The UAE Vice President has approved the establishment of a specialised court dedicated to addressing human trafficking cases, aiming to strengthen legal action and improve the handling of related offences.
UAE Vice President creates dedicated court to handle human trafficking offences.
The newly established court will have jurisdiction over all human trafficking cases in Abu Dhabi, bringing investigations, prosecutions and judicial proceedings together within a single specialised legal framework.
The UAE has taken another step to strengthen its efforts against human trafficking with the establishment of a dedicated judicial body that will exclusively handle offences related to the crime across Abu Dhabi.
On Tuesday, July 7, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued a resolution approving the creation of a specialised court focused solely on human trafficking cases. The move is intended to provide a more coordinated judicial approach for dealing with one of the most serious forms of organised crime while ensuring cases are handled more efficiently.
The newly established court will have jurisdiction over every human trafficking case filed within Abu Dhabi. Rather than being distributed across different judicial channels, these matters will now be managed through a single specialised system designed specifically for trafficking-related offences.
The resolution also addresses cases that are already progressing through the legal system. Existing human trafficking cases will be transferred to the specialised court so they can continue under the new framework. However, proceedings that have already reached the final stage before a judgment has been issued will remain with the court currently handling them, allowing those cases to conclude without disruption.
The specialised court has been created under Resolution No. 40 of 2026, which establishes a dedicated judicial structure for managing every phase of human trafficking proceedings. Instead of separating different stages of the process among multiple authorities, the new framework places them within one integrated legal system.
Under this arrangement, investigations into alleged trafficking offences will be carried out by a dedicated Public Prosecution unit that specialises in these crimes. Once investigations are completed, prosecution procedures will continue within the same specialised framework before cases proceed to trial.
The judicial process will then move through the Court of First Instance before any appeals are considered by the relevant Court of Appeal, ensuring that every stage is handled by professionals experienced in dealing with human trafficking offences. Bringing investigations, prosecution and court proceedings together under one structure is expected to improve coordination between judicial authorities and reduce delays that can occur when cases move between different institutions.
Officials expect the new model to make legal procedures more efficient while improving the consistency of judicial decisions in trafficking-related cases. A specialised court allows judges, prosecutors and investigators to develop greater expertise in handling the complex legal, evidentiary and victim-protection issues often associated with human trafficking offences.
The new system is also intended to accelerate the resolution of cases by reducing administrative obstacles and creating a more streamlined judicial process. Faster handling of proceedings can help deliver timely justice while ensuring that victims receive appropriate legal protection and support throughout the court process.
Human trafficking cases often involve multiple legal and investigative challenges, including cross-border elements, organised criminal networks and vulnerable victims requiring specialised care. Establishing a court dedicated to these offences enables authorities to adopt a more focused approach while strengthening cooperation among the agencies involved.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to enhancing its legal framework for combating human trafficking and reinforcing measures aimed at preventing exploitation. By introducing a specialised judicial mechanism, authorities aim to improve the effectiveness of investigations, prosecutions and court proceedings while ensuring that trafficking cases receive the attention they require.
The creation of the new court is expected to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s judicial system by providing a centralised forum for human trafficking cases and supporting more efficient case management. Through specialised expertise, coordinated legal procedures and a unified judicial process, the court is designed to improve the overall handling of trafficking offences and contribute to the timely administration of justice.
The establishment of the specialised human trafficking court forms part of Abu Dhabi’s continuing efforts to develop a more advanced judicial system capable of addressing complex crimes through dedicated legal institutions. The initiative reflects the emirate’s focus on strengthening specialised courts, improving the delivery of justice and providing greater legal protection for victims of serious offences.
By creating a court that deals exclusively with human trafficking cases, authorities aim to ensure that these matters receive focused attention from judicial professionals with expertise in this area of law. The new framework is expected to enhance the effectiveness of investigations, prosecutions and court proceedings while supporting a more coordinated approach to tackling trafficking-related crimes.
The initiative also underscores the UAE’s commitment to protecting individuals who have been subjected to exploitation. Human trafficking cases often involve victims who require specialised legal support, protection and access to appropriate services throughout the judicial process. A dedicated court is expected to contribute to a more victim-centred system while reinforcing the principles of justice, human dignity and the protection of fundamental rights.
The resolution establishing the court was issued by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). In addition to serving as Chairman of the ADJD, Sheikh Mansour also holds the positions of UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Under the resolution, responsibility for implementing the new judicial framework has been assigned to the undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The official will oversee the necessary administrative and operational measures required to establish the court and ensure that it functions in accordance with the objectives set out in the resolution.
This includes issuing the executive decisions needed to organise the court’s work, coordinate judicial procedures and support its day-to-day operations. The implementation process is intended to ensure that the specialised court is fully equipped to handle human trafficking cases efficiently while maintaining high judicial standards.
The launch of the court represents another step in the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen its legal and institutional response to human trafficking. Over the past several years, the country has introduced a series of legislative and policy measures aimed at preventing trafficking, prosecuting offenders and improving assistance for victims.
One of the most significant developments came in 2023, when the UAE Cabinet approved amendments to the country’s anti-human trafficking legislation. The revised legal framework expanded the range of services available to victims while introducing stronger measures to address trafficking offences.
The amendments placed greater emphasis on supporting survivors by ensuring they have access to a wider range of assistance beyond immediate protection. Among the enhanced provisions were educational support programmes intended to help victims rebuild their lives and opportunities, as well as measures to facilitate their safe and voluntary return to their home countries where appropriate.
The updated legislation also strengthened the legal framework governing human trafficking offences by expanding criminal liability. In addition to targeting individuals directly involved in trafficking activities, the law introduced provisions making it a criminal offence to encourage, promote or incite others to engage in human trafficking.
At the same time, the amendments increased penalties for those convicted of trafficking-related crimes, reflecting the UAE’s intention to adopt a tougher legal stance against individuals and organisations involved in exploitation.
These reforms demonstrate the country’s ongoing efforts to align its legal framework with international standards for combating human trafficking while strengthening protections for vulnerable individuals. The combination of tougher penalties, expanded victim support services and specialised judicial mechanisms is intended to improve both prevention and enforcement.
The creation of the specialised court complements these earlier legislative reforms by providing a dedicated judicial forum where trafficking cases can be handled by experienced judges and prosecutors familiar with the unique legal and humanitarian issues associated with such offences.
Together, these measures form part of a wider national approach aimed at improving the effectiveness of the justice system, enhancing coordination among relevant authorities and ensuring that victims receive appropriate care and legal protection. By continuing to strengthen its judicial institutions and legislative framework, the UAE seeks to reinforce its commitment to combating human trafficking while safeguarding human rights and promoting access to justice.
The UAE has adopted a comprehensive strategy to address human trafficking, combining legal enforcement, victim support, preventive measures and international collaboration to combat the crime in a coordinated manner.
According to the government, its anti-human trafficking framework is built on several key pillars designed to tackle every stage of the issue. These include preventing trafficking before it occurs, ensuring that those responsible are investigated and prosecuted, providing protection and assistance to victims, and strengthening cooperation with international partners to address trafficking networks that often operate across national borders.
A major element of the country’s approach is prevention. Authorities continue to implement awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public, employers and vulnerable communities about the dangers of human trafficking, the methods used by traffickers and the importance of reporting suspected cases. These initiatives seek to reduce the risk of exploitation by increasing public understanding of the issue and encouraging early intervention.
The UAE also places significant emphasis on enforcing its anti-trafficking laws. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judicial authorities work together to identify suspected trafficking operations, investigate alleged offences and bring those responsible before the courts. Through specialised legal procedures and stronger institutional coordination, authorities aim to ensure that trafficking-related crimes are addressed promptly and effectively.
Supporting victims is another central component of the national strategy. The UAE operates dedicated shelters and support facilities that provide a safe environment for individuals rescued from trafficking situations. These centres offer a range of services designed to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives, including accommodation, healthcare, counselling, legal assistance and other forms of social support.
Victim protection measures are intended to ensure that individuals affected by trafficking receive care throughout the legal process while safeguarding their rights and wellbeing. Authorities continue to strengthen these services as part of broader efforts to adopt a victim-centred approach to combating exploitation.
International cooperation also plays an important role in the UAE’s response to human trafficking. Since trafficking frequently involves cross-border criminal networks, collaboration with other countries and international organisations helps authorities exchange information, coordinate investigations and improve efforts to prevent and disrupt trafficking activities.
The country’s legal framework includes strict penalties for those convicted of human trafficking offences. Individuals found guilty face severe punishments under UAE law, reflecting the seriousness with which the crime is treated. Current legislation provides for a minimum financial penalty of Dh100,000, while convicted offenders may also receive prison sentences of no less than five years. Depending on the circumstances and severity of the offence, courts may impose even stricter penalties in accordance with applicable laws.
By combining prevention, enforcement, victim assistance and international collaboration, the UAE aims to strengthen its ability to combat human trafficking while protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law. The multi-layered strategy reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to addressing one of the world’s most serious forms of organised crime through a balanced approach that prioritises both justice and human rights.
