How Crimes are Reported in the UAE?

When it comes to low crime rates, the United Arab Emirates is always remembered. It has strict criminal laws with zero tolerance for harassment and violence. These laws ensure the safety of expatriates and local people. As a Muslim country, the UAE’s legal structure is based on Sharia and federal laws. There is no violence crime in UAE, therefore murders, assassinations are not reported here.

The UAE Penal Code governs the criminal laws in Dubai. Under this law, all criminal activities are reported to uphold individual rights and morality. Unlike family laws in the UAE, criminal laws are completely influenced by Sharia law, whether or not you are a Muslim. However, the individual is innocent unless proven guilty. The UAE law and order can witness a range of criminal activities. Some are cases of defamation, financial crimes, and several others.

The process of reporting a crime in Dubai is very simple. It begins with filing the complaint, and then the police investigate the case. However, criminals are penalized according to the severity of their crime. Complainant can give a call, to POLICE department on toll free number or by visiting the application. Here are a few steps to take:

1. Report to the Authorities

Your first step in reporting a crime is visiting the police station. You can file your complaint at the nearest police station either physically or using internet services for apps and website portals of the relevant authorities.

1. Submission of Documents

You must have a passport or an Emirate ID for identity purposes. Gather all the proof against the crime, whether photographs, videos, or written communication. Your case is strengthened by the evidence you provide. If there are more details about the incident, such as location, time, and date, these details can expedite your case for justice. The police will investigate and try to resolve the case, which is then referred to the Public Prosecution.

The role of public prosecution is effective in reporting crimes in Dubai as it makes decisions about court proceedings. The Public Prosecutor proactively reviews the evidence and statements of the witnesses. They interrogate the accused to decide whether the charges shall be filed. Further, the prosecutor represents the state during court proceedings.

There are a few steps involved in Dubai’s criminal proceedings when a complaint is filed:

• Investigation

The police conduct an initial investigation, during which the complainant and accused are called for interrogation. However, the evidence and statements of the witnesses are also collected.

• Prosecution Stage

The Public Prosecution will review the evidence and prepare a charge sheet for criminal proceedings if it finds the need for litigation. However, the accused can be bailed out if the crime is not severe.

• Court Trials

The case is presented in the Criminal Court, where both parties are summoned and submit their arguments. At this stage, witnesses are also called for testimony, and the evidence is evaluated. Reviewing all the documents and evidence, the court enforces the judgment on both parties, ensuring justice and fairness.

• Appeal

An appeal is made by any of the two parties who do not agree with the court’s judgment. The complainant and the defendant have the right to appeal in court. However, they should appeal within a month after hearing the court judgment.

• Final Call: Cassation

The Court of Cassation provides a final judgment. This court reviews all the previous proceedings to ensure the victim’s justice. However, it will reevaluate the case and see if the judgment can be changed or if it has already made the right decision.

The criminal activities in Dubai are increasing as these are no longer traditional. With the integration of digital technology in the UAE, Dubai is facing crimes such as scam calls, hacked bank accounts, and extortion of money. Let’s take a look at these crimes closely:

• Cybercrime

You have been accused of cybercrime if you are threatened on the Internet by using your social accounts or were approached online appropriately. No one has the right to invade your privacy, and leaking your videos or sensitive information adds to the branch of cybercrime. Victim of cybercrime.

• Drug Offenses

Nowadays, car accidents in the UAE are becoming common because drunk driving cases are increasing. Individuals who are doing severe drug business or involved in possessing those drugs are committing a crime and will serve heavy punishment in the UAE which can result in deportation too.

• Financial Crimes

Fraudulent cases through banks and payments lead to financial crimes, such as bounced cheques or unpaid debt amounts. If not resolved amicably, these disputes can further lead to criminal courts.

• Defamation

Defaming someone in the UAE is a crime, whether in public or at work. In Dubai, the punishment for defamation is fines and imprisonment.

• Violations in the Public

Harassing someone in public or making indecent gestures to them, creating discomfort in the environment, could also lead to greater penalties.

The legal system of the UAE is very strict when it comes to criminal laws. The following penalties are ensured to provide justice to the victim in the UAE:

• Imprisonment

Behind bars is the worst penalty one can receive. It could last less than six months or even more than a year. Sometimes, it is granted for life.

• Fines

It depends on the severity of the violation and how much fine the crime offender should be penalized for violating traffic rules, creating defamation, or committing a cybercrime. Usually, the fine goes up to AED 1 million.

• Deportation

As an expatriate, you should avoid as many disputes as possible. Committing a serious crime in the UAE results in deportation.

• Community Service

You must perform community service for some time to commit a small criminal offense. It is not a penalty, but community service is helpful for society.

• Accusation Rights

The accused individual has the right to remain protected during criminal proceedings. No matter if they have committed the crime, they have the following rights:

• Have a fair trial
• Get legal representation
• Remain silent during interrogation
• Appeal at a later stage

Both parties have the right to hire a criminal lawyer for the case. A qualified criminal lawyer helps you get the best settlement for your case by collecting the evidence and negotiating with the other party. Moreover, these lawyers are multilingual in the UAE because they meet clients from diverse backgrounds, such as French, Indians, and Muslims.

In certain ways, you can prevent criminal offenses in Dubai, especially if you understand the criminal laws. As an expatriate, you learn about criminal offenses so that you don’t commit any crime. However, you should also know about cybersecurity crimes and ensure you are aware of these crimes. Therefore, never share your bank account details with anyone other than the bank representative. Always ensure you receive calls directly from the bank as they do not use any private number such as a landline or mobile.

You should hire a lawyer because they can guide you on taking your chances for a legal case. Having legal support ensures you are doing better emotionally. Some lawyers might charge you upfront, but others charge you per hour. Therefore, you must seek a lawyer that suits your budget and offers flexible payment methods.

Read More: Crime Statistics in UAE