What is the offence?
Article 298 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) punishes anyone who assaults a public servant or person entrusted with a public service, or resists them forcibly or violently, in the course of or because of their duties, with incarceration of not less than six months and a fine not exceeding AED 50,000.
If the assault or resistance involves battery, the penalty is incarceration of not less than one year and a fine of not less than AED 50,000.
When is it more serious?
If the act is premeditated, committed by more than one person, by someone carrying a visible weapon, or if the officer is from the security or police authorities, the penalty is imprisonment (Article 298(3)).
Article 297 separately punishes using force, violence or threat against a public servant to unlawfully force them to perform or omit a duty: incarceration of not less than six months if the intention is not achieved, and imprisonment of not less than one year if achieved.
What about escaping custody?
Article 329 punishes anyone who escapes while held under arrest or detention pending investigation with incarceration of up to two years, with higher penalties if committed by two or more people, by threat or violence, or with weapons.
The best protection is to stay calm and not resist, even if you believe the arrest is wrong. Challenge it afterwards through a lawyer.
What defences exist?
That the force was not directed at the officer, that you did not know they were an officer, that there was no force or violence, or that you acted in lawful defence.
Video, witnesses and medical records are usually decisive, so ask your lawyer to gather them early.
What should I do first?
Do not resist or argue
Comply, then challenge.
Note witnesses and cameras
They may show what happened.
Get medical records of any injury
On both sides.
Call a lawyer before giving a statement
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Frequently asked questions
Is verbal arguing resisting arrest?
Article 298 requires assault or forcible or violent resistance. Words alone are a different question.
What is the minimum penalty?
Incarceration of not less than six months and a fine up to AED 50,000 (Article 298(1)).
Is it worse if I touch the officer?
If battery is involved the penalty rises (Article 298(2)).
What if I escape custody?
Article 329 provides incarceration of up to two years, with higher penalties in aggravated cases.
Related guides
Offences Against Justice overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewObstruction of Justice
How the law treats altering the scene, concealing evidence or documents and refusing to hand over items needed in a case.
Read the guideArrest
When a judicial police officer can arrest, how ordinary citizens can hand someone over, and what must happen next.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 7 September 2026. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.