UAE Raises Prison Sentence for Murder to 15–20 Years Even if Qisas Is Waived

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has amended its law governing punishments for murder, increasing the minimum prison sentence from seven years to 15 years and the maximum from 15 years to 20 years, even when the victim’s family waives its right to Qisas (retributive justice).

According to Khaleej Times, the amendment revises Clause 3 of Article 384 of the UAE’s Crimes and Penalties Law through a federal decree. Under the revised provision, the increased prison sentence applies when the victim’s legal heirs waive Qisas at any stage of judicial proceedings or before the sentence is carried out. As a result, a killer will not be exempt from imprisonment even if the victim’s family forgives them. According to Dr. Hassan Al Hais, a legal adviser at Amal Al Rashdi Law Firm, the previous law prescribed a minimum prison sentence of seven years when Qisas was waived. Following the amendment, the prison term has been increased to between 15 and 20 years.

He explained that the victim’s family waiving Qisas does not eliminate the offender’s criminal liability. Instead, the state retains the authority to impose a criminal punishment. Under Islamic law, Qisas is a form of retributive justice applicable to intentional murder. Subject to the relevant legal requirements and a court’s ruling, it may include the death penalty. However, the victim’s legal heirs have the right to waive Qisas. Such a waiver does not mean that the offender is acquitted or that all legal proceedings against them automatically end.

Under the amended law, courts will assess the circumstances of the crime and the applicable legal provisions before determining an appropriate prison sentence of between 15 and 20 years. Dr. Hassan Al Hais also clarified that waiving Qisas does not necessarily eliminate the possibility of the death penalty in every case. If a case involves a separate offence for which the law independently prescribes capital punishment, relinquishing the right to Qisas does not automatically cancel that penalty.

Attempted Suicide No Longer a Criminal Offence

The UAE has introduced other changes to its Crimes and Penalties Law in addition to the amendments concerning Qisas. According to Khaleej Times, the revised law removes attempted suicide from the list of criminal offences. The change is intended to enable people experiencing psychological difficulties or severe emotional distress to seek treatment and assistance without fear of criminal prosecution. According to the government, the aim is to focus on care, treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment, ensuring that people can obtain timely medical and psychological support. Meanwhile, penalties have been established for those who incite or assist another person to commit suicide. If a person dies as a result of such incitement or assistance, those responsible may face imprisonment for five to seven years.