Key changes
The penal code now covers foreign as well as domestic bribery in both the public and private sectors, as well as international organisations.
It extends outside the UAE territory to any person who commits any of the bribery offences set out in the Penal Code, if the criminal or victim is a UAE citizen or if the crime is committed by an employee of the public or private sector of the UAE or if it involves public property. Under the changes, Article 82 of the Penal Code now reads: “The court may, upon issuing a conviction for a crime or misdemeanour, confiscate the things and money seized as a result of the crime, or which have been used or intended to be used in the crime, without prejudice to the rights of bona fide third parties.”
Article 225 says a term of imprisonment shall be handed down on any public official who has obtained or attempted to illegally obtain, for himself or for another person, profits or benefits from any of his duties.
Article 234 stipulates a prison term for any public official or person assigned to a public service, or a foreign public official or official of an international organisation who demands or accepts a bribe.
A prison term not exceeding five years shall be handed down to whoever offers a public servant, or a foreign public official or official of an international organisation, a gift or advantage of any kind or promise of any such things, in return for doing or refraining from doing any act in breach of his duties.