Abortion Law in Dubai: What the UAE Abortion Law Allows and Prohibits
Understanding the legal framework around abortion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be complex — especially for expatriates and residents trying to navigate the abortion legal status Abu Dhabi or abortion law Dubai. In recent years, the country has updated its policies, reflecting changes in medical practices and women’s health rights. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of the abortion UAE law as of UAE abortion regulations 2026.
Is Abortion Legal in the UAE?
The simple answer to UAE abortion regulations 2026 is: Yes — but only in very specific, strictly regulated situations. The UAE does not permit abortion on request or for social reasons. Federal health laws and ministerial regulations strictly control when the procedure can be performed.
At its core, the law emphasizes the preservation of women’s health and safety while also protecting unborn life under most circumstances.
Key Conditions Under Current UAE Abortion Regulations 2026
Under the updated regulations — shaped largely by Cabinet Decision No. 44 of 2024 and medical liability statutes — abortion may be permitted only when one of the following conditions is met:
1. Danger to the Mother’s Life
If continuing a pregnancy poses a serious threat to the pregnant woman’s life, an abortion may be legally performed to save her, with medical documentation and committee approval.
2. Severe Fetal Anomalies
When thorough medical assessment confirms that the fetus has critical deformities incompatible with life, abortion is allowed — usually before 120 days of gestation.
3. Pregnancy Resulting from Rape
The abortion UAE law now recognizes cases where pregnancy results from non-consensual intercourse (rape) if supported by a Public Prosecution report.
4. Pregnancy Due to Incest
In cases where conception results from intercourse with an otherwise prohibited close relative (mahram), abortion is also permissible with official proof and regulatory approval.
5. Spousal Request (Special Committee Approval)
Finally, abortion may be carried out at the request of both spouses with written consent and approval from an authorized medical committee. This does not mean abortion on demand, but rather under controlled review.
In all cases (except emergencies saving a woman’s life), the pregnancy generally must not exceed 120 days at the time of the procedure.
Procedures and Requirements Under the Law
To comply with UAE abortion regulations 2026, the following procedures must be followed:
Medical Facility and Specialist Requirements
Abortions must be performed in a licensed healthcare facility by a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist.
Approval by a Regulatory Committee
Each health authority in the UAE (including in abortion law Dubaiand abortion legal status Abu Dhabi) has a medical committee that reviews requests, evaluates eligibility under the law, and approves procedures. This committee typically includes medical specialists and a legal representative.
Documentation and Counseling
Written consent from the woman (and both spouses, where applicable) is required along with medical reports. Counseling — both medical and social — is often part of the process.
What Happens If the Law Is Violated?
Conducting or aiding an abortion outside the legal grounds can lead to criminal penalties under UAE law, including fines and potential imprisonment. Medical professionals performing unauthorized procedures also face serious sanctions.
Abortion Law in Dubai vs. the UAE
It’s important to note that abortion law Dubai does not differ significantly from federal UAE regulations. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates follow the same federal framework — though implementation, appointment of committees, and procedural timelines may vary slightly between emirates.
This means the abortion legal status Abu Dhabi is aligned with the overall abortion UAE law, and women in any emirate must meet the same is abortion legal in UAE set of conditions to qualify for a legal abortion.
Final Thoughts
While abortion in the UAE is not broadly legal, recent reforms and UAE abortion regulations 2026 have made the framework more responsive to serious medical, ethical, and human rights concerns. These laws aim to strike a balance between safeguarding women’s health and adhering to the country’s legal and social norms.
If you — or someone you know — are considering pregnancy termination within the UAE, it’s crucial to consult with licensed medical professionals and legal advisors who understand the detailed requirements of the abortion UAE law to ensure compliance and safety.