How does bail work under UAE law?
Article 109(1) says that, other than where provisional release is mandatory, the accused may be released on a personal guarantee, on a bail bond or with a travel ban, and the Public Prosecution or the judge sets the amount of bail.
The amount of bail serves as an adequate penalty if the accused fails to appear at any stage of the investigation or trial, and it helps ensure the accused does not evade the judgment and performs the other duties the law prescribes.
Who decides, and at what stage?
It depends on where the case is. Until the case is sent to court, the Public Prosecution may order provisional release at any time, on its own initiative or at your request (Article 108(2)). Once it is with the court, release is for the court.
At the extension stage, the judge may order that you be released with or without bail (Article 107(2)). For a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment, release requires the approval of the Attorney General or his deputy (Article 108(1)).
How is bail paid?
Under Article 110, the bail amount is paid by the accused or by a third party depositing it with the court treasury.
Bail may also take the form of an undertaking by a solvent person to pay the amount if the accused fails to meet the release conditions. That undertaking is recorded in the investigation report or another report in the file and has the force of a writ of execution.
What happens to the money, and what if I break the conditions?
If you fail without an acceptable excuse to meet your obligations, the bail amount becomes government property without a court judgment (Article 111(1)).
It is refunded in full if a non-suit order is issued or you are found innocent (Article 111(2)), and the court may decide in any case that all or part of it is refunded or that the surety is released (Article 111(3)). If you cannot provide a personal guarantee or bail bond, the Prosecutor may change, replace or overturn the bail condition or order that you be held in custody (Article 109(2)).
What should I do first?
Gather proof of ties to the UAE
Residence, employment, family, tenancy.
Decide who will guarantee
You, a third party, or a solvent person's undertaking.
Agree to every condition
Including any travel ban and all hearing dates.
Ask about a request to vary conditions
The Prosecutor can change or replace a condition.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is bail guaranteed?
No. Outside cases where release is mandatory, the Public Prosecution or the judge decides whether to release you and on what terms (Articles 108 and 109).
Can someone else pay my bail?
Yes. Article 110 allows the accused or any third party to deposit it, or a solvent person to give an undertaking.
Do I get the bail money back?
Yes in full if a non-suit order is issued or you are found innocent (Article 111(2)). It is forfeited if you fail without acceptable excuse to meet your obligations (Article 111(1)).
Can bail come with a travel ban?
Yes. Article 109(1) lists release with a travel ban as one form of release.
Related guides
Bail overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewPre-Trial Detention
How long the Public Prosecution and the court can hold someone before trial, how extensions work and how to challenge them.
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: 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.