What is blood money (diya) in the UAE?
Updated 2 October 2026
Short answer
Diya, often called blood money, is compensation a UAE court can order to be paid to the heirs of a person whose death was caused by another party. The UAE reference amount is AED 200,000. It is only payable when a court orders it, and it is a separate legal head from the 24-month labour-law compensation an employer owes for a work-related death.
Key points
- Reference amount: AED 200,000.
- Payable only on a court order, typically arising from criminal or civil proceedings over the death.
- Separate from Article 37 labour compensation, end-of-service benefits and insurance.
- Applies to deaths only, not to injuries or disability.
Diya after a construction-site fatality
After a workplace death, police and public prosecution may investigate whether anyone's negligence caused it. Whether diya is payable, and by whom, is decided in those proceedings. HSE teams should record the case and its filings, not assume diya will apply.
Source
UAE federal legislation published on u.ae. The Arabic text prevails. Last verified 30 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does the employer always pay diya after a site death?
No. Diya is only payable if a court orders it, and the court decides who is liable.
Is diya paid for injuries?
No. Diya relates to death. Injuries are handled through labour-law treatment, wage support and disability compensation.
Put this into practice
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