The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has once again highlighted the issue of forgery of academic qualifications after announcing that a limited number of suspected cases involving forged certificates and academic data had been referred to the competent judicial authorities, with actual court judgments issued against a number of defendants.

According to the Ministry’s announcement in September 2026, some of the judgments resulted in imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to AED 30,000. The Ministry also emphasized that the cases identified were individual and limited compared with the large volume of academic qualification verification requests processed each year. The Ministry processed 178,600 qualification verification requests during 2025, while the number reached 253,000 requests during 2026 up to the beginning of September.

However, the penalties imposed in some of these judgments do not mean that three years is the maximum penalty for every form of certificate forgery in the UAE. The legal classification of the offence and the applicable penalty depend on the nature of the document, the method of forgery, how the certificate was used, whether the document is official or non-official, and whether the person using it knew that it was forged.

Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law regulates forgery of documents and the use of forged documents, while separate legislation also addresses the forgery of electronic documents depending on the nature of the document and the circumstances of the case.

What Is Considered Forgery of Academic Qualifications in the UAE?

From a criminal law perspective, forgery of an academic qualification generally involves altering the truth in a certificate, transcript, academic document, or creating a false document with the intention of using it as a genuine document, provided that the legal elements required for the offence are established.

Article 251 of the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law defines forgery as altering the truth in a document in a manner capable of causing harm and with the intention of using the document as a genuine document.

The law identifies several forms of forgery, including:

• Altering information contained in a genuine document.
• Adding, removing, or modifying numbers, information, or marks.
• Affixing a forged signature or seal.
• Altering a genuine signature, seal, or fingerprint.
• Creating or imitating a document and attributing it to another person.
• Impersonating another person in a document prepared to establish identity.
• Distorting the truth when preparing a document concerning matters that the document was intended to establish.

Accordingly, forgery of a university certificate does not necessarily require the creation of an entirely fake certificate from scratch.

Forgery may also occur through changing the name of the university, academic degree, field of study, graduation date, grade point average, transcript, or any other material information, provided that the legal requirements of the offence are satisfied.

Is Forging a University Certificate a Crime in the UAE?

Yes. Forging a certificate or academic qualification may constitute a criminal offence when the legal elements of forgery are established.

However, the legal assessment does not depend on the word “certificate” alone.

It is necessary to determine:

1. The nature of the certificate.
2. The entity that issued it.
3. Whether it is an official or non-official document.
4. The method used to alter or create it.
5. The purpose for which it was used.
6. The person who carried out the forgery.
7. The person who used the document.
8. Whether the user knew that it was forged.
9. The potential harm resulting from the forgery.
10. Whether the document is physical or electronic.

These factors may directly affect the legal classification of the offence and the applicable penalty.

What Is the Penalty for Forging Academic Qualifications in the UAE?

There is no single penalty that applies to every case involving forged academic qualifications.

The applicable penalty depends on the nature of the document and the specific circumstances of the offence.

Forgery of an Official Document

Article 252 of the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law provides that forgery of an official document is punishable by temporary imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years.

Forgery of a non-official document is subject to a different penalty of imprisonment under the law.

It is important to understand that determining whether a certificate or document is an official document does not depend simply on calling it a “university certificate.”

Article 254 defines an official document as a document prepared, intervened in, or given official status by a public official or a person entrusted with a public service in accordance with the requirements of their position. Other documents are considered non-official documents.

Is Three Years in Prison the Penalty for Forging a Certificate?

Not necessarily.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that some actual court judgments in cases involving forged academic qualifications included prison sentences of up to three years and fines of up to AED 30,000.

These figures relate to the judgments announced by the Ministry and do not establish a general rule that every case of academic qualification forgery is punishable by exactly three years in prison.

Under Article 252, the penalty for forgery of an official document may reach temporary imprisonment for up to 10 years, while the final penalty depends on the type of document, the circumstances of the case, the applicable legal classification, the evidence, and the circumstances considered by the court.

What About Using a Forged Certificate Without Forging It?

This is one of the most important issues that is often overlooked.

A person does not necessarily have to be the individual who created or altered the certificate in order to potentially face criminal liability.

Article 258 of the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law provides for the punishment of a person who uses a forged document while knowing that it is forged, with the penalty prescribed for the forgery offence, according to the circumstances.

The same article also addresses situations involving the use of a genuine document, or a copy of it, in another person’s name or benefiting from it unlawfully, according to the conditions set out in the law.

This means that there is an important legal distinction between:

The person who forged the certificate

and

The person who used the forged certificate while knowing that it was forged.

The person who created the document may therefore be completely different from the person who submitted it to an employer, government authority, or educational institution.

Is Using a Forged Certificate Without Knowing It Was Forged a Crime?

Knowledge of the forgery is an important issue when determining criminal liability for using a forged document.

Article 258 expressly refers to the use of a forged document with knowledge that it is forged.

Accordingly, every case requires an examination of the circumstances in which the certificate was obtained, the manner in which it was submitted, the communications related to it, the entity from which it was received, and whether the user actually knew that it was forged.

The mere existence of an incorrect or invalid certificate in a person’s file is not, by itself, sufficient to resolve all legal questions.

The facts and evidence establishing knowledge and intent must be examined according to the nature of the allegation.

What Are the Different Forms of Academic Qualification Forgery?

Forgery of academic qualifications can take several forms, including the following.

Completely Fabricating a University Certificate

This may involve creating a certificate that does not exist at all and attributing it to a genuine university or educational institution.

Altering a Genuine Certificate

Examples may include changing:

• The certificate holder’s name.
• The field of study.
• The academic degree.
• The graduation date.
• The grade or GPA.
• The number of academic hours.
• University information.

Forging an Academic Transcript

An academic transcript may itself be forged even where the original degree certificate is genuine.

Adding a Qualification the Person Did Not Obtain

For example, a person may add a master’s or doctoral degree to a curriculum vitae or employment file despite never having obtained that qualification.

Using Another Person’s Certificate

Depending on the method of use and the surrounding circumstances, this may fall under a different legal category, particularly where a genuine document is used in another person’s name or benefited from unlawfully. Article 258 addresses such circumstances.

Altering an Electronic Document

Forgery is no longer limited to paper documents.

Manipulation may involve an electronic file, digital document, or electronic academic data. In such cases, it is necessary to identify the specific legislation applicable to the document, the nature of the alteration, and how the document was used.

Is Forging an Electronic Certificate Punishable Under UAE Law?

Yes. Forging an electronic certificate or electronic document may constitute a criminal offence where the legal elements of the offence are satisfied.

Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services contains specific provisions concerning the forgery of electronic documents, electronic signatures, electronic seals, authentication certificates, and trust services.

Article 39 establishes penalties for the forgery of an electronic document, electronic signature, electronic seal, authentication certificate, or trust service, according to the circumstances.

Where the forgery concerns an electronic document belonging to the federal government, a local government, or a federal or local public authority or institution, the penalty may reach temporary imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 150,000 and not more than AED 750,000.

The provision also addresses the use of a forged electronic document by a person who knows that it is forged.

Accordingly, altering an electronic academic certificate, digital transcript, or electronic academic record should not automatically be treated as merely a technical modification to a PDF file where the conduct satisfies the legal elements of forgery.

Each case requires an assessment of the nature of the electronic document, the issuing entity, how the document was created or altered, the purpose of its use, and whether the person using it knew of the forgery.

It is also important to distinguish between Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services, which contains specific provisions concerning the forgery of electronic documents, and Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrime, which regulates a separate range of cyber-related offences and acts involving information technology.

Therefore, not every modification to an electronic file automatically constitutes electronic forgery. The document, the alteration, the issuing authority, the manner of use, the relevant intent and knowledge, and the other legal requirements must all be examined.

Does Changing the Information on a Genuine Certificate Constitute Forgery?

It may.

Article 251 recognizes the alteration of an existing document as one of the forms of forgery, including additions, deletions, or changes to writing, numbers, marks, or images appearing on the document, provided that the other legal elements of the offence are satisfied.

Therefore, changing a grade, field of study, graduation date, or academic degree on a genuine document may go beyond being an ordinary administrative correction where the document was altered with the intention of using it as a genuine document and the other legal elements of forgery are established.

Is Forging a University Certificate Issued Outside the UAE Punishable Under UAE Law?

Criminal liability may arise in the UAE where a forged academic qualification is used within the country and the requirements of the applicable offence and jurisdiction are satisfied under the laws in force.

The important distinction is between:

Where the certificate was issued

and

Where the certificate was used.

The fact that a certificate was issued by a university outside the UAE does not, by itself, place its use in the UAE outside the scope of UAE law.

The competent authorities attach importance to verifying academic qualifications issued both inside and outside the country. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has confirmed that suspected cases involving forgery, manipulation, or changes to academic certificates are dealt with through the relevant legal procedures and that cases involving potential criminal conduct may be referred to the competent authorities.

What Happens When a Forged Academic Certificate Is Discovered?

When concerns arise regarding the authenticity of an academic qualification, verification procedures may begin involving the document and the institution that issued it.

Depending on the circumstances, the process may include:

1. Verifying the certificate details.
2. Contacting the relevant educational institution.
3. Reviewing academic records.
4. Checking graduation information.
5. Examining physical and electronic documents.
6. Identifying the source of the alteration or fabrication.
7. Referring the matter to the competent authorities where a criminal suspicion arises.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has stated that it cooperates with the competent judicial authorities in dealing with suspected cases involving forged academic qualifications.

The Ministry has also urged government and private entities and employers to verify the authenticity of qualifications where there are doubts or concerns, use approved verification channels, and report suspected cases.

Can a Case Start With a Complaint From an Employer?

Yes, depending on the circumstances.

If a person submits an academic certificate or qualification to an employer and questions later arise regarding its authenticity, the employer may take appropriate steps to verify the qualification and report the matter to the competent authorities where there is a suspected criminal offence.

Such an issue may arise during:

• Recruitment.
• Employee promotion.
• Professional licensing.
• Qualification equivalency procedures.
• Government registration.
• University admission.
• Immigration or residency procedures.
• Internal auditing.
• Administrative investigations.

Is Submitting a Forged Certificate to Obtain a Job a Crime?

Using a forged certificate to obtain employment may constitute a criminal offence where the legal elements of the offence are established.

The issue does not depend solely on whether the person actually obtained the job.

The relevant questions may include:

• Is the document forged?
• Was it actually used?
• Did the person know that it was forged?
• Why was it used?
• Did it cause or potentially cause harm?
• What type of document was involved?
• To which authority or entity was it submitted?

In addition to potential criminal liability, the conduct may have employment, administrative, or civil consequences depending on the circumstances.

Can an Employee Be Dismissed Because of a Forged Certificate?

Criminal liability and employment liability are separate matters.

The discovery of an invalid or false qualification may lead to employment-related action under the employment contract, internal regulations, and legislation governing the employment relationship, in addition to potential criminal liability where the legal elements of an offence are established.

The matter may also affect:

• The validity of the appointment.
• Promotions.
• Benefits obtained by the employee.
• Professional licensing.
• Decisions made by the employee in the course of employment.

However, these consequences should not be assumed automatically. They depend on the nature of the position, the applicable rules, and the facts established in the particular case.

What If the Certificate Is Not Recognized but Is Not Forged?

There is an important distinction between an unrecognized academic qualification and a forged qualification.

A certificate may be genuine and actually issued by a legitimate university but may not be recognized, accredited, or eligible for equivalency in the UAE for a particular purpose.

This does not automatically mean that a forgery has occurred.

By contrast, where information contained in a certificate has been fabricated or altered, or where a forged document has been knowingly used, the matter may fall within the criminal law framework governing forgery.

Accordingly, an academic qualification should not be described as “forged” simply because it is not recognized or has not been approved without first verifying the relevant facts.

What Is the Difference Between an Unrecognized Certificate and a Forged Certificate?

An Unrecognized Certificate

An unrecognized certificate may be genuine and properly issued, but it may fail to satisfy the recognition, equivalency, accreditation, or other requirements applicable to a particular purpose in the UAE.

A Forged Certificate

A forged certificate is a document in which the truth has been altered, fabricated, imitated, or manipulated in a manner prohibited by law.

This distinction is legally important.

The fact that an academic qualification is not recognized does not, by itself, mean that a forgery offence has been committed.

What Is the Role of the Ministry of Higher Education in Detecting Forged Qualifications?

The Ministry works to verify the authenticity of academic qualifications and monitor the information associated with them.

According to the Ministry’s September 2026 announcement, it processed 178,600 academic qualification verification requests during 2025, while the figure reached 253,000 requests during 2026 up to the beginning of September.

The Ministry explained that the cases of forgery identified were individual and very limited compared with the volume of verification requests and that verification and monitoring systems help detect irregularities at an early stage and protect confidence in academic qualifications.

Can a Forged Certificate Be Discovered Years Later?

Yes. Questions concerning the authenticity of a qualification may arise at a later stage, even years after the qualification was used, depending on the circumstances and verification procedures.

The issue may be discovered when:

• The person changes employers.
• The person applies for a promotion.
• The person applies for a professional licence.
• Qualifications are audited.
• An employment file is reviewed.
• The person applies for qualification equivalency.
• The university is contacted for verification.
• Inconsistencies in the information are identified.

The passage of time does not make a forged document genuine. However, any legal issues relating to limitation periods, liability, or procedural matters must be assessed in light of the nature of the offence, the applicable legislation, and the specific circumstances of the case.

What Evidence Can Be Used in an Academic Qualification Forgery Case?

Depending on the nature of the case, evidence may include:

• The original certificate.
• A copy of the certificate.
• The academic transcript.
• Correspondence with the university.
• University records.
• Graduation records.
• Emails.
• Digital files.
• Technical examination reports.
• Verification system records.
• Statements made by defendants and witnesses.
• Documents submitted to the employer.
• Relevant government records.

The strength and significance of any particular item of evidence cannot be assessed in isolation from the other elements of the case.

What Should a Person Do If Accused of Forging an Academic Certificate?

If you are summoned or informed that a complaint has been filed concerning the forgery of an academic qualification, it is important to treat the matter as a potential criminal case, rather than merely an administrative or employment dispute.

First: Do Not Ignore the Summons

A summons should be handled properly rather than ignored while waiting for the proceedings to develop.

Second: Obtain Legal Advice at an Early Stage

A lawyer can review the relevant documents and identify the nature of the allegation before you take a position during an investigation.

Third: Collect the Original Documents

Keep anything that may establish the source and authenticity of the qualification, including:

• The original certificate.
• The academic transcript.
• A letter from the university.
• Proof of enrollment.
• Academic records.
• Correspondence.
• Tuition payment receipts.
• Any document showing how the qualification was obtained.

Fourth: Do Not Delete Messages or Files

Where there are electronic communications or files related to the qualification, do not delete or alter them after a dispute or investigation arises.

Fifth: Do Not Give Inaccurate Explanations

In criminal matters, statements should be based on facts and documents rather than assumptions or attempts to explain matters that the person does not accurately remember.

Sixth: Verify the Source of the Certificate

Where the qualification was issued by a university outside the UAE, it may be necessary to review the issuing institution and verify the official graduation records.

What If Someone Else Forged the Certificate?

The fact that another person created or altered the document does not automatically exempt the user from criminal liability.

The role played by each person should be established, including:

• Who created the document?
• Who altered it?
• Who requested the forgery?
• Who paid for it?
• Who received it?
• Who submitted it?
• Did the user know that it was forged?
• Why was it used?

The criminal responsibility of each person may differ depending on the evidence, their actual role, and the legal elements applicable to the offence.

Can a Person Be Liable for Participating in the Forgery of a Certificate?

Yes, depending on the circumstances and the evidence.

A person who did not personally carry out the forgery may still face liability where their participation in the offence is established under the applicable rules of criminal participation.

However, merely knowing that a certificate is incorrect does not, by itself, establish liability. The person’s conduct, intent, evidence, and the legal provisions applicable to the specific circumstances must all be examined.

What If a Person Used a Forged Certificate Without Knowing It Was Forged?

This issue requires careful examination.

Article 258 links liability for the use of a forged document to knowledge that the document was forged.

Accordingly, evidence concerning the source of the certificate, how it was obtained, communications with the issuing institution, and the way it was submitted may be highly relevant when assessing the person’s legal position.

A legal conclusion cannot properly be reached merely from the existence of an incorrect certificate without examining the circumstances surrounding it.

Can Forgery of an Academic Qualification Affect a Professional Licence?

A false or forged qualification may have additional consequences where the qualification is a requirement for obtaining a professional licence.

This issue can be particularly significant in professions that require specific academic qualifications, including certain healthcare, engineering, legal, and other regulated professions.

In such circumstances, criminal liability may overlap with professional or regulatory proceedings brought by the relevant licensing authority.

For this reason, the matter should be considered from two perspectives:

Criminal liability + professional or administrative consequences.

Why Are Academic Certificate Forgery Cases Particularly Sensitive?

Academic qualifications do not affect only the person who holds them.

A certificate may serve as the basis for:

• Obtaining employment.
• Practising a profession.
• Receiving a promotion.
• Obtaining a professional licence.
• Enrolling in an academic programme.
• Receiving employment benefits.
• Establishing professional specialization.

For this reason, manipulation of academic qualifications may affect employers, members of the public, and people who rely on the individual’s claimed qualifications. This explains the importance of protecting the reliability and authenticity of official and academic documents.

What Are the Most Common Legal Mistakes in Forged Certificate Cases?

Some of the mistakes that should be avoided include:

Treating the Matter as Merely an Employment Dispute

There may be an employment aspect to the matter, but a suspected forgery may also turn the issue into a criminal matter.

Making Inaccurate Admissions

Statements made without proper consideration may affect the case.

Deleting Electronic Files

Deleting or altering files may create additional legal difficulties depending on the circumstances.

Communicating With Other Parties Without Proper Consideration

This may be particularly important when a formal investigation is already underway.

Withholding Documents From Your Lawyer

Every document connected to the matter may be important when assessing the defence.

Assuming That an Unrecognized Qualification Is Forged

This is an important legal mistake because non-recognition and forgery are legally different concepts.

What Is the Role of a Lawyer in an Academic Qualification Forgery Case?

Legal defence begins with identifying the correct legal classification of the facts.

The lawyer may then review:

1. The source of the qualification.
2. The nature of the document.
3. Whether it is official or non-official.
4. How the document was created or altered.
5. Technical evidence.
6. How the document was used.
7. The defendant’s knowledge of the forgery.
8. The purpose for which it was used.
9. The procedures followed during seizure and investigation.
10. The integrity of electronic evidence.
11. Any circumstances that may affect criminal liability.
12. The employment or professional consequences arising from the matter.

Depending on the case, the file may require technical expertise, document examination, or communication with the educational institution to verify the original academic records.

What Should You Do If Your Employer Asks You to Submit Your Academic Qualification for Verification?

Qualification verification is a normal procedure in many recruitment and professional licensing situations.

If the certificate is genuine, it is important to provide official documents and information that can help establish its authenticity.

If there is a genuine issue concerning the information contained in the qualification, legal advice should be obtained before providing statements or additional documents that could have legal consequences.

A document should never be altered or supplemented by the individual in an attempt to “correct” the problem.

How Can Companies and Government Entities Protect Themselves Against Forged Certificates?

Employers and other entities can reduce the risk of academic qualification fraud by:

• Verifying qualifications directly from the issuing institution.
• Requesting original documents.
• Using official verification channels.
• Matching the university’s name and academic programme.
• Reviewing graduation information.
• Verifying academic transcripts.
• Keeping records of verification procedures.
• Re-verifying qualifications where necessary for sensitive professions.
• Avoiding reliance on a certificate image alone for positions that require specific professional qualifications.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has called on government and private entities and employers to verify academic qualifications where there are doubts or concerns, use approved verification channels, and report suspected cases.

What Do the Latest Judgments Say About Academic Qualification Forgery in the UAE?

The information announced in September 2026 demonstrates that suspected cases of academic qualification forgery may be referred to the competent judicial authorities and that actual judgments have been issued against a number of defendants.

The Ministry confirmed that some of the judgments included imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to AED 30,000.

However, these judgments must be understood in their proper context.

They do not mean that every person accused of forging an academic qualification will receive the same penalty, nor do they establish three years as the general maximum penalty.

The final penalty is determined by the court based on the legal classification of the offence, the facts, the evidence, and the circumstances recognized under the applicable law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Qualification Forgery in the UAE

What Is the Penalty for Forging a University Certificate in the UAE?

The penalty depends on the nature of the document and the circumstances of the case. Under the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law, forgery of an official document may be punishable by temporary imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, while different penalties apply to non-official documents.

Is Three Years in Prison the Penalty for Every Certificate Forgery Case?

No. The Ministry of Higher Education stated that some judgments in academic qualification cases included penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to AED 30,000. The applicable penalty varies from one case to another according to the facts and legal classification of the offence.

Is Using a Forged Certificate a Crime Even If I Did Not Forge It Myself?

It may be. Where a person uses a forged document while knowing that it is forged, Article 258 of the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law may apply.

Is an Unrecognized Academic Qualification Considered Forged?

Not necessarily. A qualification that is not recognized or does not satisfy equivalency requirements is legally different from a forged document.

Is Forging an Academic Transcript Considered Forgery?

It may constitute forgery where the transcript has been fabricated or its information has been altered and the legal elements of the forgery offence are established.

Is Forging a Certificate From a University Outside the UAE Punishable in the UAE?

Criminal liability may arise where the qualification is used in the UAE and the requirements of the applicable offence and jurisdiction are satisfied. The specific facts of each case must be examined.

Is Forging an Electronic Certificate Punishable Under UAE Law?

Yes. UAE legislation contains specific provisions dealing with the forgery and use of electronic documents. Under Article 39 of Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021, certain cases involving the forgery of government-related electronic documents may be punishable by temporary imprisonment and a fine ranging from AED 150,000 to AED 750,000.

What Should I Do If Someone Accuses Me of Forging an Academic Qualification?

Keep the original documents and information related to the issuing university. Do not delete relevant communications or electronic files, and obtain legal advice before making statements that could affect your legal position.

Can a Forged Certificate Be Discovered Years Later?

Yes. A forgery may be discovered later through qualification verification, audits, reviews of university records, or checks with the issuing institution.

Can I Lose My Job Because of a Forged Certificate?

Employment or professional consequences may arise in addition to potential criminal liability, depending on the nature of the job, the applicable employment rules, professional regulations, and the facts established in the case.

Legal Consultant Mohamed Jasem – Academic Qualification Forgery Cases in the UAE

Cases involving forged academic certificates and qualifications require careful examination of the documents, evidence, the way the qualification was obtained, and how it was used. The legal distinction between an unrecognized qualification and a forged qualification can be significant.

Legal Consultant Mohamed Jasem provides legal services in criminal matters involving forgery and the use of forged documents, including reviewing complaints and investigations, examining documents and evidence, assessing the legal classification of the facts, preparing legal memoranda and defences, and following up proceedings before the Public Prosecution and the competent courts.

Depending on the circumstances, legal review may cover cases involving:

• Forgery of university certificates.
• Forgery of academic transcripts.
• Use of forged academic qualifications.
• Forgery of official documents.
• Forgery of electronic documents.
• Use of documents in another person’s name.
• Academic qualifications issued outside the UAE.
• Cases involving employment and professional licensing.

Conclusion

Forgery of academic qualifications in the UAE is not merely an administrative violation. It may constitute a criminal offence where the legal elements of forgery or the use of a forged document are established under UAE law.

The applicable penalty depends on the nature of the document, the circumstances of the case, and the legal classification of the offence.

In September 2026, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that a limited number of suspected academic qualification forgery cases had been referred to the competent judicial authorities and that actual court judgments had been issued against a number of defendants. Some of those judgments included imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to AED 30,000.

At the same time, the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law provides that forgery of an official document may be punishable by temporary imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, subject to the nature of the document, the legal classification, the facts, and the evidence.

Criminal responsibility is also not necessarily limited to the person who physically created a forged certificate. A person who knowingly uses a forged document may also face criminal liability. Separate provisions also apply to electronic documents, including Article 39 of Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services.

Therefore, anyone facing a complaint or investigation concerning the forgery of an academic certificate or qualification in the UAE should not treat the matter as merely an employment or administrative dispute. The document, facts, evidence, and legal classification should be carefully examined before taking action.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general legal awareness and does not constitute legal advice in relation to any specific case. Criminal liability, penalties, and legal consequences vary according to the facts of each case, the nature of the document, the issuing authority, the manner in which the document was used, the available evidence, and the legislation in force at the relevant time. It is therefore recommended to obtain specialized legal advice before taking any action or making statements in a case involving forged academic qualifications or the use of forged documents.