UAE Terror Case: Life Sentences Upheld
- The United Arab emirates Federal Supreme Court has handed down life sentences to 24 defendants in a high-profile case involving terrorist financing and collaboration.
- The defendants where convicted of working with and providing funds to the Al-Islah Terrorist Organisation.
- Hamad Saif Al Shamsi had appealed an earlier ruling that dismissed the criminal case against the defendants.
In a landmark decision, the UAE Federal Supreme Court has upheld life sentences for 24 individuals in a notable terrorist financing case. This decisive move,directly impacting the “terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation,” reverses a prior ruling and underscores the UAE’s unwavering stance against terrorism. The court found the defendants guilty of collaboration with the al-Islah Terrorist Organisation, also ordering the confiscation of all related assets. This comes after an appeal by Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, who asserted legal flaws in the initial judgment. With this ruling, a total of 83 individuals are now convicted, emphasizing the nation’s firm commitment to justice. This is a critical update you can find on News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as UAE courts continue their fight against terrorism.
UAE court Sentences 24 to Life in terrorist Financing Case
Updated June 27, 2025
The United Arab emirates Federal Supreme Court has handed down life sentences to 24 defendants in a high-profile case involving terrorist financing and collaboration. The court partially overturned a previous judgment related to the “Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation” case.
The defendants where convicted of working with and providing funds to the Al-Islah Terrorist Organisation. Along with the prison sentences,the court ordered the confiscation of all funds and items seized in connection with the crimes.
Attorney general Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi had appealed an earlier ruling that dismissed the criminal case against the defendants. the Attorney General argued the initial ruling was legally flawed,citing their prior trial in Case No. 79 of 2012, which concerned state security.
Al Shamsi contended that the court should have applied penalties for the more serious offenses of financing and collaborating with a terrorist organization, while accounting for time already served. He emphasized that the previous judgment only addressed the establishment and management of the Al-Islah Organization, not the separate crimes of financing and collaboration, which carry more severe penalties under Federal Law No. 1 of 2004.
The Federal Supreme Court agreed, determining that the incidents in the two cases were distinct, each constituting an independent criminal act. The court reconvicted 24 defendants, sentencing them to life imprisonment for terrorist collaboration.
Previously, the State Security chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal convicted 53 defendants, leaders and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, along with six companies, in Case No. 87 of 2023, also known as the “Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organization” case. Sentences ranged from life imprisonment to fines totaling 20 million dirhams ($5.4 million). One defendant was acquitted.
With the latest ruling, the total number of convicted individuals in this case rises to 83 out of the 84 initially referred to trial, underscoring the UAE courts’ commitment to combating terrorist financing.
What’s next
The UAE courts are expected to continue pursuing cases related to terrorism and national security, ensuring that individuals involved in such activities are brought to justice.