KHALEEJ TIMES, Thursday, Jan 20, 2022 | Jamada Al-Aakhirah 17, 1443
New UAE law: Carrying sharp tools a criminal offence from 2022
Emirates: Under the UAE’s new penal
law, carrying knives, blades, hammers or any sharp tools is a crime unless
required in certain professions.
The new provision comes as part of the Federal
Decree Law no. 31 of 2021, effective since January 2, 2022.
Dr. Hasan Elhais, legal consultant at Al Rowaad
Advocates, said previously, people found in possession of sharp weapons did not
face a criminal offence unless the tools were used to commit a crime.
The new law, however, criminalises carrying sharp
objects that may pose a threat to public safety. The only condition where it is
permissible to carry sharp tools is if the holder’s profession requires their
use. Such professions include butchery, carpentry and plumbing.
Article 405 of the Penal Law stipulates that
people caught in possession of a tool that injures, cuts, pierces, smashes,
punctures or stabs without a reason related to their professional activity shall
face jail and/or fine for posing a threat to public safety.
Elhais said the new law provision will increase
the sense of security and help reduce crime.
Under the new law, Elhais said, those who commit a
crime using sharp objects can face double charges for the crime itself and for
carrying the weapon.
“Having sharp tools in hand can inevitably
increase the risk in crime. In a moment of fight or anger, people can reach out
to such tools and cause someone’s injury,” noted Elhais.
He added, “a law was needed to regulate the use
and possession of sharp tools, which is a natural progress of the country’s
legal environment that reflects comprehensive efforts to balance between
flexibility and public safety.”
“Questioning a person carrying sharp objects will
make people think twice before using them for any purposes other than work,”
noted Elhais.