Dh5,000 fine or jail for neglecting children

Child neglect is considered a punishable offence in the UAE, with guardians jailed or fined at least Dh5,000 for the act, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) warned. “A child caregiver [Parents or custodians] shall be prohibited from neglecting or leaving a child unattended or without supervision, and shall not abandon his/her duty of guidance and direction when a child uses electronic devices or plays electronic games,” the ADJD said.

In case of an offence, the violator can be sentenced to jail, or have to pay a fine of Dh5,000. The law also lists other offences that can constitute child neglect, including abuse of any kind, as well as the failure to provide children with nutrition or basic education.