Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (Abu Dhabi)
The UAE’s decision to decriminalise attempted suicide could make it easier for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek professional help earlier, speak more openly with their families and access treatment before reaching a crisis point, mental health specialists told Aletihad.
The UAE Government announced earlier this month that attempted suicide would no longer be punishable under amendments to the Crimes and Penalties Law.
Under the previous legislation, an attempted suicide could carry up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Dh5,000, or both, although a court could order placement in a therapeutic facility instead of imposing the penalty.
Rita Figueiredo, Licensed Psychologist and Managing Director of Peninsula Psychology, said removing the possibility of criminal consequences could make an already difficult conversation easier for some people.
“Knowing that a suicide attempt itself carries no criminal penalty may help people feel safer approaching a doctor, psychologist or trusted family member before their distress escalates,” Figueiredo told Aletihad.
She added that the significance of the amendment extends beyond the law itself, given that the way society responds to suicide attempts can shape whether people feel ashamed of their distress or able to seek care.
Figueiredo said people also need clear information about where support is available and services that are accessible across different languages and financial circumstances.
Understanding, Treatment and Support
Dr Damanjit Kaur, Specialist Psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical Center, Dubai Silicon Oasis, said fear of punishment, stigma and judgement can all discourage people from disclosing suicidal thoughts.
“By removing the fear of criminal punishment for attempted suicide, the UAE is sending an important message: a person experiencing a suicidal crisis needs understanding, treatment and support, not punishment,” Dr Kaur told Aletihad.
She said the change could encourage more people to speak honestly to psychiatrists, relatives or emergency healthcare providers before their distress becomes life-threatening.
“In my experience, fear and stigma have been significant barriers that prevent people from openly talking about suicidal thoughts,” Dr Kaur explained.
She added that some patients may initially deny having such thoughts even during a consultation but gradually disclose them when they feel they are in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
“Suicidal thoughts do not always appear suddenly. In many cases, underlying emotional struggles, warning signs and opportunities for intervention exist,” Dr Kaur noted.
The specialists also said the amendment could make families more comfortable seeking professional assistance rather than attempting to manage a crisis privately.
Figueiredo said relatives can themselves be frightened, exhausted or uncertain about how to respond, and should not be expected to manage such situations alone.
“Professionals can support them in listening to the person’s distress, talking openly without blame and understanding when urgent help is needed,” she said.
She added that safety planning can involve trusted people in a person’s support network while avoiding placing sole responsibility for their safety on relatives.
In the UAE’s diverse community, she said care should also recognise different cultural and religious understandings of suicide so concerns can be discussed respectfully.
Dr Kaur similarly said families are often the first to notice changes such as withdrawal, hopelessness or expressions of not wanting to live, but may hesitate to seek outside help due to legal, confidentiality or reputational concerns.
“Family support is extremely valuable, but it cannot replace professional intervention when someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts,” she emphasised.
“I believe this amendment can give families greater confidence to come forward to seek psychiatric assessment, understand the warning signs and become active partners in their loved one’s treatment and recovery,” Dr Kaur added.
Lowering Barriers to Disclosure
Dr Bino Mary Chacko, Specialist Psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said decriminalisation could also improve reporting and understanding of suicide attempts.
Removing criminal liability lowers a major barrier to disclosure. People experiencing suicidal thoughts, or those who have survived an attempt, may be more willing to seek emergency or psychiatric care when they are not afraid of arrest, prosecution or a criminal record, she noted.
Dr Chacko said reduced concealment of suicide attempts could also improve data quality, making it easier to understand the scale of the issue and plan prevention programmes.
Dr Chacko indicated that fear of judgement and possible legal or social consequences has been a significant barrier to help-seeking.
“Removing criminal penalties may make it easier for people to speak honestly with healthcare professionals and seek support earlier,” she noted.
She added that families may likewise feel more comfortable accessing mental health and emergency services rather than trying to manage a crisis privately due to fear, stigma or concerns over legal consequences.
