Police Encounters
Your rights during police stops, arrests, and criminal proceedings under the UAE Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
Covered in this guide:
UAE criminal law is federal. Your rights during arrest and trial sit under the Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021) and the Criminal Procedure Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022). The 2021 reforms decriminalised cohabitation and alcohol use for over-21s, but drugs, public decency, and the Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) remain strict — even a WhatsApp forward or unauthorised photo can trigger charges. For expats, conviction often carries deportation. Emergencies: 999. Dubai non-emergency: 901.
Key Laws
Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022
Criminal Procedure Code
Arrest, detention, trial rights, and appeal procedures
Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021
Penal Code
Criminal offences, penalties, and decriminalisation reforms
Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021
Cybercrimes Law
Online offences including social media, defamation, and digital privacy
Federal Law No. 14 of 1995
Counter-Narcotics Law (as amended)
Drug offences, penalties, and rehabilitation provisions
Right to Know Charges Against You
If you are arrested or detained in the UAE, you have the right to be told why:The police must inform you of the charges or reasons for your arrest at the time of detention.The Public Prosecution must...
Right to Legal Representation
Everyone in the UAE has the right to a lawyer during criminal proceedings:You have the right to hire a lawyer of your choice at any stage of the investigation or trial.For serious crimes (felonies) pu...
Right Against Arbitrary Detention (48-Hour Rule)
UAE law limits how long you can be held without charges:48-hour rule: Police must bring you before the Public Prosecution within 48 hours of your arrest.The Public Prosecution then decides whether to...
Rights During Police Stops & Searches
The law sets rules about when and how police can stop and search you:ID checks: Police can ask for your Emirates ID or passport at any time. You are legally required to carry identification in the UAE...
Right to an Interpreter
Arabic is the official language of all UAE courts and legal proceedings. Given that over 80% of the population are expatriates, interpretation is a frequent necessity:The Public Prosecution and courts...
Protection from Torture & Coercion
UAE law prohibits torture and forced confessions:Torture is a crime: Any government official who uses torture, force, or threats to extract a confession commits a criminal offence punishable by impris...
Right to Contact Embassy or Consulate
If you are a foreign national arrested or detained in the UAE, you have the right to contact your country's embassy or consulate. With over 80% of the UAE population being expatriates, this right...
Rights of Juveniles in Criminal Proceedings
Children and young people have special protections in the UAE criminal justice system:Age of criminal responsibility: Children under 12 years old cannot be held criminally responsible. For children ag...