United Arab Emirates
Same-sex relations are criminalized under the Federal Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, in force since 2 January 2022, which repealed the 1987 Penal Code). Article 409 sets a minimum penalty of six months' imprisonment, with no maximum prescribed; harsher penalties are possible under Sharia. There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions. Despite tourism marketing for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, LGBTQI+ activity remains criminalized. We recommend consulting official sources before planning any travel.
Legal framework · United Arab Emirates
LGBT
identity
Criminalized · min. 6 months
Federal Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, in force 2 Jan 2022, repealing the 1987 Penal Code) · Art. 409 minimum 6 months, no maximum prescribed · harsher penalties possible under Sharia
Partnership
recognition
Not recognized
No same-sex marriage or civil union · adoption not permitted under Islamic law
Official sources
check before traveling to United Arab Emirates
Foreign affairs ministries publish updated travel advisories. For destinations with restrictive legal frameworks we recommend consulting several official sources before planning.