ARTICLE
19 January 2017

Arresting Individuals

AM
Dr. Hassan Elhais

Contributor

Dr. Hassan Elhais, a long-standing member of the prestigious Amal Alrashedi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, is a renowned legal consultant in the UAE, specializing in family law, criminal law, civil law, company incorporation, construction law, banking law, inheritance law, and arbitration. Dr. Elhais has gained wide recognition in the country, winning numerous awards and accolades. He was declared the Legal Consultant of the Year in 2026 by Leaders in Law. He was also elected as the co-chair of the ‘Relocation of Children Committee’ of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a worldwide association of practicing lawyers, widely regarded as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries. Dr. Hassan Elhais’s continued recognition in the 2025 Chambers and Partners rankings for Family/Matrimonial services to High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE from 2022-2025.
A thorough study demonstrates that in the criminal procedure law, the arrest might take place mainly in three potential scenarios.
United Arab Emirates Criminal Law
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A thorough study demonstrates that in the criminal procedure law, the arrest might take place mainly in three potential scenarios.

First is when the arrest order issued by Judicial Officers. The law provides the Judicial Officers with a discretionary power to order an arrest, for a maximum period of 48 hours in the following cases:

  1. In crimes
  2. While caught committing an offense in felonies that are not punished by fines.
  3. In felonies that are not punished by fines if the accused is under investigation or it is probable that he may possibly escape.
  4. In Felonies of fraud, theft, treasury, 'severe assault, resisting public force personnel by force, breaching public manners, as well as felonies related to weapons, ammunition, alcohol and hazardous drugs.'

Such arrest orders could be issued in the presence or in absentia of the accused.

After getting the accused arrested, the Judicial Officers are most likely to refer them to the Public Prosecution within a period of maximum 48 hours. The Public Prosecution would have the right to decide whether to issue an arrest order or another order to keep him in detention for a longer period or to release him. This is in accordance with Article No. 47 of the same Criminal Procedures Law.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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