Your Rights After an Arrest in the UAE

What must happen when I am arrested?

Under Article 48 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 Promulgating the Criminal Procedures Law, once you are arrested or brought in, and before your statements are heard, the judicial police officer must inform you of the criminal charge against you and of your right to remain silent.

If you do not furnish evidence of your innocence, you must be sent within 48 hours to the competent Public Prosecution. The Public Prosecution must then question you within 24 hours and order that you are either remanded in custody or released.

Do I have the right to a lawyer?

Yes, at the Public Prosecution stage. Article 98 permits your attorney to attend the investigation with you and to review the investigation papers, unless the Prosecutor decides otherwise in the interest of the investigation.

Article 106 adds that when the investigation requires it the Prosecutor may issue an order preventing you from contacting other people, but this is without prejudice to your right to contact your attorney in private at all times. Article 48 does not itself spell out a right to a lawyer during the police stage, which is why you should ask for a lawyer at once and have someone call us.

Will I get an interpreter if I do not speak Arabic?

The law provides for one. Article 8 says investigation and trial procedures are conducted in Arabic, and where you do not speak Arabic the judicial police officer, prosecutor or judge may engage an approved or licensed interpreter or use approved technical means.

The article uses the word "may", so ask clearly and early for an interpreter before you answer questions or sign anything. If you are mute, deaf or unable to speak, questions and answers are recorded in writing or a sign language interpreter is engaged.

How long can I be held before the prosecution questions me?

The law sets two clocks. The police must send you to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours, and the Public Prosecution must question you within 24 hours (Article 48).

Article 102 adds that the Prosecutor must question an arrested person immediately. If that does not happen, you are held in a designated detention place until questioned, for no more than 24 hours, after which the head of the detention centre sends you to the Public Prosecution, which either questions you immediately or orders your release. What happens after questioning is covered in our guide to pre-trial detention.

What should I do first?

1. Say you want a lawyer and an interpreter

   Say it clearly before you answer any question.

2. Use your right to remain silent

   Article 48 requires you to be told of it. Do not guess or explain before advice.

3. Do not sign what you cannot read

   A statement in a language you do not fully understand can be used against you.

4. Have someone call us

   A family member can call or message us at any hour and we will act.

Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

Sources

Source: official English text of the Criminal Procedures Law on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active, in force from 1 March 2023 and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.

This page is general information, not legal advice.