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Key Findings
The prevalence of FGM/C among women in the UAE is 41.4%
Support for FGM/C in the UAE varies depending on whether the individual has undergone the practice themselves. Amongst women who have experienced FGM/C, 60% are against its continuation. In terms of women who have not experienced FGM/C, 82% are opposed to its continuation. In Al Awar’s 2017 study, roughly 25% of women were in favour of FGM/C for their future daughters.
Geography
Given the limited data available across the country, it is difficult to determine which region has the highest prevalence. However, the Al Ain city, located on the eastern border with Oman, has evidenced a prevalence rate of 41.4%.
Age
78.9% of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C were cut before the age of 1.
Type
Type I is the most common type of FGM/C practised. 62.8% of women report experience this type of cut.
Agent
74.4% of mothers who experienced FGM/C were cut by ritual/traditional circumcisers. On the other hand, 73.7% of daughters with FGM/C were cut in private hospitals and clinics by medical personnel.
Distribution of FGM/C across the UAE
Data not available.
FGM/C Legislation in the UAE
Although there is no specific legislation criminalising FGM/C in UAE, Articles 387-394 of Federal Decree Law (No 31 of 2021) Promulgating Crimes and Penalties, cover crimes of assault to varying degrees of severity which include permanent injury incurred by “the cutting, severance or amputation of an organ.” Article 400 relates specifically to harm against a juvenile (under 15 years), and the duty of parents and guardians to protect children against harm. This duty to protect children (under 18 years of age) from physical or other harm is also provided by Federal Law (No 3 of 2016) on Child Rights.
Development Indicators
Population
9,665,319 (2025)
Infant Mortality
5 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)
Maternal Mortality
3 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023)
SDG Gender Index
32 out of 139 countries (2024)
