What are the categories of crimes in the UAE?

Based on the UAE Penal Code, crimes in the country are divided into three categories:

• Contraventions – penalties under this crime include:
  • Custody for a minimum of 24 hours and maximum of 10 days
  • A fine not more than AED 1,000
• Misdemeanours – these are types of serious crime involving petty theft, simple battery or assault, evading police, vandalism, cyber bullying, etc. Penalties under this crime include:
  • Imprisonment
  • Fine with a minimum of AED 1,000
  • Diyat – compensation for the victim
• Felonies  – these are severe crimes such as murder, burglary, armed robbery, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, and more. Penalties under this crime include:
  • Diyat – compensation for the victim
  • Temporary imprisonment
  • Life imprisonment
  • Death penalty