12 penalties to avoid during burials in the United Arab Emirates with fines of up to Dh500,000

Saying goodbye to a loved one after their death is very hard. In the United Arab Emirates, where people come from different backgrounds and follow different religions, funerals can be different for everyone.

To make things easier, the UAE has established a simple five-step process to address what happens after a person dies. They also have strict laws and large fines for the way burials and funerals are carried out. This helps ensure that everyone follows the rules and that families can say goodbye to their loved ones in peace.

According Federal Law 10Corpse remains or organs must be buried in specific cemeteries approved by the government.

Here are 12 things to keep in mind during burials in the UAE. Violating these rules could mean a fine of up to Dh500,000.

Fine of 10,000 to 50,000 dirhams

Under federal law, the following actions during the burial process can result in fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh50,000:

1. Moving a body, remains or organs within the country without proper permission.
2. Taking unauthorized photographs of deceased people.
3. Erecting structures or making additions within a cemetery without permission.
4. Transportation of the deceased in vehicles not intended for this purpose, excluding ambulances.
5. Use unofficial channels to transport bodies.
6. Misusing cemeteries for purposes other than burial.

More severe sanctions

Under UAE law, both residents and expatriates must obtain permits for burials outside the country or to bring deceased persons to the UAE for burial. These are the consequences of various violations:

1. Place of burial: If the burial takes place in a cemetery not authorized by the authorities, the person can face up to one year in prison and a fine of between 10,000 and 100,000 dirhams.
2. Without permission: Conducting a burial without the required permission within the UAE or transporting a deceased person outside the UAE without a permit can lead to a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 500,000. dirhams.
3. Cemetery desecration: Desecrating a cemetery, grave or storage area of ​​a deceased person can result in a fine of between Dh100,000 and Dh200,000 and a prison sentence of up to one year.
4. Grave robbery: Digging a grave to remove a body or organ can lead to a fine ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh200,000 and a prison sentence of four years or more.
5. Desecration by excavation: If the excavation of the grave results in the desecration of the deceased, the penalty increases to a prison sentence of more than five years.
6. Import/export violations: Importing or exporting corpses, organs or remains without the necessary permit can result in a fine of between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000 and a prison sentence of less than one year.

News Source: Khaleej Times