Changes to the UAE's drug laws will limit criminal action against people found to be carrying products which contain cannabis extracts.
Items with traces of the drug – such as the THC compound – will instead be seized and destroyed, with no punishment for first-time possession.
Those caught with such items again, however, could face prosecution.
Some medical items and foods, such as hemp-based products, can carry extremely low levels of THC, which is the main stimulative compound in cannabis.
New amendments to UAE legislation, to come into force in January, have removed the prospect of many people inadvertently falling foul of the law.
But those in possession of e-cigarettes filled with cannabis extract will continue to face criminal charges.
“Not only legal professionals but doctors, psychiatrists, social experts and others came together to revise the law and produce one that prioritises rehabilitation and the welfare of society,” said Ali Galadari, senior judge at the Dubai Court of Cassation.
Consuming drugs is a crime and the revised law does not change this rule. Therefore, people found in possession of substances such as CBD oil in e-cigarettes will be charged, he said.
“Carrying vape cigarettes that are filled with CBD oil is different from carrying food or drink or medicine that contain THC,' the judge said.
“Smokers are very aware of what their cigarettes contain, so they should be able to know if it's CBD oil and not think that the revised law will spare them penalty.
“If in doubt about the ingredients of their vaping juice, they should simply buy them from licensed shops.”
What has changed?
Previously, people carrying products that include traces of cannabis would have been detained and referred to prosecutors on charges of drug importation or possessing.
A criminal case would have followed and a conviction meant a prison sentence of up to 10 years and deportation for expatriates.
After major legal changes in November, such items found on people arriving in the country will instead be confiscated and destroyed.
Article 96 states it “shall not be considered punishable by law an action of bringing in, importing, transmitting, or possessing food, drinks or other products which ingredients contain drugging or mind-altering substances mentioned in parts of tables 1, 4, 5 and 6 of this law”.
These listed substances include cannabis, cannabis resin and extracts and tinctures of cannabis, morning glory, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Dronabinol, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its stereochemical variants.
“This change, among other changes to the country’s drug law, addressed a debate we often had as judges which is whether a drug user is a criminal, or a patient,” Mr Galadari said.
“This has been addressed and the law clearly prioritises rehabilitation and what is best for the defendants themselves and for the country and the society.”
A first-time offence will not be regarded as a crime of possessing drugs for personal use.
However, an official report must document the incident and the substances confiscated must be referred to the relevant authorities to handle the process of destroying them.
“I saw many people get charged with bringing in products that contain THC that are allowed in their countries, but they had no idea it was not allowed in the UAE,” said Ayham Al Moghrabi, a legal consultant.
“However, people carrying products whose ingredients may be questionable need to read the tables attached to the drug law – which are widely available online – because carrying other substances in any form is still punishable.”
Other significant changes to UAE’s anti-narcotics law include cutting minimum jail terms and setting up specialist detention centres as an alternative to prison.
These will provide treatment and rehabilitation programmes, sports and vocational training, as well as family, occupational and social integration initiatives.
“I assume these centres will, very soon – within this year – be ready, especially as the country now has extensive experience in this issue,” Mr Galadari said.
Deportation for foreigners in drug cases is no longer mandatory, with judges able to decide if someone convicted is allowed to stay.
“When it comes to when I may consider deportation, I need look at all details, before I decide,” Mr Galadri said.
“For instance, I need to see whether the defendant is a resident, a visitor, a first timer, or if the person has a criminal record, and other details that will help me decide what is best for the person, his family and the community.”
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
Name: Colm McLoughlin
Country: Galway, Ireland
Job: Executive vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free
Favourite golf course: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Favourite part of Dubai: Palm Jumeirah
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Scoreline:
Everton 4
Richarlison 13'), Sigurdsson 28', Digne 56', Walcott 64'
Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton)
Chatham House Rule
A mark of Chatham House’s influence 100 years on since its founding, was Moscow’s formal declaration last month that it was an “undesirable
organisation”.
The depth of knowledge and academics that it drew on
following the Ukraine invasion had broadcast Mr Putin’s chicanery.
The institute is more used to accommodating world leaders,
with Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher among those helping it provide
authoritative commentary on world events.
Chatham House was formally founded as the Royal Institute of
International Affairs following the peace conferences of World War One. Its
founder, Lionel Curtis, wanted a more scientific examination of international affairs
with a transparent exchange of information and ideas.
That arena of debate and analysis was enhanced by the “Chatham
House Rule” states that the contents of any meeting can be discussed outside Chatham
House but no mention can be made identifying individuals who commented.
This has enabled some candid exchanges on difficult subjects
allowing a greater degree of free speech from high-ranking figures.
These meetings are highly valued, so much so that
ambassadors reported them in secret diplomatic cables that – when they were
revealed in the Wikileaks reporting – were thus found to have broken the rule. However,
most speeches are held on the record.
Its research and debate has offered fresh ideas to
policymakers enabling them to more coherently address troubling issues from climate
change to health and food security.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m
Winner: AF Mozhell, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Majdi, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Athabeh, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Eshaar, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi
4pm: Gulf Cup presented by Longines Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Al Roba’a Al Khali, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Younis Al Kalbani
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Apolo Kid, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muahiri
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
The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
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
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
