Man in UAE gets 10-year jail term for sexually assaulting a child in car

​The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court has sentenced a defendant to 10 years in prison after convicting him of sexual assault by coercion against a child inside his private vehicle.

In addition to the prison term, the court has prohibited the defendant from residing near the victim’s home upon completion of the sentence.

​The case arose following a report filed by a relative of the 10-year-old victim, who stated that the child was lured into the defendant’s vehicle and assaulted in a residential area close to their home.

The Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution initiated an investigation, during which reports confirmed the presence of the defendant’s vehicle at the crime scene on the date of the incident. Surveillance showed the vehicle parked near a school for a period before leaving the area. Forensic laboratory analysis identified the victim’s fingerprints inside the vehicle, alongside genetic evidence linking both the defendant and the victim.

​Based on the conclusive evidence and documented technical reports, the court ruled to convict the defendant, sentencing him to 10 years imprisonment, ordering the confiscation of the vehicle used in the crime, and banning him from living within five kilometers of the victim’s residence after serving his sentence.

The UAE law views child abuse as a serious violation of the rights granted to children by the legislator, whether in terms of their physical safety or emotional dignity. Children are considered a group in need of special protection under the law.

Child abuse is classified under UAE law as a crime committed against an individual who lacks full legal capacity, which results in more severe criminal responsibility for the offender due to the special status of the victim.

Article (36) of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 strictly prohibits any form of harm inflicted on a child, whether physical or psychological.

Any act that causes physical pain to a child, such as beating or torture, or any behavior that affects their mental or emotional wellbeing — such as insults, threats, or psychological cruelty — is considered a criminal offense punishable by law.

Moreover, abuse may also include behaviour that negatively impacts the child’s intellectual or moral development, such as exposing them to situations that could distort their values or beliefs.

The law does not differentiate between perpetrators based on their relationship to the child. Whether the offender is a parent, relative, or stranger, they are held equally accountable under the law.

A charge of child abuse can be established based on the act and the resulting harm, without the need to prove full or long-term damage — as long as physical, psychological, or sexual harm is confirmed.

The UAE legislator aims to protect children from all types of harm — physical, psychological, or mental — through a comprehensive legal framework. Penalties for child abuse are intentionally severe to ensure deterrence and protection.

Even in the absence of serious physical injury, child abuse is considered a grave crime if it results in emotional or psychological harm, and is punishable by stringent legal measures.

Key penalties include:

Imprisonment: Sentences of up to 10 years may be imposed, especially if the abuse involved severe physical harm or if the offender held a position of authority or guardianship over the child, as stipulated in Article 65 of the Federal Law.

Financial fines: Offenders may be fined up to Dh1 million, reflecting the seriousness of the psychological and social impact on the child.

Protective measures: Courts may impose preventive orders, such as banning the offender from approaching the victim or other children for a specific period of time.

The UAE offers efficient and confidential mechanisms to report child abuse and harassment, ensuring immediate intervention by relevant authorities and proper legal action to protect victims and prevent further harm.

Available reporting channels include:

Community Development Authority (CDA) – Dubai: Receives reports of sexual harassment and provides guidance and necessary support.

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children: Offers comprehensive protection services for victims of child abuse, including direct reporting channels.

Aman Shelter for Women and Children – Ras Al Khaimah: Receives abuse reports and provides immediate shelter and protection.

Child and Family Protection Center: Facilitates reporting of sexual harassment and offers psychological and legal follow-up.

Ajman’s Protection Foundation for Women and Children: Accepts reports and provides legal and psychological support to victims.

Al Ameen Service: A secure and confidential reporting method via phone or text, ensuring victim privacy.

Community Development Authority: Offers multiple contact channels to support families and enable immediate reporting.

A dedicated hotline for reporting child sexual harassment is available in Dubai: 042661228. Authorities are also working on expanding confidential communication channels to ensure victim protection and data privacy.