Long-time residents, as well as newcomers, should all be aware of UAE laws. Alamy
Long-time residents, as well as newcomers, should all be aware of UAE laws. Alamy
Long-time residents, as well as newcomers, should all be aware of UAE laws. Alamy
Long-time residents, as well as newcomers, should all be aware of UAE laws. Alamy

Ten UAE laws everybody should know, according to experts


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As the UAE continues to experience a population boom, with more people relocating to the Emirates, experts are reminding residents of the laws by which everybody needs to abide.

Keren Bobker, a financial adviser who has lived in the UAE for more than two decades, said she has been reminding residents of certain regulations, such as debt non-repayment and frozen bank accounts, for years, “but I still come across people every single week who are unaware”.

With the help of a few experts, The National has compiled a list of laws everybody visiting or living in the country should know.

1. Non-payment of debt is a serious issue

“While non-payment or late repayment of money owed is less of a criminal issue than in the past, it is still a very serious matter in the UAE,” said Ms Bobker.

“We are seeing fewer people being imprisoned for debt as the courts are more lenient following rule changes but don’t think you can walk away from any debts.”

Banks can take action if you miss three payments and file a police case and request a travel ban, added Ms Bobker.

“It is possible to avoid prison if you can demonstrate you have financial difficulties for a good reason – rather than wilful non-payment – but certain bans and legal cases can mean that a residency visa cannot be renewed.”

2. Sharia distribution applies to all actual property

Non-Emiratis can specify their wishes for the distribution of property in the event of their death in a will. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Non-Emiratis can specify their wishes for the distribution of property in the event of their death in a will. Chris Whiteoak / The National

On death, any villas, apartments or commercial buildings that you own are shared between a number of family members and don’t automatically pass on to your husband or wife, even if jointly owned.

Sons receive twice as much as daughters and other relatives can be beneficiaries, such as parents, in-laws or cousins.

“It is messy, and can have tax and other legal complications, but all non-Emiratis can write a will to specify their required beneficiaries,” advised Ms Bobker.

“Following a change in the law, Muslim expats can write full wills, too.”

3. UAE bank accounts can be frozen for multiple reasons

When you change job, the bank is alerted when your last salary payment is marked “final salary”. This is a requirement for all employers and, following this, your bank may put a block on your account.

“If you don’t have any debts, this may not happen or it will be unblocked quickly,” said Ms Bobker. “However, if you have any loans or outstanding credit card debts, then you need to be aware that some banks will use the salary payment, plus any end of service gratuity, to repay or reduce liabilities.

“This may be in the terms of the loan agreement that you signed, so it is wise to read everything before signing and to check what you have agreed to.”

If liabilities are not settled in full, certain banks will not unfreeze the accounts until they see a new work visa and the first salary payment.

“This is why it is smart to keep an emergency fund in another bank, or even better in an offshore account,” advised Ms Bobker. “Married couples are better off having separate bank accounts, with different banks, so all the household money is not frozen for weeks. And be aware that accounts are frozen in the event of death – for a very long time.”

4. Health insurance will soon be mandatory nationwide

Currently, health insurance is mandatory only in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, an incoming new law will soon require employers in all other emirates to obtain cover for their employees.

This nationwide law is expected to come into force from January 1, 2025.

The decision to implement mandatory medical insurance in Dubai passed in 2014 and “Dubai has since been able to reduce healthcare costs associated with routine check-ups, treatment of chronic illnesses, emergency care and for several other medical services,” said Toshita Chauhan, business head of health and motor insurance for policybazaar.ae.

Toshita Chauhan from Policybazaar reminded people that both health and car insurance can be mandatory in the UAE. Photo: Policybazaar
Toshita Chauhan from Policybazaar reminded people that both health and car insurance can be mandatory in the UAE. Photo: Policybazaar

“A basic health plan that employees can benefit from ought to have an annual premium ranging between Dh500 to Dh700 with a maximum insurance cover of Dh150,00 per person per annum. The cost of insurance must be covered by the employer, and this amount is not deductible from employee salaries.”

In Abu Dhabi, where the health insurance law was enforced from June 2006, if you don't have it, you may have to pay a fine of Dh300 per person every month, added Ms Chauhan.

“The Abu Dhabi government will also not renew the visa or grant residency to a person who does not have proof of health insurance.”

5. Everyone must have motor insurance

Every car on the road must have at least third-party insurance, warned Ms Chauhan.

“Failing to adhere to this law can result in severe consequences, such as hefty fines, the suspension of your driver licence and even imprisonment in some cases.”

Car insurance policy terms are 12 months, with an additional 30 days grace period and have to be renewed every year at the time of vehicle registration.

6. Misusing social media can lead to fines, imprisonment and deportation

Even private messages can have legal consequences if there is harassment in them. PA
Even private messages can have legal consequences if there is harassment in them. PA

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes, posting or sharing defamatory content, spreading rumours or making offensive online comments can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment and even deportation.

“Even private messages can lead to legal consequences if there is an element of harassment in them,” said Danish Qazi, senior associate at BSA Law, a legal firm based in Dubai.

“Given the use of social media, the residents of the UAE should be mindful of the laws which could land them in trouble while using platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook.

“A thorough understanding of cybercrimes is essential to avoid breaking the law even unintentionally.”

7. Non-compliance with tax laws has consequences

While this regulation is only relevant to business owners, even the smallest businesses need to be aware that corporate tax registration, which was enforced earlier this year, is a critical obligation in the UAE.

This law requires all entities, regardless of whether they meet the taxable income threshold, to register with the Federal Tax Authority within the prescribed timelines.

“Failure to register on time incurs penalties,” said Mahmoud Kreidie, a paralegal at BSA Law.

“The FTA has the authority to freeze assets, restrict business operations and impose other sanctions.”

It can also affect license renewals and a company’s operational abilities, he added.

“Businesses must ensure timely registration and compliance to avoid these serious consequences.”

8. Be aware of privacy laws in public spaces

Strict laws protect individual privacy in both private and public spaces across the UAE, making unauthorised photography or videography without consent illegal.

These laws reinforce respect for personal dignity and privacy, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding these values long established in the region
Mahmoud Kreidie,
paralegal, BSA Law

“Private space owners can set conditions for photos or videos, with consent often implied through event terms, though some areas may be designated as ‘no photography’ zones to respect privacy and data protection,” explained Mr Kreidie.

There are two specific regulations in the Penal Code and Cybercrimes Law that prohibit recording or photographing anyone without consent and sharing these over digital networks.

“These laws reinforce respect for personal dignity and privacy, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding these values long established in the region.”

9. The cohabitation laws have changed

A new iteration of the UAE Penal Code announced in 2020 decriminalised cohabitation, meaning unmarried couples of the opposite sex can now live together, something which was illegal under a federal law enforced in 1987. This could previously lead to imprisonment and deportation.

However, partners can still face legal repercussions if a spouse or legal guardian files an objection. It is also up to landlords and residential buildings whether to accept unmarried couples as tenants under their own regulations.

Drinking alcohol without a licence was also decriminalised at the same time.

10. Swearing and making obscene gestures are strictly prohibited

Swearing or any other offensive behaviour deemed antisocial, such as making rude gestures with your fingers or hands, are considered obscene acts that are against the law. Offenders can be jailed or deported, if reported.

In this same vein, public displays of affection, including kissing or touching, can also result in an arrest.

Unresolved crisis

Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a bitter conflict since 2014, when Ukraine’s Kremlin-friendly president was ousted, Moscow annexed Crimea and then backed a separatist insurgency in the east.

Fighting between the Russia-backed rebels and Ukrainian forces has killed more than 14,000 people. In 2015, France and Germany helped broker a peace deal, known as the Minsk agreements, that ended large-scale hostilities but failed to bring a political settlement of the conflict.

The Kremlin has repeatedly accused Kiev of sabotaging the deal, and Ukrainian officials in recent weeks said that implementing it in full would hurt Ukraine.

Stan%20Lee
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20David%20Gelb%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
NEW%20UTILITY%20POLICY%3A%20WHAT%20DOES%20IT%20REGULATE%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Agreements%20on%20energy%20and%20water%20supply%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Applied%20service%20fees%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customer%20data%20and%20information%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Prohibition%20of%20service%20disconnections%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customer%20complaint%20process%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Management%20of%20debts%20and%20customers%20in%20default%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Services%20provided%20to%20people%20of%20determination%20and%20home%20care%20customers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Price, base / as tested Dh274,000 (estimate)

Engine 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder

Gearbox  Nine-speed automatic

Power 245hp @ 4,200rpm

Torque 500Nm @ 1,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined 6.4L / 100km

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

LIVERPOOL SQUAD

Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, Adrian, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana, Andy Lonergan, Xherdan Shaqiri, Andy Robertson, Divock Origi, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Neco Williams

Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

HAJJAN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Abu%20Bakr%20Shawky%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3EStarring%3A%20Omar%20Alatawi%2C%20Tulin%20Essam%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al-Hasawi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Karwaan

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

Director: Akarsh Khurana

Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

India team for Sri Lanka series

Test squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wk), KS Bharath (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Sourabh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

T20 squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Surya Kumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tuesday's fixtures
Group A
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Iran v Uzbekistan, 8pm
N Korea v UAE, 10.15pm
UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

The figures behind the event

1) More than 300 in-house cleaning crew

2) 165 staff assigned to sanitise public areas throughout the show

3) 1,000 social distancing stickers

4) 809 hand sanitiser dispensers placed throughout the venue

A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

The Specs

Price, base Dh379,000
Engine 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 503bhp
Torque 443Nm
On sale now

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Test squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan(wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah

Twenty20 squad: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz 

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

TICKETS

Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

RESULTS

2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Masaali, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).

2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Almoreb, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Imprison, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

3.30pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh 100,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Raahy, Adrie de Vries, Jaber Ramadhan.

4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m. Winner: Cross The Ocean, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m. Winner: Sa’Ada, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash.

Dolittle

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen

One-and-a-half out of five stars

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Updated: November 02, 2024, 11:25 AM`