When can the police arrest me?
Article 46 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law) lets a judicial police officer order the arrest of an accused who is present at the crime scene where there is cogent evidence that they committed a crime: felonies, misdemeanours caught in the act where the penalty is not just a fine, misdemeanours where the penalty is not a fine and the accused is under monitoring or there are concerns about escape, and listed misdemeanours such as theft, fraud, breach of trust, resistance by force to officers, and offences involving narcotics, weapons or intoxicants.
If the accused is not at the scene, the officer may issue an arrest warrant recorded in the report (Article 47).
What must the officer tell me?
Once you are arrested or brought in and before your statements are heard, the officer must inform you of the criminal charge and your right to remain silent (Article 48).
If you fail to show your innocence you must be sent within 48 hours to the Public Prosecution, which must question you within 24 hours and then order remand or release.
Can a private person arrest someone?
Anyone who sees a perpetrator in the act of a felony or misdemeanour shall hand them to the nearest public authority officer with no need for a warrant (Article 49).
For felonies or misdemeanours caught in the act with a penalty other than a fine, public authority officers shall arrest and hand the accused to the nearest judicial police officer (Article 50). For complaint-based offences, arrest is only possible if the complaint is authorised by the person entitled to file it (Article 51).
What should I do if I am arrested?
Stay calm, do not resist, ask for a lawyer and an interpreter and do not make or sign statements without advice.
Ask someone to call us. We can act while you are being processed.
What should I do first?
Stay calm and do not resist
It is recorded.
Say you want a lawyer and an interpreter
Say it clearly.
Use your right to remain silent
Article 48.
Have family call us at any hour
We will find out where you are held.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be arrested for a misdemeanour?
Yes in the cases listed in Article 46, such as misdemeanours caught in the act where the penalty is not a fine.
Do the police need a warrant?
Not for an arrest at a crime scene in the cases of Article 46. If the accused is absent, the officer may issue a warrant (Article 47).
How long before I see the prosecutor?
Within 48 hours, with questioning within 24 hours (Article 48).
Can anyone arrest me?
Anyone who sees you in the act of a felony or misdemeanour can hand you to the nearest officer (Article 49).
Related guides
Arrest & Detention overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewArrest Warrants
Who can issue an arrest warrant, when the prosecution issues one, how long it lasts and how to find out whether one exists.
Read the guideRights After Arrest
What the law says must happen after an arrest: being told the charge, the right to remain silent, access to a lawyer, an interpreter and the time limits for seeing the prosecution.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.