What should I do if I am arrested in Dubai?

Exercise your right to remain silent — do not make statements without a lawyer present. Request legal counsel immediately under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022. Contact DADA Legal Consultants or have someone contact us on your behalf. Do not attempt to leave the UAE as a travel ban may already be in place.

Can an expat be deported for a criminal offence in Dubai?

Yes. A criminal conviction in the UAE can trigger visa cancellation and mandatory deportation for non-UAE nationals, particularly for drug offences, fraud, or moral offences. In some cases it also results in a ban on re-entering the UAE. Early legal intervention is critical to minimise this risk.

How does bail work in Dubai after an arrest?

Bail in Dubai is a discretionary provisional release granted by the Public Prosecution or court under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 on Criminal Procedures. It requires a financial guarantee, personal surety, or specified conditions. We prepare and present urgent bail applications as a priority when clients are detained.

Can a criminal case in Dubai be settled without going to trial?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 introduced formal provisions for criminal settlement and amicable resolution between the accused and victim in appropriate cases. Where the complainant withdraws, the Public Prosecution may close the case before trial. Our team advises on whether settlement is viable in each specific situation.

Do UAE cybercrime laws apply to social media posts?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrime applies broadly to online conduct including social media posts deemed offensive, defamatory, or contrary to public order. Content posted from outside the UAE can still give rise to charges if accessible in the UAE.

What are the penalties for drug offences in Dubai?

Drug offences in the UAE carry serious penalties including imprisonment and, for non-nationals, deportation. The specific penalty depends on the substance, quantity, and classification of the offence (possession/use versus trafficking). Early legal intervention — ideally before formal charges — is critical.

Criminal Lawyer in Dubai — Expert Defence for All Criminal Charges

A criminal charge in Dubai is not something to manage alone — or to delay acting on. In the UAE, the criminal justice process moves quickly. From the moment a police complaint is filed or an arrest is made, the procedural clock starts. Decisions made in the first hours — whether to speak, what to say, whether to apply for bail, how to engage with investigators — can materially affect the outcome of your case.
At DADA Legal Consultants FZ-LLC, our criminal law team provides immediate, experienced legal defence for individuals and businesses facing criminal charges in Dubai across the full spectrum of UAE criminal law. We have represented clients in Dubai Criminal Courts, UAE Federal Courts, and before the Public Prosecution for over twelve years — covering everything from drug offences, fraud, and cheque cases to assault, cybercrime, and white-collar crime. Our experienced criminal lawyer Dubai team delivers strategic representation tailored to every case.
If you or someone you know is facing a criminal matter in Dubai — whether under investigation, recently arrested, or already charged — contact our criminal defence lawyer Dubai team now. Time is the one thing you cannot afford to waste.

Criminal Law in Dubai — How the UAE Criminal Justice System Works

The UAE's criminal justice framework is built on two foundational pieces of legislation. Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on the Promulgation of Crimes and Penalties Law is the UAE Penal Code — it defines criminal offences, classifies them, and sets out penalties. Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 on Criminal Procedures, which came into force on 1 March 2023, governs every stage of the criminal process from investigation and arrest through to trial, appeal, and enforcement.
Under this framework, criminal offences in the UAE are classified into three categories: contraventions (minor violations), misdemeanours (offences punishable by imprisonment of up to three years), and felonies (more serious offences carrying longer imprisonment or other significant penalties). The classification affects which court handles the case, what procedure applies, and what sentencing range is available.

+971 55 872 4468 Free first consultation

Why Choose DADA Legal Consultants for Criminal Defence in Dubai

Experienced criminal defence lawyers providing urgent legal assistance, court representation, and strategic defence for criminal cases across Dubai and the UAE.

Immediate Response for Urgent Matters

Criminal cases move quickly. We provide prompt legal assistance during investigations, arrests, bail applications, and police inquiries.

12+ Years of UAE Criminal Court Experience

We have represented clients before Dubai Criminal Courts, UAE Federal Courts, and Public Prosecution authorities for over a decade.

Current on UAE Criminal Law

Our team stays updated with the latest criminal procedure laws, bail regulations, and court practices affecting criminal defence cases.

Defence for All Criminal Charges

We handle drug offences, fraud, cybercrime, assault, financial crimes, DUI matters, cheque cases, and other criminal allegations.

Expat-Focused Criminal Defence

We consider visa, residency, and deportation risks when building defence strategies for expatriate clients in the UAE.

Arabic Documentation Fully Managed

We prepare and manage all Arabic legal filings, evidence submissions, and court documentation accurately and professionally.

Confidential & Discreet Representation

Every criminal matter is handled with strict confidentiality to protect your reputation, privacy, and personal interests.

How We Handle Criminal Defence Cases in Dubai

Our criminal defence process is designed to protect your rights, respond quickly to urgent situations, and provide strong representation at every stage of the case.

Emergency Consultation

We assess the situation immediately, understand the allegations, and provide urgent legal guidance on what to do next.

Case Review & Legal Assessment

Our lawyers review the available evidence, police reports, and applicable UAE laws to identify the strongest defence strategy.

Bail Application

If you are detained, we prepare and submit bail applications and represent you before the relevant authorities.

Defence Strategy & Prosecution Stage

We engage with the Public Prosecution, submit legal arguments, and seek case dismissal, reduced charges, or settlement where appropriate.

Court Representation

We provide full representation before Dubai Criminal Courts, preparing submissions, presenting evidence, and protecting your rights throughout the proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions — Criminal Lawyer Dubai

Get answers to common questions about criminal charges, arrests, bail applications, cybercrime, drug offences, and criminal court proceedings in Dubai and the UAE.

Remain calm and avoid making statements without legal advice. Request a lawyer immediately and contact a trusted person to arrange legal representation. Early legal assistance can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Yes. Certain criminal convictions may result in visa cancellation, deportation, and restrictions on re-entering the UAE. This makes experienced criminal defence representation especially important for expatriates.

UAE criminal offences are classified by seriousness. Misdemeanours generally carry lighter penalties, while felonies involve more severe punishments and different court procedures.

Bail may be granted by the Public Prosecution or the court depending on the circumstances. Applications should be submitted as early as possible, and legal representation can improve the chances of approval.

In some cases, yes. Certain offences may be resolved through settlement, reconciliation, or withdrawal of complaints before reaching trial, depending on the facts and applicable law.

Drug offences are treated very seriously in the UAE. Penalties vary depending on the offence and may include imprisonment, fines, rehabilitation measures, and deportation for non-UAE nationals.

Yes. Social media posts, online comments, messages, and digital content may fall under UAE cybercrime laws if they are considered defamatory, offensive, misleading, or unlawful.

The timeline depends on the complexity of the case. Some matters conclude within weeks, while contested criminal cases and appeals may take several months or longer to resolve.

If Questioned or Arrested in Dubai

Stay calm and exercise your legal rights. Request a criminal lawyer immediately. Avoid making statements without legal advice. Do not leave the UAE during an investigation. Inform a trusted family member or contact. Never admit fault without legal guidance.

Expertise honed over decades.

Drug Offences

Fraud and Financial Crime

Cheque Bounce Cases

Cybercrime

Assault and Violence

Drink Driving and Traffic Offences

Moral Offences and Decency Laws

Bail Applications

Appeals and Post-Conviction Matters