Country Report 2018: United Arab Emirates

UAE is a federal state. Emirates (states), especially Dubai and Sharjah, have separate laws. Article 33 of the Constitution of the UAE guarantees the freedom of assembly and association; however, philanthropic organizations face many burdensome restrictions on the right of association (Freedom House, 2016). In October 2016, the UAE government passed the Federal Law Decree No 8 of 2016 stating, “that anyone found guilty of establishing an organization aimed at 'overthrowing the government' or 'fighting against constitutional principles' will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Organizations that endanger state security are also outlawed” (CIVICUS, 2016)