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Carrying Sharp Objects in Public Places in the UAE: What You Must Know to Stay Compliant
- neetudc
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
What may seem like an ordinary tool, a professional instrument, or a cultural or religious item, can, if handled incorrectly, lead to arrest, fines, or deportation in the UAE.
Recent arrests of Indian nationals in Abu Dhabi for carrying Kirpans in public spaces have drawn renewed focus to the enforcement of Article 405 of the UAE Penal Code. In light of these incidents, the Indian Embassy issued the following advisory:
What Does Article 405 of the UAE Penal Code Federal Law Decree No. 31 of 2021 Say?
Article 405 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 states:
"Without prejudice to any severe penalty, a penalty of incarceration and/or a fine shall be imposed on whoever is caught in circumstances that pose a threat to public security or the safety of persons or funds while carrying an injuring, cutting, piercing, crushing, bruising or stinging machine or tool, unless it is due to his professional activity or due to a legitimate reason."
In other words:
Intent is irrelevant.
It is the context that determines whether carrying a sharp object in public is illegal.
Which Objects Can Trigger Article 405 Enforcement?
Many clients ask us: What kind of objects does this apply to?
Common examples include:
Knives, blades, box cutters, stationery cutters
Utility knives or tools with sharp edges
Religious or ceremonial blades
Scissors or shears carried outside professional settings
Construction or exhibition setup tools
Carrying knives or cutters in the UAE is strictly regulated in public spaces. Even professional tools can trigger legal problems if not handled properly or transported without documentation.
Where Most People Go Wrong
Many individuals unknowingly breach this law when they:
Carry religious knives or ceremonial blades in public, even discreetly.
Transport cutters, utility knives, or similar tools between locations, such as from home to an event or office.
Leave sharp objects in personal bags, cars, or hand luggage when passing through security checks.
The key factor is context. When found carrying a sharp object in a place where it could be perceived as a public threat — such as a metro station, shopping mall, public event or on public transport — you may be detained and investigated under Article 405, regardless of intent. The process moves quickly, and enforcement is strict. Many individuals unintentionally trigger legal action by failing to understand the nuances of Article 405.
If you or your team handle equipment such as cutters, tools, or ceremonial items — or if you are unsure whether your activities comply with UAE law — we can help you structure your processes safely and effectively.
Do not wait until you face an issue at a security checkpoint or during a random search. Proactive compliance is always the best protection.
Contact Us
To schedule a consultation or request advisory support, contact - Juris Maestro Legal Consultants:
