Who must attend the trial?
A defendant charged with a felony, or a misdemeanour punishable by a penalty other than a fine, must appear in person. For other misdemeanours and petty offences the defendant may appoint an attorney, although the court may still order personal presence (Article 161 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)).
In all cases the attorney, a relative or an in-law may appear and give an excuse for the defendant's absence. If the court accepts it, a new date is set.
Is the hearing public?
Yes, but the court may order a closed hearing for reasons of public order or morals, and hearings on offences against honour are held in closed session (Article 162).
The judgment is always pronounced at an open hearing, even if the case was heard in closed session (Article 211).
How are witnesses heard?
The prosecution witnesses first, then the defence witnesses, who are examined first by the defendant and then cross-examined by the Public Prosecution (Article 167).
After the testimony, the Public Prosecution, the defendant and the other litigants give their statements, and the defendant is always the last to speak (Article 170).
What are the possible outcomes?
Acquittal if the incident is not proven or the law prescribes no penalty for it, in which case a detained defendant is released (Article 212). Conviction if it is proven and punishable (Article 213).
The court may also change the legal characterisation of the charge. If it does, the defendant must be notified and can ask for time to prepare the defence (Article 215). A defendant who appears before the end of the hearing where judgment is rendered has the case re-heard in their presence (Article 171).
What should I do first?
Know your hearing dates
Missing one can have serious consequences.
Prepare your witnesses and documents
The defence evidence is heard after the prosecution's.
Plan what you will say last
The defendant speaks last (Article 170).
Discuss the judgment options in advance
Appeal deadlines start quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to attend every hearing?
A defendant charged with a felony or a non-fine misdemeanour must appear in person (Article 161), although an excuse can be given.
Is a trial open to the public?
Generally yes, with closed hearings possible for public order or morals, and always for offences against honour (Article 162).
Who speaks last?
The defendant (Article 170).
Can the court change the charge?
Yes, with notice to the defendant and time to prepare (Article 215).
Related guides
Criminal Case Process overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCourt of First Instance
Which court hears a criminal case first, how many judges sit and how jurisdiction is decided.
Read the guideCriminal Evidence
How evidence is collected and used in UAE criminal cases, and what the judge can and cannot rely on.
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.