Prepared by a UAE Criminal Law Practitioner
The arrest of a minor is an acutely distressing situation, but it is critical that guardians act swiftly, calmly, and with proper legal guidance. Dubai operates a dedicated juvenile justice system that is oriented toward rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, that system still carries real legal consequences, and the first 24 to 48 hours are the most important window for protecting your child’s rights and future.
What steps to take if juvenile arrested in Dubai?
A juvenile facing a criminal case in Dubai is dealt with under a special juvenile justice system that focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, but the situation can still be serious and needs quick legal action. This guide sets out the legal framework, your rights, and the precise steps you should take at every stage of the process.
“Juvenile” generally means under 18 years old at the time of the offence. Call or WhatsApp for a lawyer +971506531334 or +971558018669
Part I — The Legal Framework
Governing Legislation
Juvenile cases in the UAE are primarily governed by:
- Federal Law No. 6 of 2022 on Juvenile Delinquents and Those at Risk of Delinquency — the principal statute
- Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 — the UAE Penal Code
- Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law) — child rights and protection provisions
Definition of a “Juvenile”
Under UAE law, a juvenile is any person under the age of 18 at the time the offence was committed. This is not the age at arrest or trial — it is the age at the time of the alleged act.
Age-Based Liability and Consequences
| Age at Time of Offence | Legal Position |
|---|---|
| Under 7 years | No criminal responsibility. No case can be filed. |
| 7 to 16 years | Educational, supervisory, and rehabilitative measures apply — not standard adult penalties. |
| 16 to 18 years | Stricter consequences apply, but death penalty and life imprisonment are categorically prohibited. Detention terms are capped and significantly lower than adult sentences. |
Rehabilitative measures available to the court include probation, community service, counselling, vocational training, electronic monitoring, and placement in approved juvenile facilities.
Children’s safety | Report child abuse | Ministry of Justice Contacts
Part II — Rights and Procedural Protections
These are not privileges — they are mandatory legal safeguards that must be observed by police, prosecution, and the court.
1. Separate Juvenile Procedures Police and Public Prosecution are legally required to treat the matter as a juvenile case from the outset. The case is referred to a specialised Juvenile Court circuit within Dubai Courts (Suhail services)— not to the regular criminal courts.
2. Prohibition on Detention with Adults A juvenile must never be held in the same facility as adult detainees. Where detention is unavoidable, the child must be placed in an approved juvenile or educational facility.
3. Presence of Child Protection Specialists Under the Federal Juvenile Law, statements must be taken in the presence of a child protection specialist. Guardians should insist on this at every stage of questioning.
4. Private Hearings All court proceedings are held in closed session. Only the guardian, authorised legal counsel, and court-approved individuals may be present.
5. Mandatory Legal Representation for Felonies If the charge is a felony, the juvenile cannot be tried without a lawyer. If the guardian cannot appoint one, the court is legally obligated to appoint defence counsel at state expense.
Part III — Immediate Action Plan (First 24–48 Hours)
Time is critical. The following steps should be taken in order and without delay.
Step 1 — Locate the Child and Obtain Case Details
Contact or visit the relevant Dubai Police station immediately. Confirm:
- The station where the child is being held
- The case or arrest reference number
- The nature of the allegation
Step 2 — Attend the Station in Person
As the guardian, go to the police station with:
- Your Emirates ID or passport
- The child’s Emirates ID or passport
- Any available residency documents
Clearly and explicitly inform the police officer that the accused is under 18 years of age and that juvenile procedures must apply immediately.
Step 3 — Retain a Criminal Lawyer Immediately
This is the single most important step. Engage a UAE criminal lawyer with specific experience in juvenile cases in Dubai. Your lawyer can:
- Attend the police interview alongside your child
- Communicate directly with police and prosecution
- Begin negotiations for diversion, release to guardian, or rehabilitative alternatives to detention
Do not allow your child to speak to authorities without legal counsel present.
Step 4 — Do Not Rush Statements
Provide basic identifying information, but avoid detailed explanations or admissions until your lawyer has reviewed the full allegation and evidence. Ensure your child does not sign any statement without your lawyer reviewing it first.
Part IV — During the Police Investigation
After the initial arrest, police must question the juvenile and either release them or refer the file to the Dubai Public Prosecution — typically within approximately 48 hours, though juvenile-specific timelines may vary.
Your lawyer’s role during this phase is to:
- Monitor the referral and ensure juvenile procedures are applied
- Challenge any attempt to process the case as an adult matter
- Assess the evidence and identify grounds for early dismissal or diversion
Part V — Documents to Prepare
Your legal team will require the following:
- Child’s passport and Emirates ID
- Proof of residency status
- School records, attendance reports, and academic certificates
- Any medical or psychological assessments (particularly relevant if the child has any diagnosed conditions)
- Character references or community standing documentation
- Any evidence or witnesses supporting the juvenile’s account of events
Disclose all relevant facts to your lawyer — including any prior incidents — so they can prepare the most effective legal strategy.
Part VI — Prosecution and Court Proceedings
After police investigation, the Public Prosecution has three options:
- Dismiss the case
- Mediate or settle the matter (diversion)
- Refer the case to the Juvenile Court
Your lawyer should pursue dismissal or diversion as the primary objective and keep you informed at each stage.
If the case proceeds to court, the judge has broad discretion to impose rehabilitative measures, including probation, community service, counselling, electronic monitoring, or placement in a juvenile institution — rather than detention.
If an unsatisfactory judgment is issued, appeal options are available, and your lawyer can advise on the grounds and timelines.
Part VII — Guardian Responsibilities and Liability
Guardians are expected to cooperate fully with police, prosecution, and child protection specialists throughout the process and to actively support the juvenile’s rehabilitation.
Important warning: Under UAE law, any guardian who encourages, uses, or involves a child in criminal activity faces serious criminal liability — significant prison terms and substantial fines. This applies regardless of whether the guardian is the child’s natural parent or legal custodian.
Part VIII — Long-Term Outlook
Dubai’s juvenile justice system is designed to prioritise reform, continued schooling, and successful reintegration into society. Detention is a measure of last resort.
In appropriate cases, it is possible — after the relevant period has passed — to apply to the court for limitation or expungement of the juvenile record, so that the incident does not follow the child into adult life. This requires a formal legal petition and court approval, and your lawyer can advise on the eligibility and timing.
Part IX — How to Contact Dubai Courts (Juvenile Division)
You do not approach the Juvenile Court directly as a walk-in. The correct process is to contact Dubai Courts or Dubai Public Prosecution, after which your case is routed to the relevant juvenile circuit.
Dubai Courts — Contact Options:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | +971 4 334 7777 (confirm case status, court location, hearing dates, and juvenile circuit) |
| info@dc.gov.ae (provide case number and request juvenile division details) | |
| In Person | Dubai Courts main building, Umm Hurair 2, Bur Dubai (near Al Maktoum Bridge) — customer service centre |
If you do not yet have a case number, contact Dubai Public Prosecution’s customer service and provide the child’s full name, Emirates ID, and date of birth to check whether the file remains at prosecution or has been transferred to court.
When calling or visiting, state clearly:
- You are the guardian of a juvenile defendant
- You need the case number
- You need the exact juvenile court division and circuit
- You need the date and time of the next hearing
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on Juvenile Crimes
What Is Juvenile Crime in Dubai?
Juvenile crime in Dubai refers to any criminal offence committed by a person under the age of 18. These cases are governed by a dedicated legal framework that treats minors differently from adult offenders, focusing on rehabilitation and reform rather than conventional punishment.
Are Children Treated as Criminal Offenders Under UAE Law?
Children under the age of 7 cannot be held criminally responsible under UAE law. For those between 7 and 18, the law recognises their age and maturity, applying specialised juvenile procedures and protective measures rather than treating them as adult criminals.
What Is Juvenile Criminal Law in the UAE?
Juvenile criminal law in the UAE is primarily governed by Federal Law No. 6 of 2022 on Juvenile Delinquents and Those at Risk of Delinquency, supported by the UAE Penal Code and Wadeema’s Law. This framework establishes separate courts, special procedures, and tailored measures designed to protect the child’s rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
What Are the Penalties and Legal Consequences for Juvenile Delinquency in the UAE?
Rather than conventional prison sentences, juvenile courts in the UAE typically impose rehabilitative measures such as probation, community service, counselling, vocational training, or placement in approved juvenile facilities. For those aged 16 to 18, consequences are stricter, but the death penalty and life imprisonment are strictly prohibited regardless of the offence.
Where Are Juvenile Offenders Detained in the UAE?
Juveniles in the UAE are never held in standard adult prisons. Where detention is necessary, they are placed in approved juvenile care and educational facilities specifically designated for minors, ensuring they remain in a safe, supervised, and rehabilitative environment throughout their case.
How Can AK Criminal Lawyers Help With Juvenile Cases?
AK Criminal Lawyers provide immediate legal intervention from the moment of arrest — attending police interviews, communicating with prosecutors, and ensuring all juvenile procedures are correctly applied. Their experienced team works to secure the best possible outcome, whether through diversion, release to guardian, or representation before the Juvenile Court.
How Are Juvenile Cases Handled Differently From Adult Criminal Cases in Dubai?
Unlike adult cases, juvenile matters are heard before a specialised Juvenile Court in closed proceedings, with only the guardian, legal counsel, and authorised parties present. Questioning must involve a child protection specialist, detention with adult prisoners is strictly prohibited, and the entire process is designed to prioritise rehabilitation and the child’s long-term wellbeing over punitive outcomes.
Key Principle: The juvenile justice system in Dubai offers meaningful protections — but those protections must be actively invoked. The burden is on the guardian and their legal counsel to ensure the system operates as it should. Speed, preparation, and the right legal representation make the decisive difference.
Act immediately. Retain experienced legal counsel. Protect your child’s rights at every stage.
Call or WhatsApp for a lawyer +971506531334 or +971558018669
