Forgery Law In The UAE

Forgery Law In UAE
Forgery Law In UAE
  • Post category:UAE Laws
  • Reading time:9 mins read

Forgery Law In The UAE refers to the act of altering, creating, or possessing a fraudulent document that is used with intention to defraud. Forging a signature, a government document or even a cheque can be considered as a felony in the United Arab Emirates. Forgery is considered as a serious crime in the United Arab Emirates and can have consequences as per the Article 216 of Federal Law Number 3 of 1987.

Forgery is a serious crime with far-reaching consequences that can damage an individual’s reputation, livelihood, and freedom. In the United Arab Emirates, a nation known for its robust legal system and commitment to justice, forgery is no exception.

To combat this menace, the UAE has established a comprehensive legal framework, and law firms specializing in forgery cases play a pivotal role in ensuring justice is served.

This article delves into the realm of forgery law firms in the UAE, highlighting their significance, the legal framework they operate within, and their contributions to upholding the integrity of the nation’s legal system.

Types of Forgery

Forgery is mainly classified into two (2) main types

  • Material Forgery – When a forger makes alternation in the document where it is visible to the eyes.
  • Moral Forgery – When a forger alters the meaning of the content stated in the document which was made by the parties during the editing process.

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document forgery cases uae

document forgery cases uae

Fines and Penalties

The United Arab Emirates prosecutors have clearly cautioned that forging any electronic paper is considered as a felony and shall be punishable by a variety of punishments, including an imprisonment and a fine of AED 100,000.

According to the Article 6 of Federal Decree Number 5 of 2012 on combatting cybercrime states that people who are guilty of forging an electronic document belonging to the federal government authorities shall face a temporary imprisonment and fine of not less than AED 150,000 and not more than AED 750,000 shall be imposed on establishments

Challenges to Forgery

A forgery challenge can be bought by the challenger at any point of time in the case.

However, the complaint must point out the areas that has been forged, proof for forgery and the investigation report on the forgery charge needs to be presented along with memorandum which has to be presented to the court.

If you believe that you have been a victim of forgery, please do not hesitate to send us a query to our best criminal lawyers in Dubai at enquiries@alowaislaw.com to get best legal advice.

Forgery law firms in the UAE face several challenges and must adapt to evolving trends in forgery detection and prevention. Some of the key challenges and future trends include:

  1. Technological Advances: As technology continues to advance, so do the methods used by forgers. Forgery law firms must stay updated on the latest technological developments to effectively combat digital forgery and cybercrime.

  2. International Collaboration: Forgery often transcends national borders, making international collaboration crucial for investigating and prosecuting forgery cases. Law firms may need to work closely with foreign counterparts and authorities to address these challenges effectively.

  3. Data Protection and Privacy: The UAE has implemented stringent data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Forgery law firms must ensure that their investigative practices comply with these regulations while still uncovering evidence of forgery.

  4. Financial Regulations: As the UAE continues to strengthen its financial regulatory framework, law firms specializing in forgery must stay abreast of changing regulations and help their clients navigate the evolving landscape of financial compliance.

Forgery in the UAE: A Grave Offense

Forgery, in the UAE, is classified as a white-collar crime and is dealt with sternly by the legal system.

The UAE Federal Penal Code, under Article 216, defines forgery as the act of intentionally creating a counterfeit document or altering an existing one with the intent to deceive or commit fraud.

Forgery can encompass a broad range of documents, including contracts, certificates, IDs, and financial instruments.

Forgery is not taken lightly in the UAE due to its potential to undermine the country’s economic stability and reputation for being a safe place to conduct business.

Consequently, those found guilty of forgery can face severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and even deportation for expatriates.

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The Role of Forgery Law Firms in the UAE

Forgery law firms in the UAE serve a vital function within the legal landscape. They are experts in navigating the intricacies of forgery cases, providing specialized legal counsel to both individuals and corporations who find themselves embroiled in such disputes. These firms offer the following services:

  1. Legal Representation: Forgery law firms provide legal representation to clients accused of forgery or those who have fallen victim to forgery. They work tirelessly to protect their clients’ rights and interests, whether it involves defending against false accusations or pursuing legal action against the perpetrators.

  2. Due Diligence and Investigation: These firms employ skilled investigators who can delve deep into the circumstances surrounding the alleged forgery. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze documents to build strong cases for their clients.

  3. Document Authentication: Forgery law firms possess the expertise to assess the authenticity of documents in question. They can determine whether a document has been tampered with or is a genuine original, which is crucial in forgery cases.

  4. Negotiation and Settlement: In some cases, forgery law firms work to negotiate settlements between parties involved in forgery disputes. This can help avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings while still achieving a favorable outcome for their clients.

  5. Compliance and Risk Management: For businesses operating in the UAE, forgery law firms play a critical role in ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. They also provide guidance on risk management strategies to prevent forgery-related issues from arising in the first place.


signature forgery punishment in dubai

signature forgery punishment in dubai

The Legal Framework Surrounding Forgery in the UAE

The UAE has a robust legal framework in place to address forgery, ensuring that those involved in such activities are held accountable. Key elements of this framework include:

  1. UAE Federal Penal Code: The primary piece of legislation governing forgery is the UAE Federal Penal Code. Articles 216 to 218 outline the legal provisions related to forgery, including the definition of the crime and the associated penalties. These penalties can range from imprisonment to substantial fines, depending on the severity of the forgery.

  2. Civil Liability: In addition to criminal penalties, forgery can also lead to civil liability. Victims of forgery have the right to seek compensation for any damages suffered as a result of the forgery, which can include financial losses and harm to their reputation.

  3. International Agreements: The UAE is a signatory to various international agreements aimed at combating forgery, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). These agreements underscore the nation’s commitment to fighting white-collar crime on a global scale.

  4. Regulatory Authorities: Regulatory authorities in the UAE, such as the UAE Central Bank and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), have implemented strict regulations and oversight to prevent financial institutions from being used as conduits for fraudulent activities, including forgery.

The best Forgery Lawyer In The UAE

Forgery law firms in the UAE play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the nation’s legal system and protecting individuals and businesses from the serious consequences of forgery.

With a robust legal framework in place and a commitment to justice, the UAE remains dedicated to combating this white-collar crime.

As technology evolves, so too will the methods of forgery, making the role of forgery law firms even more essential in the years to come.

By providing legal expertise, investigative skills, and guidance on compliance, these firms contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all residents and businesses in the UAE.