Domestic Violence Protections in the UAE (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The UAE criminalised domestic violence with a dedicated law in 2019, making it a standalone offence for the first time:
- Definition: Domestic violence includes any physical, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse committed by a family member against another family member.
- Family members: The law covers spouses, children, parents, siblings, and anyone living in the same household, including domestic workers.
- Penalties: Offenders face fines of up to AED 10,000 and possible imprisonment. Repeat offences carry harsher penalties.
- Protection orders: Victims can obtain a court order that bars the abuser from the home and prevents them from contacting the victim.
- Reporting: Domestic violence can be reported to the police, the public prosecution, or through specialised family protection centres in each emirate.
When does it apply?
- You are a victim of abuse by a family member or household member in the UAE.
- This applies to all residents, regardless of nationality or gender.
- Domestic workers living in the household are also protected under this law.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence in the UAE
- Call the police (999) if you are in immediate danger.
- Contact a family protection centre — Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (800-111), Abu Dhabi's Aman shelter (800-7283), or the Sharjah Social Support Centre (800-700). All three operate 24/7 hotlines in multiple languages.
- Document the abuse — take photos of injuries, save threatening messages, and keep a record of incidents with dates and details.
- Request a protection order from the court to keep the abuser away from you and your children.
- If you are an expatriate and your residence visa is tied to your spouse, consult a lawyer — options exist to protect your visa status during proceedings.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not stay silent — domestic violence is a crime in the UAE, and reporting it will not result in legal trouble for the victim.
- Do not destroy evidence — keep all records of abuse, even if you are unsure about filing a complaint.
- Do not leave the UAE with your children without legal advice — this could be considered parental abduction.
About Family Law in Oman
The UAE runs two parallel family-law tracks. Muslim residents fall under the Personal Status Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024), which came into force on 15 April 2025 and expressly repeals the prior Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (the 2005 Personal Status Law). Non-Muslims can use Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 — a secular code for marriage, no-fault divorce, joint custody, and equal inheritance, run mainly through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Wills can be registered at the DIFC Wills Service Centre. Domestic abuse is criminalised by Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2019; the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children helpline is 800-111.
Common Questions
What is the domestic violence protections right in Oman?
The UAE criminalised domestic violence with a dedicated law in 2019, making it a standalone offence for the first time:Definition: Domestic violence includes any physical, psychological, sexual, or economic abuse committed by a family member against another family member.Family members: The law covers spouses, children, parents, siblings, and anyone living in the same household, including domestic workers.Penalties: Offenders face fines of up to AED 10,000 and possible imprisonment. Repeat offences carry harsher penalties.Protection orders: Victims can obtain a court order that bars the abuser...
When does it apply — domestic violence protections?
You are a victim of abuse by a family member or household member in the UAE.This applies to all residents, regardless of nationality or gender.Domestic workers living in the household are also protected under this law.
What should I do if I am experiencing domestic violence in the UAE?
Call the police (999) if you are in immediate danger.Contact a family protection centre — Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (800-111), Abu Dhabi's Aman shelter (800-7283), or the Sharjah Social Support Centre (800-700). All three operate 24/7 hotlines in multiple languages.Document the abuse — take photos of injuries, save threatening messages, and keep a record of incidents with dates and details.Request a protection order from the court to keep the abuser away from you and your children.If you are an expatriate and your residence visa is tied to your spouse, consult a lawyer — options...
What should you NOT do — domestic violence protections?
Do not stay silent — domestic violence is a crime in the UAE, and reporting it will not result in legal trouble for the victim.Do not destroy evidence — keep all records of abuse, even if you are unsure about filing a complaint.Do not leave the UAE with your children without legal advice — this could be considered parental abduction.