How do I file an appeal?
By filing a statement of appeal with the criminal clerk's office within 15 days of the pronouncement of a judgment given in the presence of the parties, or of the judgment on opposition (Article 234(1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)).
A convict who is imprisoned can file the statement with the prison director, who must submit it to the clerk's office forthwith (Article 234(2)).
What are the grounds for appeal?
The Court of Appeal hears the appellant's statements and reviews the grounds of appeal, then hears the other litigants, with the defendant speaking last, and adjudicates after reviewing the case papers (Article 237).
Common grounds are weak or contradicted evidence, wrong legal characterisation, procedural defects and an excessive sentence. The court can also examine witnesses (Article 239).
What if the judgment was given in absence?
For judgments treated as given in presence under Articles 190 and 191, the appeal period for the party who was absent starts from the date of service (Article 235).
For other judgments in absentia, the route can be opposition within seven days for misdemeanours, or a re-trial for felonies. See our judgment in absentia guide.
What happens after the appeal?
The court affirms, sets aside or amends the judgment. A further challenge on points of law is possible to the Court of Cassation within 30 days (Article 245).
The Attorney General can appeal any judgment within 30 days (Article 234(4)).
What should I do first?
Get the full judgment on the day
Your lawyer needs the text and date.
Diary day 15
Do not wait.
List grounds with the evidence
Cite the weak points.
Plan custody and bail
If imprisoned, surrender before the hearing.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to appeal?
15 days from pronouncement of a judgment given in the presence of the parties (Article 234(1)).
Can the prosecution appeal an acquittal?
The Attorney General may appeal any judgment within 30 days (Article 234(4)).
Can I file from prison?
Yes, through the prison director (Article 234(2)).
Will the appeal be heard again from scratch?
The court hears the appellant's grounds and the other litigants and reviews the papers (Article 237).
Related guides
Criminal Appeals overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCourt of Appeal
What the Court of Appeal can do with a judgment, the limits on increasing a penalty and the effect of surrender before the hearing.
Read the guideCriminal Cassation
What cassation is, the grounds on which a final appeal judgment can be challenged and the deadline and formalities.
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.