The federal law number 3 of 2016 on child rights (also known as the 'Wadeema law' or 'UAE child protection law') was enacted in the UAE in order to ensure that all children in the UAE, irrespective of whether they are citizens, residents or tourists ae accorded with the right to life, education, protection from neglect as well as all forms of abuse whether physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or psychological. Pursuant to Article 3 of this Law, the rights of the children are protected without any discrimination as to the origin, sex, home country, religion, social status or disability of any child.

Child negligence and the punishments imposed:

Child negligence can be of different types; it can be physical, educational, medical or even emotional in nature.

The UAE child defines 'child negligence' as 'Failure of the parents or the custodian to take necessary actions to preserve the child's life, as well as his/her physical, mental and moral integrity from risks and to protect his/her various rights'. 

For abandonment or improper care:

Under this law, it is prohibited to:

For Sexual exploitation:

Pursuant to Article 37 of the Law, the following acts shall be prohibited:

Imprisonment of up to 10 years may be imposed for violation.

Pursuant to Article 26 of the Law, it is prohibited to publish, display, circulate, possess or produce any visual, audio or printed works or games for children that address the child's sexual instincts or adorn the behaviors that are contrary to the public order and morals or that would encourage abnormal behaviour. The punishment for violation is a penalty of a fine ranging from Aed 100,000 to Aed 400,000/-.

The UAE child protection laws have been enacted to ensure that appropriate living standards, right to health and educational rights are guaranteed to all children in the UAE without any discrimination. The Law protects children against all forms of negligence, exploitation, physical and psychological abuses and it further imposes the onus on the community, especially physicians, educators, health care workers and other members of the society, to mandatorily report instances of child negligence. The end goal is to ensure a collaborative approach in building a safer society, ensuring the well-being of children.