Arrested At Dubai Airport – Process And Timelines

Being stopped at Dubai Airport does not necessarily mean that the individual has been “arrested” in the ordinary sense. In some cases, the issue may be no more than a travel restriction, including one arising from a Rental Disputes Centre matter, which may, in certain circumstances, be resolved within minutes through the Dubai Police smart services. In others, however, it may mark the commencement of a formal criminal process governed by Federal Decree by Law No. (38) of 2022 Promulgating the Criminal Procedures Law, as outlined below.

First Step

Once an individual is flagged at immigration, they are usually removed from the normal passenger flow and directed to secondary screening at the airport police or immigration office while the authorities verify the basis of the alert. If the issue relates only to a travel restriction, the person may simply be prevented from boarding a flight or entering the UAE. If, however, the alert relates to an executable arrest order or an active