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I've Been Arrested in the UAE — What Happens Next

“I've been arrested and I don't know what happens next”

Right after an arrest in the UAE, the first steps matter most: the police must tell you the charge and that you have the right to remain silent, so ask if they have not; ask for an interpreter if you do not follow Arabic; sign nothing you do not fully understand; and try to get a criminal lawyer involved before the Public Prosecution questions you.

If you want the whole procedure, our overview of the UAE criminal process follows a case from the police report through the Public Prosecution and the courts to appeal.

If you or someone close to you has just been arrested, the priority is understanding what stage the case is at and what your rights are at each one. This page covers the first steps to take and the rights to ask about — it is not legal advice, and every case turns on its own facts. LEXNOVA Legal Connect can help you describe your situation and find a criminal lawyer who can act for you directly.

LAST REVIEWED 21 SEPTEMBER 2026

WHERE THIS IS HANDLED

Police station, then the Public Prosecution, then the Court of First Instance's criminal circuit — in the emirate where the arrest or the alleged offence took place.

How the answer changes by jurisdiction

  • Dubai mainland

    An arrest is handled by Dubai Police. If the matter proceeds, Dubai's Public Prosecution decides whether to charge, and the case is heard by Dubai Courts' criminal circuits.

  • DIFC

    DIFC has no police force and no criminal court. An arrest connected to something that happened in or around DIFC is still carried out by Dubai Police, and any prosecution goes through Dubai's Public Prosecution and Dubai Courts. The DIFC Courts hear civil and commercial cases only.

  • Abu Dhabi mainland

    An arrest is handled by Abu Dhabi Police. If the matter proceeds, Abu Dhabi's Public Prosecution decides whether to charge, and the case is heard by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's criminal courts.

  • ADGM

    Like DIFC, ADGM has no police force and no criminal jurisdiction. An arrest connected to ADGM is carried out by Abu Dhabi Police and, if charged, prosecuted through Abu Dhabi's Public Prosecution and courts. The ADGM Courts hear civil and commercial cases only.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NEXT

STEP 01

In the first hours

After an arrest, you are usually taken to a police station for questioning. You have the right to understand, in a language you follow, what you are accused of. If you don't speak Arabic well, you can ask for an interpreter.

Statements you give at this stage matter. If you're asked to sign something, make sure you understand exactly what it says before you sign — ask for it to be read back or translated if you need to.

You are generally allowed to contact a family member and, where possible, a lawyer. Use that call. Even a short conversation with a lawyer before you say anything further can change how the rest of the case goes.

STEP 02

Getting a lawyer involved early

A lawyer's value is highest at the start, not after charges are filed. Early advice can shape what you say, what you don't say, and what documents or witnesses matter.

In some cases a lawyer can attend during questioning or make representations to the police or prosecution on your behalf. LEXNOVA Legal Connect can help you describe what's happened and connect you with a criminal lawyer quickly — LEXNOVA itself is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

STEP 03

Referral to the Public Prosecution

The police investigate and then refer the file to the Public Prosecution, which is a separate authority from the police. The prosecution reviews the evidence and decides whether to release you, keep investigating, or refer the case to court.

Under Article 48 of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (the Criminal Procedures Law), the general limits are 48 hours for the police to send an arrested person to the Public Prosecution, and 24 hours for the prosecution to question them and then order continued custody or release. Continued custody can be extended in some cases — a lawyer can tell you how these limits apply to your case, where it stands and what can be challenged.

STEP 04

Bail and travel bans

Release from custody and a travel ban are two different things. You can be released from detention and still be barred from leaving the country while the case continues.

If a travel ban has been placed on you, it generally needs to be lifted through a separate legal step, even once you're no longer in custody. Don't assume that being released means you're free to travel.

STEP 05

If the case goes to court

If the prosecution refers the case, it proceeds to the criminal court. You have the right to a defence lawyer, and to an interpreter if you need one during hearings.

The court process examines the evidence gathered by the police and prosecution. This is where a defence lawyer's preparation — the arguments raised, the documents produced — becomes central.

STEP 06

After a decision

A court decision can usually be appealed within a set process. If you're convicted, there may be consequences beyond the immediate sentence — including for your residency status and future travel.

If the case is dropped or you're acquitted, it's still worth checking that any related travel ban or flag has actually been lifted, since that doesn't always happen automatically.

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FAQ

Generally yes — you're usually able to contact a family member, and where possible a lawyer. Ask the officers handling your case how to do this as early as you can.

Earlier is better. A lawyer involved from the point of arrest can advise on what you say during questioning, which is often the most consequential stage of the whole process.

You can ask for an interpreter. Don't sign or agree to a statement you haven't fully understood — insist on a translation first.

Visiting arrangements depend on where you're held and the stage of the case. A lawyer can help your family find out what's possible and when.

Yes. Family members or friends don't need to wait until they've spoken to the arrested person: they can contact a criminal lawyer now, explain what they know and ask the lawyer to take the case on. The lawyer confirms what they need in order to act formally for the arrested person. Moving early matters, because the accused's lawyer is normally allowed to attend the Public Prosecution's questioning unless the prosecutor decides otherwise.

A travel ban stops you leaving the country. It isn't automatic in every case, but it's common in ongoing criminal matters. It's handled separately from custody, so it can outlast a release.

That depends on the outcome of the case. A lawyer can explain what a particular charge or conviction could mean for your record and, if you're a resident, your visa status.

Yes, this happens — at the police stage, at the prosecution stage, or in court, depending on the evidence. A lawyer can assess the specific weaknesses or strengths in your case.

The core process is the same, but the practical consequences differ — for example around your ability to leave the country and how your embassy might be able to help. Tell your lawyer your visa or visitor status early.

Many embassies can offer limited consular support — such as a list of local lawyers or checking on your welfare — though they can't represent you legally in the case. It's usually worth informing them.

No outcome can be guaranteed, and you should be wary of anyone who promises one. What a lawyer can do is make sure your case is properly represented at every stage.

No. LEXNOVA is not a law firm and doesn't provide legal advice or representation. LEXNOVA Legal Connect helps you describe your situation and explore potentially suitable lawyers to represent you directly.

Tell your lawyer immediately. It may still be possible to raise concerns about how a statement was taken or understood, but this needs to be handled as part of your defence as early as possible.

Anything you have in writing — a police summons, an arrest notice, any documents you were given or signed — and a clear timeline of what happened in your own words.

LEXNOVA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal opinions, legal representation, or legal services. Any legal advice or representation is provided directly by the independent legal professional engaged by the client.

A connection or introduction does not constitute a guarantee, endorsement, or assurance of outcome. Users should independently confirm the professional's qualifications, authorization, fees, scope of engagement, and suitability.

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