Facing a criminal matter in Dubai can be confusing, especially for expats unfamiliar with Arabic-language proceedings. Here’s a concise breakdown of how the process works, from filing a complaint through to appeal plus a real defamation case as an example.
How a Case Begins
A criminal case starts when a victim files a complaint with the police at the station covering the location where the offence occurred. The complaint can be written or given orally (recorded in Arabic and signed by the complainant), and both the victim and the accused have the right to bring witnesses to support their account. Filing a police complaint is free, though hiring a lawyer involves separate legal fees.
Once statements are collected, police forward relevant cases to specialized departments (such as electronic crimes or forensics) before sending the file to the public prosecution the body responsible for deciding whether an offence under the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987) has occurred.
The Role of the Prosecution
The prosecutor interviews both parties separately, records statements in Arabic, and allows witnesses on both sides. If the evidence supports the case, the accused is summoned to appear before the appropriate criminal court along with formal charges. If not, the prosecutor closes the file.
Categories of Crime and Penalties
UAE law divides offences into three tiers:
- Contraventions (minor): up to 10 days custody and/or a fine up to AED 1,000
- Misdemeanours: confinement, fines over AED 1,000, or diyat (blood money)
- Felonies (most serious): diyat, temporary or life imprisonment, or the death penalty
Court fines are paid to the government, not the victim, and don’t determine any separate civil compensation.
The Court Process
Dubai’s criminal courts operate entirely in Arabic, requiring official translations for any foreign-language documents. The system has three levels: Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation. Misdemeanour cases are heard by one judge; felonies require a panel of three.
The accused must appear in person if facing a potential prison sentence, while victims may send legal representatives instead. A typical hearing opens with the judge reading the charges, followed by statements from the prosecution and the victim, and the accused confirming or denying guilt. If the accused denies the charges, another hearing is scheduled; failure to appear can result in a judgment issued in absentia.
Both sides may submit written pleadings and oral witness testimony, and the court can appoint independent experts for technical matters. Hearings are generally spaced two to three weeks apart, with total case length depending on service of notice and case complexity.
Appeals are available: the accused has 15 days to appeal a First Instance ruling and 30 days to escalate an Appeal Court decision to the Court of Cassation. Victims typically cannot appeal independently the prosecution acts on their behalf, unless a joined civil claim was filed.
Conclusion
At HN Legal Consultants, we are here to help you every step of the process. Contact our criminal defence lawyer for a consultation tailored to your needs. We will help you turn your challenges into clear, practical solutions.
