the papers.
  • Return to the child’s birth country while the court date is still pending.
  • Request a visa and bring the child to the UAE.
  • Apply for citizenship in the country where your parents were born.
  • Regular reporting to authorities in the kid’s native country until the youngster reaches the age of eighteen.

Some General Conditions for Child Adoption in Dubai

Authorities have outlined some general guidelines for couples or individuals adopting children in the UAE:

  • The adoptive child and other family members should be financially supported by the foster family or single mother.
  • Foster parents must be capable of looking after a child’s well-being, raising him or her properly, and caring for his or her health.
  • The foster family members or single mothers must be free of infectious diseases as well as behavioral and psychiatric disorders.
  • During the home study, the family is expected to present evidence of good behavior, such as a police clearance certificate.
  • A single mother who wants to foster a child must be both willing and knowledgeable about the procedure.
  • The single mother must be at least thirty years older than the child.
  • The foster couple must be at least 25 years old.

The Final Words

Adopting a child in Dubai is a legal process, but one must need to undergo some requisites and conditions to abide. The legal process can be ensured through consultancy with professional lawyers of Mai Alfalasi, who will ensure that all legal conditions are being met.

Practice Areas

  • Commercial
  • Corporate
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation
  • Banking & Finance
  • Insurance & Securitization
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Technology & Data Protection

Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

Office Hours
9.00am to 6.00pm (GST)
Monday to Friday

CategoriesBlog,  Legal,  Legal Laws,  Money Laundering,  Real Estate

Technology, Media & Telecommunications Laws in the UAE

The industry of technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) saw rapid adoption of digital services and technologies as a result of the pandemic in sectors including online communication and videoconferencing technologies, streaming services, and online shopping. However, the suppliers’ capacity to deliver projects (due to diseases, travel constraints, and work-from-home duties) as well as create new items was severely hampered (due to supply chain issues). Meanwhile, the legal change in the TMT sector continued at a rapid speed.

The UAE continues to develop its TMT capabilities in both the corporate and public sectors. TMT companies require industry expertise and experience. The establishment of free zone hubs and special economic zones in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates has transformed the UAE into a regional hub for numerous firms centered on technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT). It has remained an innovation hotspot, leading the area in various fields. It is kept up to date on worldwide technology breakthroughs through a local and international presence. The recent digital expansion has had a significant influence on sectors and enterprises all around the world.

With technology evolving at such a quick pace, it is becoming increasingly critical for businesses to stay current and educated across all touchpoints. To stay ahead of the competition, the telecoms and media sectors have had to reinvent their operating models while continually innovating. Blockchain, G5, and other technology platforms have been game changers in the world of commerce.

The most common TMT disputes are over intellectual property rights, joint venture disputes, licensing, information technology implementation programs, competition, merger and acquisition agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data-related issues, outsourcing programs, and reputation management issues. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (“TRA”), established under the UAE Telecommunications Law, is the primary telecoms regulator in the UAE.

Laws Related to TMT in the UAE

The following TMT legislations are noteworthy in the UAE.

  • UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 1980 (the “PPL”) governs printing and publishing in the UAE.
  • UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (also known as the “UAE Penal Code”).
  • UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2002, as modified, governs the structure of the telecommunications industry (the “UAE Telecoms Law”).
  • UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 2012, as amended by UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2016 and UAE Federal Decree No. 2 of 2018 (the “Cyber-Crime Law”).
  • The National Media Council is governed by UAE Federal Law No. 11 of 2016 (the “NMC Law”).
  • Resolution No. 30 of the NMC Board of Directors of 2017 (the “Media Content Regulation”).
  • Regulation of Electronic Media Activity by the NMC.

There is nothing to suggest that the next years will be less digital. The UAE has stated its future potential and proclaimed its priority in this area. The degree of adoption of smartphones, Internet, and social media networks, as well as the solid ICT infrastructure and government policies that encourage digital transformation, are all indicators of the UAE’s trend toward digitalization and the digital lifestyle. The translation of digital transformation into economic development will be the most difficult challenge for the ‘Digital sprinters,’ including the UAE, in the coming phase. If countries around the world succeed in this challenge, they will have created a historic gain from digital transformation, which will be reflected in collective additional economic growth.

Social Media Influencer Laws

The rise of social media over the last few decades has significantly impacted how brands interact with customers. Not only is social media consuming a significant portion of global advertising expenditures, but it is also providing an effective means for firms to engage directly with consumers on a B2C level. With the emergence of social media, a new form of brand advocate – the social media influencer – emerged. All of this occurred under the cover of media and advertising rules that were not necessarily geared to deal with how new media is managed. Governments throughout the world are reacting accordingly, and companies must remain nimble and up to speed with new rules and regulations on a constant basis.

Cyber Security

The fundamental right to privacy and confidentiality of information and trade secrets is entrenched in the UAE Penal Code. The Cyber Crime Law was passed in 2012 to keep up with emerging technological methods, and it was later revised in 2016 to include all sorts of cybercrime that may occur in the UAE. The TRA created the National Cybersecurity Strategy in June 2019 because cybersecurity is a critical component of ensuring a resilient and efficient telecommunications infrastructure. The National Cybersecurity Strategy’s goal is to guarantee that the country is prepared for a cyberattack on a regulatory and policy level, as well as a commercial and individual level.

Workers’ access to and submission of sensitive information such as passwords, email addresses, personal information, phone numbers, home addresses, proprietary information, financial data, and communication about customers and employees through wireless and wired networks is crucial.

Internet Content Laws

The TRA governs and is accountable for the material found on any webpage or website. Concurrently, telecom companies have been required to screen and control the information that goes via their network. They are also responsible for limiting access and reporting any instances of illegal content to the TRA.

Content is considered illegal if it breaches UAE law’s public policy and values. The TRA provides a non-exhaustive list of what is considered prohibited content, which includes not just morally and financially unlawful actions, but also those that are deemed detrimental to the State.

The TRA has also barred the use of proxy servers and VPNs that provide access to forbidden content. It has been stated that VPNs are only permitted if they are not used to access banned or unprotected material.

The Final Words

The Middle East’s technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector continue to thrive. It has also stated its future potential and proclaimed its goals for enacting additional laws to safeguard inhabitants and assist countries worldwide in doing so. According to the Federal National Council, the UAE enacted new federal legislation this year governing the media, publications, and internet material (FNC).

These rules will be enacted in order to keep up with the rapidly changing technology landscape and to protect the privacy and data security of its inhabitants. It has also taken several initiatives and passed regulations to stay up with the rest of the world by increasing TMT competencies in both the commercial and public sectors. If you want legal assistance, please contact the professional lawyers at MAAF Legal.

Practice Areas

  • Commercial
  • Corporate
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation
  • Banking & Finance
  • Insurance & Securitization
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Technology & Data Protection

Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

Office Hours
9.00am to 6.00pm (GST)
Monday to Friday

CategoriesBlog,  Legal,  Legal Laws,  Money Laundering,  Real Estate

Laws & Penalties For Money Laundering In UAE

The stability, safety, and security of enterprises and society at large are threatened by significant criminal activities like money laundering and terrorism funding. To stabilize people’s, businesses’, and other associated parties’ financial systems, the UAE government passed anti-money laundering legislation.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) AML Law was put into place to improve the UAE’s capacity for identifying and fighting financial crimes. In this article, you learn about the most recent anti-money laundering rules and sanctions in Dubai, UAE.

Federal Laws for Money Laundering Activities & Terrorist Financing

The Federal Decretal-Law No. (20) of 2018 on AML, CFT, and Illegal Organizations specifies the conditions under which the anti-money laundering regulations in the UAE are applied.

Clause (1) of Article 2 of the law states that anybody who deliberately engages in any of the following actions while possessing knowledge that the money is the profits of a criminal or a misdemeanor is guilty of money laundering.

  • Carrying out any transaction to transfer, move, or hide the proceeds of an illicit source.
  • The funds’ real source, location, or nature, as well as their use, movement, ownership, or rights about these proceeds, must all be concealed.
  • Acquiring, holding, or utilizing funds as soon as they are received.
  • Helping the predicate offense’s offender in avoiding punishment.

Money laundering is regarded as a separate offense. The sentence for the predicate offense will not shield the offender from punishment for the money laundering offense. It shouldn’t be necessary to establish the illegal source of the money before imposing punishment on the predicate offender.

Moreover, Article 3 of the Federal Law No 3 of 1987 says;

  • Any of the deeds listed in Article (2), Clause (1) of the current Decree-Law, if the person knows that the proceeds are owned entirely or in part by or intended to finance a terrorist organization, a terrorist, or a terrorist crime, even if there is no intention to hide or disguise their illicit origin.
  • A person who has done such activities on behalf of a terrorist organization or a terrorist individual while being aware of their real motivations or purposes or who supplies gathers, prepares, procures, or facilitates the acquisition of Proceeds with the aim to use them.

Penalties for Money Laundering

Any individual who engages in money laundering in the UAE shall be penalized with a minimum of one year and a maximum of ten years in jail, according to Article 22 of the Money Laundering Law. The offender may also be penalized with fines that vary from 100,000 to 5,000,000 AED or with both a punishment and jail.

The penalties are more severe if the culprit exploited the influence or authority that was bestowed upon him by virtue of his profession, if the crime was carried out through a non-profit organization or an organized criminal gang, or if a repeat offender did it. Temporary imprisonment (up to 15 years) and fines between AED 300,000 and AED 10,000,000 are possible penalties in certain situations.

Deportation of Foreign Culprits

Experienced and knowledgeable advocates and legal consultants in Dubai from the best law firms in Dubai say that according to Article 29/1 of the Money Laundering Law, any foreigner who violates the Money Laundering Law and receives a jail term for their actions will be expelled from the UAE.

However, under Article 29/2 of the Money Laundering Law, the court may order a foreign national’s expulsion from the country in addition to or instead of a jail term if they have committed a misdemeanor (a felony punishable by up to three years in prison).

It is also very important to remember that the statute of limitations does not cover offences involving money laundering.

The Final Words

To combat money laundering issues, laws are strict in the UAE. This is where the authorities have created a strict framework that is designed to develop and implement these measures to ensure that everyone abides by the law and no one runs away from it.

If you need any legal assistance in this matter, MAAF Legal provides the best and most experienced lawyers and advocates who know the law and have the expertise to serve you if you want justice to be served. 

Practice Areas

  • Commercial
  • Corporate
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation
  • Banking & Finance
  • Insurance & Securitization
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Technology & Data Protection

Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

Office Hours
9.00am to 6.00pm (GST)
Monday to Friday

CategoriesBlog,  Legal,  Legal Laws,  Money Laundering,  Real Estate

5 Things To Know About Arbitration In Commercial Disputes In UAE

In the past ten years, economic prospects for international investors have significantly increased in the UAE. As a result, the laws have been changed by the legislators to include a reliable dispute settlement process. Such dependable institutions are capable of serving the needs of both domestic and international investors.

In the UAE, arbitration or litigation is typically used to settle business issues. At the same time, the most popular and widely used method for settling such conflicts nowadays is arbitration. The nation adheres to the civil law system, with the courts taking an investigative stance.

Arbitration in Commercial Disputes

Arbitration is a recognized legal dispute settlement process. Simply described, it is a process where a disagreement is referred to by one or more arbitrators who render a legally binding ruling on the issue with the parties consent.

Rather than just going to court, private disputes can be resolved through arbitration. When faced with a commercial issue, many individuals choose arbitration over litigation since it is less expensive and time-consuming.

Contacting a reputable dispute settlement & arbitration law company in Dubai is essential when choosing arbitration by the best lawyers in Dubai for the settlement of commercial issues. By doing this, it will be ensured that all procedures and choices are in line with the most recent national legislation.

Arbitration Law in the UAE

There are few regulations for the legal principles of arbitration in the UAE arbitration legislation. A petition for arbitration is filed to start the arbitration, and a power of attorney is typically requested as proof of authorization if attorneys are going to start the arbitration. The additional steps for starting a case will be determined by the arbitration rules.

The Arbitration Law allows parties to freely decide on the actions that will be taken to carry out the agreed-upon rules. The tribunal may follow the arbitration laws and any applicable international treaties’ procedural rules if there is no settlement.

According to arbitration law, an arbitral tribunal may ask a court to compel a party or a third party to provide testimony or produce any documents necessary to resolve the dispute. The arbitrators can order the attendance of experts, witness testimony, and hearings at any point throughout the dispute.

Rules Pertaining to Appeals in UAE’s Courts

Any party who feels wronged by the Court of First Instance’s decision may appeal the matter to the Court of Appeal. The appeal may be made on both legal and factual grounds. Parties additionally have the option to add new arguments and supporting data. All appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the day on which you received the Court of First Instance’s decision. The time limit, nevertheless, may be extended under certain conditions.

The appeal’s filer must provide written justification for the appeal as well as supporting documentation. The court will give notice to the opposing party and schedule a hearing for the respondent’s reply after receiving the appeal. The court will set up additional hearing dates to allow for submissions, and if it is pleased that the case has been properly pled, it will issue a judgment order.

Within 60 days of obtaining the Court of Appeal’s ruling, parties have an additional right to appeal it to the Court of Cassation on legal grounds.

How Does Arbitration Help in Commercial Disputes?

It is usually recommended that the parties involved in any economic issues attempt a peaceful resolution through dialogue or mediation. The parties are then sent to arbitration if neither of these approaches is successful in settling the conflict.

In this situation, the case is presented by all parties to qualified arbitration attorneys providing legal services in Dubai, who carefully evaluate the case with supporting documentation. The arbitrator then renders a judgment in accordance with both domestic and international legal standards. The arbitration ruling may or may not be enforceable in court, depending on the kind.

For a variety of reasons, arbitration is important in the process of settling business disputes. Here are the main explanations:

  • It takes less time than litigation.
  • It is a more affordable choice than going to court.
  • It renders a judgment that is final for both parties in conformity with the applicable legislation.
  • It can break a deadlock when parties are unable to reach an understanding via negotiation or mediation.
  • A determination is made after carefully examining the arguments of all parties, the specifics of the case, and credible evidence.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

Federal Law Number 7 of 2012 on the Expert Evidence before UAE Courts allows for the appointment of outside experts in legal proceedings. The nomination of lawyers is also governed by Federal Law Number 10 of 1992 concerning Evidence Law. Expert lawyers and advocates are typically called upon to provide advice on various issues that call for the right knowledge and abilities, such as financial or technological difficulties. The experts are chosen from a list of experts that is available to all courts. Due to concerns about reciprocal bias, the court does not let the parties choose an expert.

The Final Words

If you ever find yourself in the midst of a significant business dispute, you will need the wise counsel of knowledgeable arbitration attorneys in Dubai.

One of the top legal firms in Dubai for arbitration and conflict resolution is MAAF Legal. Our team of expert arbitration attorneys in Dubai is highly experienced and has participated in arbitrations run by prominent international arbitration organizations for more than 20 years.

Practice Areas

  • Commercial
  • Corporate
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation
  • Banking & Finance
  • Insurance & Securitization
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Technology & Data Protection

Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

Office Hours
9.00am to 6.00pm (GST)
Monday to Friday

CategoriesBlog,  Legal,  Legal Laws,  Money Laundering,  Real Estate

Narcotics & Drugs Laws In UAE

Drug addiction is one of the most common issues young people encounter. Around the world, millions of individuals spend an unfathomable sum of money on this horrific addiction. According to legal advocates in Dubai, drug trafficking is a significant worldwide problem that the world is working hard to eradicate.

UAE is not exempt from this challenge, just like every other nation in the globe. In reality, there has been an increase in drug use and possession in the UAE since 2018. The UAE government has long adopted a zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking to combat this situation.

The Federal Law No. 14 of 1995, as amended, establishes the framework for the regulation of narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances in the United Arab Emirates. It’s also referred to as the “drug law.” This legislation makes it illegal to produce, import, export, transport, purchase, sell, store, and possess narcotic and psychoactive drugs inside the nation.

The offender would be subject to penalty if they engaged in any of the aforementioned acts without any supervision or if they did not have legitimate scientific or medical justifications.

The Shariah Law

The purchase, possession, use, and distribution of drugs are strictly forbidden, as they are in all Muslim nations that uphold Sharia Law. Even though the UAE is very liberal, with alcohol flexibly available in hotel bars and restaurants in the majority of emirates and sold to private individuals with permits, the UAE had a zero-tolerance policy toward drug use, particularly trafficking, until recently. It has been documented that transiting or arriving passengers to the UAE have been detained just for having a poppy seed on their clothing from eating a sandwich.

Although it is uncommon, visitors should be aware that their bags may be inspected at customs, and anyone found in possession of narcotics may expect to pay hefty penalties or perhaps go to jail.

Drugs in UAE

Early in 2022, the regulations around drugs were slightly modified in relation to THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, despite the fact that they were still highly tight. People caught with THC-containing food, beverages, or other products will no longer go to jail; instead, the THC will be seized, and at most, they will receive a fine. Nevertheless, it is still completely forbidden to possess vapes or e-cigarettes that have been infused with cannabis oil.

Potential jail terms for first-time offenders have been lowered from two years to three months, and during that period, rehabilitation will be made available to the offenders.

However, the law is still strict when it comes to the use of stronger drugs and drug trafficking; as a matter of fact, the fine for encouraging drug use and aiding in the sale of narcotics and psychoactive substances has been increased to AED 50,000 and offenders face a minimum five-year prison term. 

Prescription Medicated Drugs

When we talk about UAE in particular, prescription or over-the-counter medications are classified as illegal monitored substances in the United Arab Emirates. This is where many travelers make unnecessary or vague mistakes by not understanding the laws of carrying prescription drugs when traveling to the UAE.

If you are a prospective traveler who is planning to come to the UAE and you take some prescribed medication that is classified as drugs, you should declare it to the relevant authorities or document it beforehand so that they can save you from possible inconsequence. For this, the traveler may require a letter from their doctor or face no entry into the country.

However, travelers are advised to register their drug information on the government website. The government website helps you mention specific details for your business and help you have a safe travel plan.

Some Amendments to the Law

The severity of the punishment for using illegal substances has drastically decreased as a result of recent revisions. You may have received a four-year prison term earlier. However, it was recently shortened to just two years because of the amendment’s changes.

The attorney general now has the authority to order the criminal to report to a rehabilitation facility rather than appear in court, which is another significant change brought about by the amendment. However, the attorney general may arrive at this judgment after speaking with the bureaucracy and the prosecutors, and it would depend on the criminal history of the perpetrator.

In the event of a repeat offender, the court may impose a fine of AED 10,000 as well as a two-year prison sentence. However, a first-time offender may be ordered to perform community service or attend a rehabilitation facility in addition to paying a maximum fine of AED 10,000.

Penalties & Deportation

Schedule 10 details the consequences for breaking Articles 10 and 11 of the Narcotics Law.

According to Schedule 10 of the Narcotics Law, breaching the rules relating to Articles 10 and 11 would result in penalties of at least 7 or 10 years in jail and fines, depending on the drug(s) in question. The accused may even get a life sentence, depending on the number of narcotics found.

According to Article 57 of the Narcotics Law, the accused may be given the death sentence if the offense connected to a violation of Article 10/1 was done with the intention of trafficking or promotion or if the accused is a member of an enemy organization or organized gang or works for its benefit.

The courts may decide to order the deportation of a foreign national who has been charged with narcotics charges under the Narcotics Law. This is a change from the previous stance, which mandated the deportation of foreigners for narcotics offenses.

The Final Words

To end the problem of drug trafficking in the nation, the UAE government is making significant efforts. It aims to preserve society as a whole and prevent people from becoming hooked.

Many people commit grave errors that may easily be avoided with appropriate legal assistance from corporate law firms in Dubai  because the complexities of the laws related to drug trafficking are not well understood. Therefore, the instant you become involved in any such matter, get in touch with a law company and seek appropriate legal assistance from them to discover how to go from there.

With the right direction, you will be better prepared to handle and successfully navigate the issue.

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Mai Alfalasi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

1203, Green Tower
Baniyas Street, Deira
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

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1203, Green Tower, Baniyas Street,
Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Phone. +971 4 223 0666
Whatsapp. +971 50 208 9986
Email. info@maaflegal.ae

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