Criminal defence across the Emirates

Criminal Lawyers UAE — Criminal Defence Across the Emirates

Clear information on UAE criminal law and procedure, researched against current official UAE legal sources and maintained through an ongoing editorial and review process.

Explore criminal defence The criminal case journey

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I received a police summons I have been arrested A criminal complaint has been filed My matter is with Public Prosecution My case is before the Criminal Court I need to appeal A family member is detained I am outside the UAE My business is under investigation

Criminal defence areas

Bribery and Corruption

What the UAE bribery articles actually require, why the offence can be complete without the act, the AED 5,000 fine floor, and the Article 284 reporting exemption.

Corporate Criminal Liability in the UAE

When a UAE company itself can be prosecuted under Article 66, what an entity can be penalised, and when a director or manager is personally exposed.

Criminal Traffic Offences

Where a UAE traffic matter becomes a criminal prosecution under Federal Decree-Law 14 of 2024, with the impairment and leaving-the-scene provisions.

Cross-Border Criminal Matters and Extradition

The conditions extradition must meet in the UAE, the grounds on which it must be refused, and the periods that apply under Federal Law 39 of 2006.

Cybercrime and Online Offences

Online allegations in the UAE: what they cover, why attribution decides most cases, intent and consent, evidence mistakes to avoid, fraud, extortion and company incidents.

Drug and Narcotics Offences

How UAE narcotics cases run: possession and control, testing evidence, supply and trafficking, airport and courier matters, prescribed medicine and chain of custody.

Financial and White-Collar Crime

What Articles 451 and 453 actually require, company funds and authority, the 2025 money-laundering framework, frozen accounts, and the evidence trail.

Forgery and Document Offences

What UAE law requires before a document offence is made out, the seven means of forgery, and why using a forged document carries the same penalty.

How a Criminal Case Works in the UAE

The stages of a UAE criminal case under Federal Decree-Law 38 of 2022, with the article-level time limits for detention, appeal and cassation.

Human Trafficking Allegations

How the UAE anti-trafficking framework operates and how allegations of trafficking and forced labour are investigated.

Immigration and Residency Criminal Offences

Where a UAE visa or residence issue becomes criminal: the ten-year document provision, employer exposure under Article 25, and the reporting exemption.

Juvenile Criminal Law

How Federal Law 6 of 2022 treats a person under 18: the three age brackets, the prohibition on remand, the measures a court can order, and the private trial.

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Where is your case now?

The criminal case journey, from first complaint to cassation. Follow the stage that matches your matter.

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How our content is reviewed

Legal information on this website is researched against current official UAE sources and is subject to an ongoing legal-review and updating process. Where a page has completed lawyer review, the reviewer and review date may be identified on that page.

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UAE Criminal Law Knowledge Centre

Plain-language guides to the main UAE criminal statutes, the procedure that governs a case, a glossary and the legal source register.

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Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE laws, regulations, procedures and their application may change and can depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter. Information about offences, penalties, procedures or possible outcomes should not be treated as a prediction of the result of any particular case. If you require advice concerning a specific matter, consider obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified UAE legal professional.