1 Introduction Over the last decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has increasingly employed citizenship stripping as a tool of political control and a form of punishment. Since 2011, this concerning trend has reflected a deliberate effort by authorities to employ citizenship deprivation as a means to stifle dissent and silence activists. Moreover, this abusive practice is often extended to families of targeted individuals through revocation of citizenship or through the denial to renew one’s identity documents. This practice has far-reaching implications for concerned individuals, who may be put at serious risk of statelessness, or even become effectively stateless, and deprived of basic rights and protections. Consequently, those affected find themselves thrust into a state of legal limbo which perpetuates cycles of marginalisation and vulnerability. At the heart of this issue lies a flagrant disregard by UAE authorities of their international obligations. The revocation of citizenship also violates its own domestic legislation and clearly aim to create a “chilling effect” in UAE civil society. Such measures undoubtedly foster a climate of fear and uncertainty among individuals inclined to voice criticism of the government or advocate for democratic reforms. In this briefing note, we will delve into the legal dimensions of citizenship stripping in the UAE, examining the domestic law and international obligations that govern this practice. Furthermore, we will explore its broader implications, particularly its role in stifling civic space and suppressing peaceful dissent within the country. By shedding light on this critical issue, we aim to underscore the urgent need for accountability, transparency and respect for human rights in the UAE. This briefing note is based on a combination of open-source information and testimonies collected from victims of citizenship stripping in the UAE. 2 Legal framework citizenship deprivation surrounding 2.1 International legal standards applicable to the UAE The right to a nationality is a fundamental human right recognised under international law, encompassing the inherent right of every individual to belong to a particular state. This right serves as a cornerstone of identity, dignity, and legal status. The right to nationality is not an absolute right, meaning it can be restricted within the limits set by international human rights law. It is enshrined in various international instruments and a number of its limits have been determined by international experts. We will therefore aim to look at the applicable international legal standards in the UAE. 3 Citizenship stripping in the UAE