New tribunal in Abu Dhabi to hear trafficking offences

A specialised judicial body has been formed in Abu Dhabi to prosecute and adjudicate human trafficking cases, with Sheikh Mansour issuing the founding resolution.

New tribunal in Abu Dhabi to hear trafficking offences

A dedicated judicial body for human trafficking crimes has been formed in Abu Dhabi under a resolution from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as Vice President and chairs the emirate's Judicial Department.

As reported by Gulf News (read full story), the resolution — numbered 40 of 2026 — establishes a full procedural chain. A specialised Public Prosecution will handle investigations and charges, while dedicated Courts of First Instance and Appeal will rule on these matters.

The tribunal will have sole authority over every trafficking case arising in the emirate. Existing cases already before other courts must be moved across, provided hearings have not yet concluded.

An undersecretary at the Judicial Department will issue further decisions needed to put the resolution into practice and ensure smooth operation of the new court.

The measure fits into a broader national framework to shield victims and defend human dignity. In 2023, federal ministers widened support programmes for survivors — adding educational aid and safe return travel — while toughening punishments for offenders to at least five years behind bars and monetary penalties no lower than 100,000 dirhams.

Source: Google News AE