United Arab Emirates

What to Do If You’re Accused of Fraud in the UAE Imagine you’re walking into a busy souk (market), and someone sells you a “genuine” designer bag at half‑the‑price; only later do you discover it’s fake. In the UAE, fraud can look like that: false promises, forged documents, or deceptive schemes. If you’re an expat and find yourself a victim or even accused of fraud, a criminal lawyer becomes your roadmap out of a maze. This article explains clearly how a lawyer can help when fraud strikes: what the law says, what your rights are, and concrete steps you can take to protect yourself. What counts as “fraud” in the UAE: Legal Basics Under Federal Decree‑Law No. 31 of 2021, fraud includes obtaining money, movable or immovable property, or documents by deception—e.g., false name, false identity, or misrepresentation. Deception necessitates that the victim relinquish property or rights; lying alone may not suffice; however, misrepresentation combined with profit frequently results in fraud. In UAE law, fraud requires "fraudulent means" (material acts or external appearances) that convince a victim to surrender property. For “electronic fraud” (online scams, fake banking apps, phishing, identity theft), there is a separate statute: Federal Decree‑Law No. 34 of 2021 on cybercrimes with heavy penalties for online deception. In the UAE, penalties for fraud are stringent, leading to significant consequences. Judges do not evaluate the charge in isolation while rendering a decision. They consider the overall situation, including how much money was involved, the way the offense occurred, and whether there were aggravating aspects such as fraud involving government entities, the use of fake or altered documents, or activity carried out online or through digital systems. The Role of a Criminal Lawyer in Your Case Evaluate whether the act qualifies as “fraud” under UAE law Fraud is a technical crime. A good lawyer assesses whether all legal elements (deception, false identity or misrepresentation, victim’s consent under that deception, actual loss) are present or whether the case can be challenged as a mere misunderstanding or civil dispute instead of criminal fraud. Help victims file criminal complaints and collect evidence If you’re a victim (scam, fraud, cyber‑fraud, bad cheque, real‑estate scam, identity theft), a lawyer helps you prepare a complaint, gather documents and evidence (chat logs, emails, contracts, screenshots), and submit to authorities properly. This increases chances of a thorough investigation and recovery. If someone accuses you, hire a lawyer to help you. Not everyone who is accused of fraud is doing something wrong on purpose. They can also happen when people don't understand each other or when business deals go wrong. It's essential to have a lawyer in these types of situations. A lawyer ensures that your rights are safeguarded during an investigation by the police or when you appear in court. Their assistance can significantly reduce the likelihood of being convicted, fined, or deported.   At the exact same time as charges are pending, you can work off settlements, get back stolen property, or file civil claims. In many fraud cases, civil claims for damages or restitution can happen at the same time as or after criminal cases. A lawyer can assist you in recovering lost funds, assets, or other forms of compensation via appropriate legal avenues. An attorney can assist you in recovering lost funds, assets, or other forms of compensation via appropriate legal avenues.   Obtain protective orders and freeze assets. A UAE lawyer can secure your claim by promptly obtaining precautionary measures in cases of significant fraud or forgery. To prevent the suspect from fleeing, a travel restriction is implemented, and a precautionary attachment is implemented to immediately freeze their bank accounts, property, and vehicles. Typically, these decrees are issued "ex parte" (without the suspect's knowledge) to prevent the concealment of assets prior to a final judgment. When Expats Really Need A Criminal Lawyer Fake "get-rich-quick" schemes or online investment frauds are prevalent among expatriates: Several expatriates are targeted by fraudulent platforms or social media that advertise high returns. These actions can be readily classified as cyber fraud under UAE law. Scams that involve real estate or rentals include the use of forged title deeds, phony agents, and fake bank guarantees. Under false pretenses, individuals who are victims provide funds for down payments or deposits. All scams that involve jobs or business transactions, including fake job offers, fake recruitment agencies, contract fraud, and stealing company money, are scams. Bank fraud, check scams, and identity theft—fake cheques, fake banking apps, and transfers that aren't allowed. Cyber and financial fraud are both very serious crimes. Cross-border fraud or international scams happen when expats live in another country and are involved through offshore companies or deals made in other countries. Cross-jurisdiction law is complicated, and a lawyer helps make sure everything goes smoothly. Without a lawyer, handling legal issues abroad is risky and confusing; with one, you have a knowledgeable guide who ensures safer, faster outcomes, saving time, money, and stress. If you think you might be a victim of fraud, here are some useful tips for expats. Don't talk to the person you think is a fraudster. Don't sign anything else or send any more money. Keep all proof, like chats, emails, bank statements, contracts, and documents, in both digital and physical form. If a significant amount of money is involved, or if the case includes forged documents or identity theft, you should contact a criminal lawyer immediately. Tell the police or other authorities about the fraud. Many emirates in the UAE have official websites for reporting cyber fraud. Don't fall for "pay-to-recover" scams, which are when someone asks for money up front to get your lost money back. Real lawyers or government officials won't ask for a lot of money up front. Stay calm and tell your lawyer everything if you are accused. Maintaining an open and honest relationship with your legal team enables them to better protect you. Behaving in a manner that is characterized by fear or concealing information, on the other hand, can have a huge impact on the outcome of your argument. Conclusion According to the law of the UAE, fraud crimes that take place in the banking, real estate, commercial, or online sectors are regarded as particularly serious. Expatriates may face severe consequences, such as the potential for deportation, imprisonment, substantial penalties, reputational damage, or property forfeiture. If you suspect that an individual has engaged in fraudulent activities or if you have been the subject of an investigation, it is essential that you act promptly. Acquire evidence, retain an experienced criminal attorney, and navigate the UAE's legal system with the appropriate assistance. Author: Awatif Al Khouri

Introduction Extradition, a fundamental aspect of international legal cooperation, plays an important role in bringing criminals to justice and maintaining the rule of law. The Extradition Law and proceedings in the UAE, as outlined in Federal Law No. 39/2006 and amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2023, establish a comprehensive framework for managing extradition petitions and processes. A detailed summary is provided below Procedures for Extradition Requests and Attachments (Article 33): The provisions of Article 33 were replaced by virtue of  Article 1 of the Federal Decree Law No. 38/2023 The Public Prosecutor, or an authorized representative, is empowered to approach the Central Authority in the foreign jurisdiction to initiate extradition proceedings for individuals who have been sentenced to a minimum of six months or who are facing charges for offenses that carry a penalty of one year or greater. The request for extradition should be submitted in written form, containing the date, signatures, and official seals. It must also include complete identification of the individual, a detailed account of the facts, classification of the offense, pertinent legal provisions, and the basis for the extradition. All documents are required to be transmitted through the Central Authority utilizing diplomatic channels and must be translated into the language of the foreign authority or another language that is accepted, unless otherwise stipulated by a treaty. Arresting the Extraditee in Case of Urgency (Article 34): The provisions of Article 34 were replaced by virtue of  Article 1 of the Federal Decree Law No. 38/2023 In an emergency, the public prosecutor or someone they have authorized may tell the right authorities in the requesting State about an arrest warrant that was issued according to the law. This is done to make sure that the individual who is wanted is arrested and held temporarily. The arrest warrant must be communicated through the Ministry of Interior’s communication department. The Public Prosecution must next complete the relevant extradition paperwork and send it to the requesting State via the Central Authority's diplomatic channels. Legal Classification of the Crime (Article 36-37): If the legal classification of the offence is changed during proceedings, the extradited person may not be accused, tried, or subjected to any procedure affecting their freedom unless the new classification is based on the same facts for which extradition was granted and carries the same penalty or a more severe one With the exception of border offenses, the State may offer a commitment to the Requested State, in line with relevant provisions of the conventions, to refrain from imposing the death penalty on the individual being extradited. In cases of retaliatory offenses, such an action may only be permitted if the victim's rightful heirs give away their Shari’a right. The issuance of the undertaking is to be carried out by the minister, followed by the requisite procedures to modify the penalty. Management of the Surrender and Extradition of Items (Articles 38-42): The Public Prosecutor or their delegate has the authority to transfer items related to a crime to the Requesting State, regardless of whether these items are in the possession of the individual facing extradition or were found subsequently, provided that such transfer does not contravene local legislation. The surrender of items may be deferred if they are required for local judicial or administrative functions. With official oversight, items can be sent overseas upon the request of a foreign entity, as long as all necessary requirements are met and there is no risk to state security, public order, or ethical standards. The tribunal assesses the arguments presented by both the Public Prosecution and the complainant before making a decision. Interested parties are allowed to challenge the surrender within a period of 15 days. Request of Judicial Assistance from Foreign Judicial Authorities to the State (Article 43-58) The State may provide judicial assistance in criminal cases if the offense falls under its jurisdiction and the help is necessary for foreign proceedings. Assistance can include locating individuals, hearing witnesses, presenting detainees, notifying documents, seizing property, providing evidence, sharing records, and freezing funds. All requests are to be formally submitted in writing through the Central Authority by way of diplomatic channels. Submissions should include all the case details, relevant documents, and Arabic translations. Witnesses, experts, or imprisoned persons may provide testimony or expertise under safeguards, including immunity from prosecution. If the sovereignty, security, public order, local procedures, or personal safety are at risk, the transfers or testimonies may be denied. Also, if requests are based on politics, are discriminatory, are against the law, or are not allowed by law, they too can be denied. The Requesting State bears expenses, fees, and remuneration, with advance payment possible. Assets, documents, or proceeds related to the case may be returned or shared according to rules set by the Minister and relevant authorities, with a committee handling revenue-sharing requests. Request of Judicial Assistance from The State Authorities to the Foreign Judicial Authorities (Article 59-63) The judicial authority has the ability to contact the Central Authority for assistance. The Central Authority will initially verify that the request meets the formal criteria before transmitting it to the foreign authority through diplomatic channels. The appropriate date, signature, and seal should be included in the documentation of all requests. In addition, they must include the required translations, as well as exhaustive information about the case, the parties involved, the incidents, the relevant provisions, the procedures, the witnesses, the supporting documents, the additional evidence, and any deadlines for execution. Actions taken under judicial assistance are significant when they are executed in accordance with the regulations established by the foreign authority, unless the domestic authority mandates a specific format, and they have the same impact as if they were conducted within the domestic jurisdiction. A witness, expert, or defendant cannot be prosecuted, detained, or have their freedom restricted for prior criminal acts or convictions before leaving the Requesting State if the assistance involves summoning them. This immunity is valid for 30 days after they are notified that their presence is no longer necessary, excluding periods when departure was impeded for reasons beyond their control. Transfer of Convicts to a Foreign State (Articles 64-71): The Public Prosecutor has the authority to authorize a transfer request under specific conditions: the offense must be punishable in the enforcing state, the conviction must be final, the individual must be a citizen of the enforcing state, consent must be obtained (either directly or through a legal representative), the remaining sentence must be a minimum of six months, and the enforcing state must assume the costs associated with the transfer. Requests should be denied in instances where they interfere with the sovereignty, security, or public order; involve military offenses; diverge in penal codes; permit special amnesty; or pertain to financial obligations or minimal or maximum sentences that apply. Requests must be written in Arabic (or translated) and include personal details, nationality documents, domicile, prison location, certified conviction, remaining sentence, consent, and a commitment against special amnesty. The Public Prosecution guarantees that consent is obtained freely and with full awareness. The State, through the Central Authority, is required to notify the enforcing State of any conditions or processes that may affect the implementation of penalties. Also, it is the responsibility of the State to cover transfer expenses and guardianship responsibilities. Transfer of Convicted from a Foreign State (Articles 72-78): The State may request a foreign State to transfer a national serving a sentence there. Convict’s personal information, proof of nationality, details of imprisonment, and translations of all documents into the language of the convicting State or another officially ratified recognized language must be included in the written request. Sentences are implemented in accordance with state legislation, with time served abroad deducted, and transferred offenders are imprisoned on the Public Prosecutor's decision. The State is responsible for enforcement; however, it must notify the convicted State and give updates upon request. The transferred convict cannot be retried or subjected to legal proceedings for the same incidents that were the subject of the original judgment. Medical release must be reported to the convicting State. While the general amnesty is applied automatically, the approval of the convicting State is required for special amnesty or conditional release. The acknowledgment of amnesty provided by the convicting State is also recognized. Conclusion The UAE's extradition and transfer of convicts legislation is a robust legal framework that enables the country to cooperate with other nations in criminal matters. It sets out the duties, protocols and compliance mandates; it also harmonizes international relationships with local safeguards They ensure that requests, judicial assistance, and transfers are managed appropriately, with all required documentation, consent, and protective measures established. Subsequently, the regulations protect personal liberty, sovereignty of the nation, and the public order. Through these provisions, the UAE confirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice both domestically and internationally.   Author: Awatif Al Khouri

When do you need an inheritance lawyer in the UAE? Think of passing an estate to your family like handing over a safe deposit box full of valuables: if the key (a valid will) is clear and everyone knows the code, the handover is calm. If you lose the key, the box stays locked. Family members fight, banks freeze assets, and courts decide the code for you. This guide tells married couples living in the UAE in simple terms when they need an inheritance lawyer, what the law allows, examples from real life that you can use in family conversation, and easy ways to keep your spouse and kids safe. Why is a lawyer important in the UAE? The UAE made a modern civil personal-status system that makes it easier for non-Muslims to make wills and plan for their estates. There are special registries for wills in the UAE. They may make a will with the DIFC, Abu Dhabi Civil Family Courts (ADCFC). The applicable laws would be Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status and Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 on Civil Marriage and its Effects in Abu Dhabi. When you need to hire an inheritance lawyer You don't have a will, or your will is old. If a spouse dies without a valid will, the law says how the estate should be divided, which may not be what your family wants. A lawyer who specializes in inheritance writes a clear, legally binding will and tells you where to register it in the UAE. This is the most common reason families need legal help. You or your spouse are living abroad and own property in more than one country. Managing cross-border estates is like managing bank accounts in different currencies: each country has its own rules. Lawyers work with lawyers from other countries to figure out which laws apply and help register or change wills so they are valid in all jurisdictions. You own property, a business, or complicated assets like stocks, insurance, or digital assets. Buying real estate or company shares requires certain papers and sometimes even corporate resolutions. A lawyer keeps the estate from being frozen, figures out who gets what, and helps with the transfer of ownership. Family members don't agree or someone contests the will If heirs disagree with a will, think it was forged, or say that someone had too much power over it, an inheritance lawyer who can go to court can get emergency court orders, protect assets and evidence, and try to reach settlements when possible. You have dependents with special needs or minor children A lawyer can write up provisions (and suggest trust-style mechanisms or court orders) to make sure that children and dependent spouses are taken care of without having to go to court for custody, guardianship, or long-term funds. Use real-life examples to explain this to your spouse. Without a will, there is no roadmap, leaving your family to navigate uncertainty, waste time, and risk ending up in the wrong place while trying to reach their destination. A cross-border estate is like traveling through multiple countries; without proper planning, your loved ones may face delays, fines, and confusion. Having experienced local lawyers in each relevant country acts as a guide, ensuring the process runs smoothly and efficiently. These simple comparisons make it easier to make the decision to write a will. Timelines: What to Look Forward To A simple, registered will can speed up the probate and distribution process (weeks to a few months). It could take months or longer for estates that are complicated, disputed, or cross-border. Registering with a dedicated wills service (DIFC, ADCFC, or Dubai Courts) cuts down on uncertainty and lowers the chance of long court battles. A quick list of useful tips for married couples Draft a will and register it where appropriate (DIFC, ADCFC, and Dubai Courts) Keep the official copy in a safe place (and let your spouse know where it is). Make a list of your most important assets, like your homes, bank accounts, stocks, and insurance policies, and keep proof that you own them. After big life events like the birth of a child, buying a house, or changing your citizenship, read your will again. If you own property in another country, you should talk to both a UAE lawyer and a lawyer in that country. Conclusion An inheritance lawyer isn't just for rich married couples in the UAE; they're also the locksmiths who make sure your family can get into the safe deposit box when the time comes. If you don't have a will, own property in more than one country, own a business, have family problems, or have dependents who are at risk, you should talk to a lawyer. It protects your spouse and children to register a clear will with the right UAE registry.   Author: Awatif Al Khouri

How Long Will a Divorce Take in the UAE? What Couples Should Expect It can be hard to think about getting a divorce in the UAE, especially if you’re an expat or a couple who doesn’t know much about the local legal system. Clients, couples, and partners often ask us, “How long will the divorce take?” The divorce process in the UAE isn’t the same as it is in Western countries. Depending on your situation, the timeline could be as short as a few weeks or as long as a year. This article, written by experienced Divorce Lawyers UAE, explains the timeline in plain language, uses real-life examples, shares interesting facts and figures, and gives you useful advice on how to plan your next steps. A quick look: Why the Timeline is Important The length of a divorce, whether it is contested or agreed upon, matters legally, financially, and emotionally. Your decisions early on will affect how long it will take, from your visa status to child custody, asset division, and future plans. What Factors Affect the Divorce Timeline in the UAE? There are a number of things that affect how long it takes to get a divorce in the UAE. Think of “speed” as the distance between two points: Uncontested Divorce:Like a highway with no traffic that goes smoothly Contested Divorce:Like driving through a city with a lot of stops and turns Here are the things that affect the timeline: Agreement Between Spouses Divorce proceedings are generally faster when both spouses agree on all key issues, including financial arrangements and child custody. Divorce Type (Muslim or Not Muslim) The type of divorce can affect how the case is handled and how long it takes. In the UAE, the Personal Status Courts, which use Sharia law, usually handle divorces between Muslim spouses. In some emirates, like Abu Dhabi, non-Muslim expats can go to Civil Family Courts to settle their disputes. These courts may have different rules and timelines. Court Procedures, Mediation, and Case Complexity In many divorce cases, UAE courts require both spouses to attend family counselling or mediation before the matter can proceed further. These sessions are intended to encourage discussion and help the parties resolve their differences without prolonged litigation. The length of this stage can vary, depending on how many meetings are needed and whether any progress is made. Hard financial and child-related issues The timeline may also be extended where there are complicated financial or child-related issues to resolve. Matters such as dividing property, determining financial support, or setting child custody arrangements often require additional hearings and careful consideration, which can add time to the overall process. Divorce that is in dispute (when issues are contested) When the spouses can’t agree on things like alimony, child custody, or how to divide their property, the divorce process usually takes a lot longer. These cases can take anywhere from six to twelve months, and sometimes longer, depending on how busy the court is and how complicated the issues are. A divorce that isn’t agreed upon can easily last more than a year if there are repeated hearings or appeals. Like a renovation that shows hidden problems with the structure, each issue that isn’t fixed adds time to the process. A breakdown of the timeline step by step Putting in the petition The court will set a date for the first review once all the required papers have been turned in. This step of the process usually doesn’t take long. It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how busy the court is and whether the paperwork was done correctly. Family counseling and mediation In a lot of cases, and depending on the emirate, the people involved have to go to family guidance or mediation sessions before the case can move forward. The goal of these meetings is to help spouses work out their problems in a friendly way. If they can’t agree right away, they may need to have more than one session, which can make the process take longer. Court dates If there is a disagreement over the divorce, the court will often hold more than one hearing. The time between hearings can change a lot, mostly because of the court’s schedule and how complicated the case is. Final Decision Once the court approves or determines the final terms, the judge issues the divorce decree. Fact that expats might find interesting There are no official nationwide statistics available to the public, but many lawyers say that uncontested divorces in the UAE tend to go faster than in most Western cities, where court backlogs can make the process take more than a year. How to Make the Process Go Faster Divorce lawyers in the UAE who have been around for a while say: Get things in order early Before you file, make sure you have your marriage certificate, Emirates ID, children’s papers, financial statements, and translations ready. Say What You Mean If both spouses can agree on the terms right away, it cuts down on time a lot. Get Help from a Professional If you hire experienced Divorce Lawyers UAE, you can avoid delays caused by missing paperwork or misunderstandings. Conclusion In short, there is no predetermined period for divorce in the UAE because each case is different. If both spouses can agree on the main points, the process can go pretty quickly and be done in a few weeks or months. But when there are disagreements about money, kids, or other important issues, the process can take longer and last for six months, a year, or even longer. Staying organized, being open to working together when you can, and getting advice from a knowledgeable divorce lawyer in the UAE can all help keep things moving and protect your interests. No matter what stage you’re at, knowing how the process works and getting ready in advance can make a big difference.   Author: Awatif Al Khouri