Legal Consultant and Community Empowerment Specialist
Trainer in Legal Protection for Families and Communities
Writer on Social and Family Issues

The recent legislative amendments represent a fundamental shift in legal philosophy, moving away from the traditional punitive framework towards a humane, preventive, and rehabilitative approach that recognizes psychological and social dimensions as essential elements of justice and community stability.

First: The Psychological Dimension

1. Removing Stigma and Encouraging Treatment (Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide)

The decriminalization of attempted suicide represents a fundamental shift from treating an individual as an “accused person” to recognizing them as “a person experiencing an acute psychological crisis who needs care.” This change breaks down the barriers of fear and social stigma, giving individuals in distress a greater sense of safety and encouraging them to seek early medical and psychological assistance without fear of legal punishment or public disgrace.

2. Recognizing Psychological and Cognitive Vulnerability (Individuals Under 18 and Those Lacking Mental Capacity)

Strengthening legal protection for these groups takes into account the incomplete emotional and cognitive development of young people, as well as the impaired ability to distinguish or make sound judgments among individuals who lack mental capacity. Psychologically, these groups are particularly vulnerable to influence, manipulation, exploitation, and being drawn into actions driven by pressure or impulsivity.

3. Encouraging Moral Reconsideration (Exempting an Instigator or Accomplice Who Intervenes to Prevent Death)

This provision draws on the psychological impulse to reconsider one's actions and make amends at the last moment. Providing a legal avenue for exemption from punishment encourages individuals to act on their psychological and moral sense of responsibility and to save the victim's life, rather than continuing with the crime out of fear that punishment is inevitable.

Second: The Social Dimension

1. Safeguarding the Public Interest and Maintaining Social Deterrence (When the Victim's Heirs Grant Pardon)

Imposing a sentence of 15 to 20 years despite a pardon granted by the victim's heirs protects society against the perception that offenders can escape punishment. From a social perspective, this provision balances the families' private rights with society's public interest in maintaining a sense of security. It also helps limit family, social, or financial pressure, including coercion to accept blood money (diyah) or grant a pardon.

2. Addressing Emerging Criminal Behaviors (Penalties for Incitement and Assistance)

In light of the widespread use of social media and the emergence of phenomena such as cyberbullying and dangerous online challenges, the graduated penalties—including those applicable to intentional killing when an individual incites or assists another person to die by suicide—constitute a strong safeguard for society. This approach raises public awareness of the dangers of manipulating others or exploiting their psychological vulnerability.

3. Strengthening Solidarity and Family Response

When attempts to die by suicide are addressed through a healthcare and preventive approach rather than a punitive legal lens, families are more likely to intervene early and support their children instead of concealing psychological difficulties or fearing legal consequences. This, in turn, strengthens family cohesion and stability.

Conclusion

These amendments embody a comprehensive vision that goes beyond merely enforcing the law. They seek to build a psychological and social safety net that protects vulnerable groups and addresses the underlying psychological causes of problems rather than focusing solely on their consequences.

The session featured specialized discussions addressing the latest legislative developments relating to the legal capacity of minors in the United Arab Emirates, their implications for legal practice and practical applications, as well as a review of a number of legal issues related to the rights and protection of minors in light of developments in the UAE legal framework.
 

The session highlighted the importance of keeping pace with legal and legislative developments and promoting specialized dialogue among legal professionals and experts, thereby contributing to greater legal awareness and the exchange of expertise and practical experiences.
 

The event also witnessed active engagement from attendees through discussions and interventions that enriched the session’s topics and addressed a number of perspectives and questions concerning the practical aspects of minors’ legal capacity and its legal implications.
 

At the conclusion of the event, the speakers and sponsors were honored in recognition of their participation and contributions to the success of the session, as well as their support for legal activities and initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge and strengthening professional engagement among specialists.
 

The session forms part of the Emirates Lawyers Association’s commitment to organizing specialized events and forums that keep pace with legal and legislative developments and provide a platform for dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, serving the legal community and supporting the ongoing development of the UAE’s legislative framework.

Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Denmark, the conference serves as an international platform bringing together legal professionals to discuss the latest developments and trends in the legal profession, exchange professional knowledge and expertise, and address a range of international legal issues and challenges of common interest.
 

Among the participants from the United Arab Emirates is Ms. Marwa Mokhtar Gharib, a lawyer and member of the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal, alongside a distinguished group of lawyers and legal professionals from around the world. Her participation reflects the active presence of Emirati legal professionals at prominent international legal forums and conferences.
 

This participation underscores the importance of the UAE’s presence at international legal events and contributes to strengthening communication and the exchange of knowledge and expertise among lawyers and legal professionals from different countries. It also provides an opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments, trends, and practices in the legal and professional fields.
 

The participation of UAE legal professionals in such international events also contributes to strengthening professional relations and cooperation with international legal institutions and organizations, creating broader opportunities for knowledge exchange and building bridges with the global legal community. It further highlights the growing presence of Emirati lawyers in international legal forums.
 

The IBA Annual Conference is regarded as one of the leading international gatherings of the global legal community. It brings together lawyers, legal practitioners, academics, and professionals from various areas of law, providing an important platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, discussing emerging legal developments, and fostering international cooperation within the legal profession.

Date: 1 October 2026
Venue: House of Philosophy, Fujairah
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 

The Emirates Lawyers Association held a brainstorming session to develop its operational plan for 2027–2030, with broad participation from members of the Board of Directors and Association members, as well as lawyers, legal professionals, legal researchers, legal consultants, and a number of private-sector beneficiaries of legal information and services.
 

The session was held as part of the Association’s commitment to promoting a participatory and consultative approach in developing its future plans, while benefiting from the views and experiences of various stakeholders in the legal sector. This contributes to identifying priorities and initiatives that respond to the needs of the legal community and keep pace with future developments and changes.
 

The session addressed a number of topics and ideas related to developing the Association’s institutional work, enhancing its programs, initiatives, and services, and reviewing proposed directions and priorities for the 2027–2030 operational plan.
 

Participants also exchanged views and proposals on ways to develop the services and initiatives offered by the Association, strengthen its role in supporting lawyers, legal professionals, researchers, and legal consultants, and benefit from legal and professional expertise in the private sector.
 

The Association emphasized that the session represents an important participatory step in developing its 2027–2030 operational plan. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of institutional planning and contribute to developing programs and initiatives based on the needs and aspirations of beneficiaries, while supporting the continued development of the Association’s role in serving the legal profession and the legal sector in the United Arab Emirates.
 

The Emirates Lawyers Association continues its efforts to develop its future plans and programs by engaging various stakeholders and listening to their views and proposals, supporting continued development and innovation in legal and institutional work.

 

Emirati women have made a remarkable impact across various fields of work, including the legal profession, where they have contributed through their expertise to advancing justice and serving society, establishing themselves as active partners in the nation’s journey.
 

We take pride in how far Emirati women have come, and we believe the future holds even greater excellence and contributions, befitting their status and their vital role in the journey of our nation. 🇦🇪

We grew up in a nation that believed in us, so all we had to do was live up to that trust and leave, wherever we go, an impact worthy of the name of the UAE.
 

In the field of law, we are proud to be a voice for truth, a force for justice, and an extension of the ambition of Emirati women.
 

Every year, Emirati women move forward with unwavering determination—carrying a nation in their hearts, a future in their ambitions, and endless stories of pride in their achievements. 🇦🇪