Arrest, Detention and Criminal Proceedings in the UAE
  • Arrest and Detention
  • Bail
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Proceedings

Arrest, Detention and Criminal Proceedings in the UAE

28 September, 2026

ADG Legal’s Practice Note, published on LexisNexis Middle East, covers arrest, detention and criminal proceedings in the UAE.

It provides practical guidance on the UAE criminal process, from arrest and the first 48 hours through Public Prosecution proceedings, bail, trial, penalties and appeals. It also addresses offence classification, remand detention, deportation, serious traffic accidents, detention conditions and avenues for clemency and early release.

Authored by Ahmed Ragab Alkotby, Partner and Head of Litigation, Jaber Al Ameeri, Partner and Head of Customs & Criminal, and Abdelmaguid Fouad, Lead Associate, the Practice Note covers:

  • The classification of offences and its implications for criminal proceedings
  • Arrest procedures and safeguards during the first 48 hours
  • Public Prosecution interrogation, remand detention and release on bail
  • Trial procedures, penalties and deportation
  • Serious traffic accidents
  • Appeals, clemency and early release
  • Detention conditions, communication and complaints

Read the full Practice Note: Arrest, Detention and Criminal Proceedings in the UAE

For questions relating to criminal proceedings, arrest or detention in the UAE, please contact Ahmed Ragab Alkotby, Jaber Al Ameeri or Abdelmaguid Fouad directly.

This article was first published by LexisNexis Middle East.