How is abortion treated as a criminal offence in the UAE?

Under UAE law an abortion performed outside the permitted medical grounds can be prosecuted as a criminal offence, and liability is not limited to the pregnant woman. Those who carry out, assist, or facilitate an unlawful termination — including medical or unlicensed practitioners — can also face criminal exposure. UAE federal penal legislation sets out the framework, while the health authorities define the narrow medical circumstances in which a lawful termination may be approved, such as a genuine threat to the mother's life under documented conditions. Because this is treated as a sensitive criminal matter, evidence, intent, and the role of each person involved all affect how a case is handled. The exact penalties depend on the facts and are determined by the Public Prosecution and the courts, so they should be confirmed for your specific situation rather than assumed. If you are worried about potential liability, seek confidential legal advice immediately and avoid any unlicensed provider. You can compare verified UAE criminal-defence professionals on LEXAI to understand your exposure and next steps.