Sexual harassment

1. Sexual harassment in the U.A.E. has now been expressly outlawed.
2. For the first time, it is specifically addressed by the new UAE Crime & Punishment Law, which is Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021, and in particular, Article 413.
3. Under this law, sexual harassment is defined as:
   1. “persistent harassment of a victim,
   2. by repetitive 1) acts, 2) words, or 3) gestures,
   3. the purpose of which is to offend their honor,
   4. with the intent of making them act on sexual desires.”
4. The punishment for sexual harassment can range from 1) a fine of not less than AED 10,000 and/or 2) jail term of not less than 1 year.
5. The punishment can be increased under certain circumstances, including the age and relationship of the victim.
6. And it such case, the punishment can range 1) over 2 years in jail and/or 2) a fine of more than AED 50,000.