Applications of UAE Law to Crimes Committed by Public Sector Employees

This study examines crimes committed by public officials as one of the most serious forms of administrative corruption that threaten the integrity of public service and the rule of law, particularly crimes related to the refusal to execute judicial rulings, bribery, and embezzlement. The research problem lies in revealing the impact of these crimes on undermining public trust in state institutions and weakening their effectiveness. The study aims to clarify the concept of the public official and analyze the legal elements of the crimes under investigation in order to strengthen mechanisms for their prevention and reduce their negative effects on the public interest. The significance of the study stems from its contribution to supporting legislative and regulatory efforts aimed at safeguarding public funds and reinforcing the principles of justice and integrity within the administrative system. The research adopts a comparative analytical approach through the examination of legal texts and UAE legislation, particularly Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 concerning Crimes and Penalties, in addition to relevant jurisprudential and judicial interpretations. The findings reveal that the UAE legislator has broadened the definition of a public official to ensure more comprehensive criminal protection, and that the crimes studied require a specific status of the perpetrator along with a general criminal intent based on knowledge and will. The results also emphasize the need to strengthen accountability mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the administrative apparatus. This study contributes to enriching the legal understanding of public officials’ responsibility and enhancing legislative effectiveness in addressing occupational crimes.