Paper Title
LEGAL SAFEGUARDS AND CHALLENGES IN THE COLLECTION OF DIGITAL EVIDENCE IN THE UAE

Abstract
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has witnessed substantial structural changes across its economic, legal, and technical frameworks, as part of its transition toward a fully integrated model grounded in the digital economy, smart governance, and advanced information infrastructure. Cyber evidence has emerged as a fundamental element in the criminal evidentiary system; in many instances, it has become the sole evidence capable of uncovering the truth, given that cybercrimes generatedigital footprints rather than physical traces. The problematic nature of this study lies in examining the legal safeguards and challenges associated with the collection of digital evidence in the UAE. For the purpose of achieving the study’s objectives, the study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, based on a review of relevant legal studies on this subject, along with an analysis of the applicable legal provisions. The study reached several findings, most notably that the UAE legal system demonstrates flexibility regarding the admissibility of digital evidence; however, it still relies on general rules that require elaboration beyond what currently exists. Therefore, the study proposes several recommendations, the most important of which is the need to enact legislation that regulates cyber evidence with greater procedural detail. Keywords - Digital Evidence, Legal Safeguards, Legal Evidence, UAE Legislation