Arrest Warrants

Arrest Warrant Defense in the UAE

Not every arrest warrant involving the UAE is an extradition matter — and the distinction changes your options significantly.

Direct answer: A UAE domestic arrest warrant is issued by UAE prosecutors for conduct within the UAE, and is handled entirely within the UAE court system. An international arrest warrant issued by another country and enforced through the UAE is a different process entirely, generally proceeding through Federal Law No. 39/2006 as an extradition matter. Which one applies determines the court, the timeline, and the defenses available.

The Two Tracks

Domestic vs. International Warrants

UAE Domestic Warrant

Issued by UAE Public Prosecution for conduct within the UAE, heard entirely within the UAE court system.

International Warrant via INTERPOL

A foreign arrest warrant enforced in the UAE typically arrives alongside a Red Notice or Diffusion, triggering the extradition process.

First Response Matters

What you say and do at the point of arrest can materially affect both a domestic case and any parallel extradition proceeding.

Bail & Detention

Pre-trial detention rules differ meaningfully between an ordinary domestic case and one tied to a foreign extradition request.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

How do I know if my warrant is domestic or tied to a foreign request?

This should be clarified immediately upon arrest or notification — it determines which court has jurisdiction and what defenses apply.

Can a UAE domestic warrant turn into an extradition matter?

Not typically in reverse, but a domestic investigation can sometimes surface a parallel foreign interest in the same person.

Will I be represented by a UAE-licensed lawyer either way?

Yes — domestic matters and the UAE side of any extradition case are both handled by our network lawyer admitted to practice in the UAE.