(Aug. 27, 2014) On August 21, 2014, the Prince of the United Arab Emirates approved Law 7-2014 on combating terrorism and terrorist activities. The new law is aimed at preventing citizens of the United Arab Emirates from joining or establishing terrorist organizations inside the country or abroad. (Anti-Terror Law Approved by the United Arab Emirates [in Arabic], AL BAYAN (Aug. 21, 2014).)
The Law includes 70 articles. It defines the act of terrorism as including any action or inaction constituting a crime under the provisions of the Law. Acts of terrorism under the Law include activities that pose a threat to the security of the state and the royal family; enticement to join terrorist organizations; and financing terrorist elements or organizations inside the country and abroad. (Id.)
The Law imposes tough penalties on violators, including the death penalty and life imprisonment. The death penalty may be imposed on individuals convicted of using terror to topple the royal family, to prevent the execution of the national Constitution, or to disturb the peace and national security. (Id.) Furthermore, the Law increases the penalty for hijacking an airplane to life imprisonment. However, if the act of hijacking causes the death or injury of any individuals, the penalty will be death. (Id.) The death penalty may also be imposed on individuals who establish or manage a terrorist organization inside the country or abroad. (Id.)