The UAE Government has issued a federal decree-law amending provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law, increasing penalties for inciting or assisting suicide according to the outcome. If the act results in death, the penalty may range from five to seven years in prison.

Under the amendments, if a person attempts suicide as a result of another person’s incitement or assistance but survives, the person responsible will face imprisonment, a fine, or both.

If the attempt results in permanent disability, illness, or an inability to manage personal affairs for more than 20 days, the penalty will be three to five years in prison and a fine. If the incitement or assistance results in death, the prison term will increase to between five and seven years.

The law provides additional protection for vulnerable people. If the victim is under the age of 18 or has diminished willpower or capacity for discernment, this will be considered an aggravating circumstance.

If the person who died or attempted suicide completely lacked free will or capacity for discernment, the person who incited or assisted them will face the prescribed penalty for premeditated murder or attempted premeditated murder, depending on the outcome of the case.

Another significant change is the decriminalisation of attempted suicide. Under the amendments, a person who attempts suicide and survives will not face criminal punishment solely for the attempt. The UAE Government said the change aims to strengthen a preventive, therapeutic and humane approach while encouraging people experiencing mental health crises to seek help.

Any foreign national convicted of inciting or assisting suicide will also be deported from the UAE.

A court may exempt an offender from punishment if, before the death occurs, they intervene voluntarily and effectively prevent it. However, the exemption will not apply if the victim suffers a permanent disability, illness, or incapacity lasting more than 20 days.