Procedure per Dubai Courts (dubaicourts.gov.ae) / Ministry of Justice (moj.gov.ae). Fees and timelines change — check the authority's website. We don't invent numbers.
How criminal cases work in the UAE
- 1
Know who brings the charge
The Public Prosecution alone has the right to file criminal charges, initiate procedures, conduct investigations, and follow up until a final judgment is issued, as per Article 9. You cannot file a criminal case yourself — you report it, and the Public Prosecution takes it forward.
- 2
Report a crime you know about
Whoever comes to know about the occurrence of a crime that the Public Prosecution can file a criminal action against, without a complaint or a request, must report it to the Public Prosecution or judicial officers. Reporting is a duty, not just an option.
- 3
Understand modern additions to the process
Under Articles 414‑427, the law added provisions relating to criminal settlement before the final judgment, electronic monitoring of the accused in certain cases, and remote procedures using digital technologies in investigation and trial. Ask whether any of these apply to your situation.
- 4
Know when a case can lapse
A criminal action lapses if the victim withdraws his complaint. The criminal case also lapses with the death of the accused, issuance of a final judgement, withdrawal of legal action by the party which has the right to do so, issuance of an amnesty, or repeal of the law which penalises such acts.
- 5
Be aware of time limits
Criminal cases also lapse after 20 years in felonies (serious crimes) punished by death sentences, 10 years in all other felonies, 3 years in misdemeanour, and 1 year in violations. The exact periods are set by law — confirm the current wording on the authority's website.
- 6
Cross-border and extradition matters
The Public Prosecution is also responsible for following up on the extradition of criminals according to international agreements, in cooperation with relevant international authorities such as Interpol. If your case crosses borders, this is the channel that handles it.
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
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Facing a criminal matter in Dubai?
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