UAE: The United Arab Emirates is moving toward stricter penalties for violations involving communicable diseases under a draft law approved by the Federal National Council.
According to a report by Al Khaleej Daily, the proposed legislation introduces heavy fines, possible jail terms, and new responsibilities for healthcare professionals to report infections quickly. The measure is designed to strengthen the country’s response to infectious diseases and ensure faster reporting during potential outbreaks.
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Up to 4 Years in Jail for Intentionally Spreading Disease
Under Article 40 of the draft law, anyone who knowingly spreads a communicable disease to another person could face imprisonment of up to four years.
The penalty also includes a fine ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000.
If the infected person dies as a result of the transmission, the offender could face life imprisonment. Repeat violations may also lead to doubled penalties.
The law also targets risky behavior by individuals who know or suspect they are infected. Those who travel or move outside a healthcare facility without permission, fail to inform transport operators about their condition, or ignore required preventive measures could face fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.
Strict Reporting Rules for Healthcare Workers
The draft law places clear reporting obligations on medical professionals in both the public and private sectors.
Doctors, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare workers must notify authorities within eight hours after discovering or suspecting a communicable disease or related death.
Failure to report within that timeframe could lead to fines ranging from Dh30,000 to Dh100,000.
Additional reporting timelines are also included:
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Diseases listed under Section B of Schedule No. 1 must be reported within 24 hours or face fines of up to Dh10,000.
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Diseases listed under Section C must be reported within five working days, with the same financial penalty for violations.
These reporting rules are designed to help health authorities detect outbreaks early and respond quickly.
Penalties for Ignoring Child Vaccination Requirements
The draft law also addresses vaccination compliance under the National Immunization Program.
Article 38 states that guardians or caretakers who refuse or neglect to ensure a child receives required vaccinations may face fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000.
Officials say vaccination compliance remains a key pillar of disease prevention and community health protection.
What Residents Should Know
The proposal has been approved by the Federal National Council but is still part of the legislative process and may undergo further review before becoming law.
If enacted, the measure would introduce stronger legal consequences for deliberate disease transmission, delayed reporting by healthcare professionals, and failure to follow vaccination requirements.
Residents and healthcare workers are advised to monitor official announcements as authorities release further details on the law’s implementation and enforcement timeline.