The UAE has announced an amendment to its Crimes and Penalties Law removing criminal punishment for attempted suicide. Announced on October 8, 2026, the change shifts the response towards prevention, medical treatment and mental health support.
A survivor will no longer face punishment simply for attempting suicide under the amended provision. Encouraging or helping another person to die by suicide remains punishable.
What does the change mean?
The amendment removes the criminal penalty attached to the attempt itself. It aims to reduce fear of prosecution and encourage people in distress to seek assistance earlier.
Medical assessment, treatment and continued support remain important after an attempt. Decriminalisation changes the legal response to the survivor, while retaining accountability for another person's involvement.
What was the previous punishment?
Article 386 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 provided for imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to AED 5,000 for attempted suicide. The court could order placement in a treatment facility instead of imposing punishment.
Six months was the maximum prison term in that provision, rather than a mandatory minimum sentence.
Penalties for encouraging or assisting suicide
| Outcome or circumstance | Penalty under the amendment |
|---|---|
| An attempt occurs without death | Detention and a fine, or either penalty. |
| The person dies | Five to seven years in prison. |
| Permanent disability, or illness or inability to perform personal tasks lasting more than 20 days | Three to five years in prison and a fine. |
| The person entirely lacks will or perception | Intentional murder or attempted intentional murder penalties may apply. |
Being under 18 or having diminished will or perception is an aggravating circumstance. Foreign nationals convicted of instigating or assisting suicide must also be deported.
Why the distinction matters
The law distinguishes between a person experiencing a crisis and someone who encourages or facilitates another person's attempt. Removing punishment for the survivor does not remove responsibility for a third party's involvement.
The announcement describes a preventive and therapeutic approach, making timely care central to the response while retaining penalties for those who contribute to another person's harm.