Court Issues Fine for Child Assault
A Dubai court has imposed a fine of Dh1,000 on a European man after finding him guilty of assaulting a two-year-old boy in a shopping mall play area. The ruling, delivered on October 9, 2025, underscores the United Arab Emirates' commitment to child protection laws.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place in October last year at a shopping mall in Dubai. According to reports, an Asian father filed a complaint after hearing his son cry from the play area. He found the toddler pointing towards the European man, who is described as being in his 60s. The father alleged that the man subsequently approached his son and slapped him, causing the child to fall and hit a nearby wall. This alleged action reportedly left the toddler with bruises and emotional distress.
Defense and Court's Decision
The European man denied the allegations, stating that he only intended to move the child away from his daughter, who he claimed had been disturbed by the toddler on several occasions. He insisted that any physical contact was accidental and also alleged that the boy's father had assaulted him afterwards. A medical report indicated that there were no visible injuries on the child. However, the Dubai Court of Misdemeanour ruled that the absence of physical marks did not negate the assault charge. The court concluded that the act of striking the child was intentional and constituted a punishable offense under UAE law.
Legal Implications Under UAE Law
The verdict aligns with the UAE Child Protection Law, commonly known as the 'Wadeema Law' (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016), which prohibits any form of harm to a child, whether physical or psychological. This legislation emphasizes that child assault is considered a serious crime, even if it does not result in major physical injury, with psychological or emotional damage being sufficient for legal prosecution. The law does not differentiate between offenders based on their relationship to the child, ensuring that all perpetrators are subject to the same legal procedures. Penalties for child abuse in Dubai can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, lengthy prison terms and deportation for expatriates.
9 Comments
Leonardo
Great to see consequences for such behavior. Intent matters more than visible injury.
Noir Black
So the father allegedly assaulted the man, but only the European gets fined? Biased much?
Loubianka
Toddlers can be a handful. Maybe it was an accident, or he was just trying to stop him.
BuggaBoom
This case highlights the importance of child safety regulations, especially the Wadeema Law. Still, the conflicting accounts, especially regarding the father's alleged reaction and the man's defense, make it hard to get a complete picture.
Coccinella
Every child deserves to feel safe. This ruling sends a strong message.
lettlelenok
Absolutely right decision. Children must be protected at all costs.
ytkonos
Justice served. No adult should ever lay hands on a child like that.
KittyKat
The Dh1,000 fine might seem small for assault, but the court did affirm the principle of child protection under UAE law. This ruling prioritizes intent over the severity of physical harm.
Loubianka
No visible injuries, yet still a conviction? Seems excessive given the defense.