Criminal Law in Dubai and the UAE

How does a criminal case work in the UAE?

Most cases follow four stages: the police, the public prosecution, the criminal court and, where available, appeal. What you can do, and what is at risk, changes at each stage.

Picture a client holding a summons for the next morning. What they say at the police station will be recorded, then read again by the prosecutor and again in court. (A representative scene.) That is why we want to be involved before the first statement, not after it.

How long do the police and prosecution have? The clock, step by step

From the arrest you have 48 hours to reach the prosecution, 24 hours to be questioned, then detention in blocks of 7, up to 14 and up to 30 days. After judgment you have 15 days to appeal.

1. At the arrest

   You must be told the charge and your right to remain silent

   Before your statements are heard, the judicial police officer has to tell you what you are accused of and that you can stay silent. Say nothing about the facts until you have advice.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Art 48
2. Within 48 hours

   You must reach the Public Prosecution

   If you have not shown your innocence, the police have to send you to the competent Public Prosecution within 48 hours of the arrest.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Art 48
3. Then, within 24 hours

   The prosecutor questions you, then remands or releases you

   Your lawyer is allowed to attend the questioning and read the investigation papers, unless the prosecutor decides otherwise in the interest of the investigation. Even then, you keep the right to speak to your lawyer in private. If you do not speak Arabic, an interpreter can be engaged.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Arts 48, 98, 106, 8
4. The first detention order: 7 days

   Renewable for up to 14 more

   The Public Prosecution's detention order is made after questioning and lasts 7 days. It can be renewed for another period not exceeding 14 days.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Art 107(1)
5. Then a judge decides

   Up to 30 days at a time, or release

   If the investigation still needs you held, the file goes to a criminal court judge. The judge hears you and either extends detention for a renewable period of up to 30 days, or releases you with or without bail. You have 3 days to file a grievance against an extension ordered in your absence.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Art 107(2) and (3)
6. Release on bail

   Guarantee, bail bond or travel ban

   The prosecutor or judge sets the amount. It can be paid by you or a third party into the court treasury, or covered by a solvent person's undertaking. Break the conditions without a good excuse and the money is forfeited.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Arts 109 to 111
7. After judgment: 15 and 30 days

   Appeal, then cassation

   You have 15 days from the judgment to file an appeal. The Court of Cassation petition must be filed within 30 days. The Attorney General has 30 days to appeal any judgment.

   Criminal Procedures Law, Arts 234, 245

Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The Arabic text prevails over the English translation.

What catches people out?

The rules that sound technical until they happen to you: summons, travel bans, deadlines, deportation and prescriptions.

Sources: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026; Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026.

What are the mistakes that cost people most?

Most of them are made in the first two days, by people trying to be helpful, honest or quick.

1. Signing a statement in a language you cannot read

   A statement is read again at the prosecution and in court. Ask for an interpreter and a copy before you sign.

2. Deleting messages once you hear about a complaint

   It can look like concealment, and the messages often help you. Keep everything and hand it to your lawyer.

3. Calling the complainant to sort it out

   A call can be reported as pressure. Any approach to settle should go through a lawyer, and settlement is only possible for some offences.

4. Leaving the UAE before anything happens

   If a ban or warrant exists, leaving fails and you may be stopped at the airport. Check first.

5. Waiting for the prosecution stage to call a lawyer

   The first statement is taken at the police stage. That is where a lot of cases are shaped.

Where should I start?

• A police summons or complaint: see Police Complaints.
• Someone you know has been arrested: see Arrest and Detention and Bail.
• You think you may be on a travel ban or warrant: see Travel Bans and Arrest Warrants.
• A drug-related allegation: see Drug Offences.
• Not sure: contact us and tell us what has happened.