A single federal statute governs every extradition case in the UAE — but the path from arrest to a final decision runs through several distinct authorities, each with real power to stop the process.
The core statute governing international judicial cooperation, including every extradition request made to the UAE, as amended in 2023.
The alleged conduct must be a crime in both countries and carry a minimum penalty of one year’s imprisonment under UAE law.
The Public Prosecution and Ministry of Justice review the request first, before it is ever referred to a court.
The Dubai Court of Appeal, or the Federal Court in Abu Dhabi, acts as the court of first instance and examines whether the legal requirements are met.
UAE law sets out specific bars to surrender — some absolute, some requiring evidence. Which ones are realistically available depends heavily on the facts of your case.
The Public Prosecution issues the request, often supported by an INTERPOL notice or diffusion.
The case is decided in the courts of wherever the person is located, applying that country’s own extradition law and treaty obligations.
A UAE lawyer has no standing before a foreign court. Representation there falls to a lawyer licensed in that jurisdiction.
We advise on the UAE side of the matter and work together with the network lawyer where the case is actually being heard.
Examines whether the request meets formal requirements, whether dual criminality is satisfied, and whether the evidence justifies extradition.
An unfavourable Court of Appeal ruling can be escalated here — the highest judicial authority reviewing legal errors in the case.
Where no treaty exists between the UAE and the requesting state, extradition can still proceed on a mutual assurance of reciprocal treatment.
Even a non-appealable court decision granting extradition still requires the Minister of Justice’s sign-off before it can be enforced.
Where UAE authorities request an INTERPOL notice for someone abroad, in support of a request to bring them back to the UAE.
Where a foreign notice concerns someone travelling through or resident in the UAE, with knock-on effects for banking, residency status, or travel.
Notices can be challenged before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files regardless of your location. See our Red Notice removal guide →
No. Federal Law 39/2006 bars the extradition of UAE nationals outright — though the UAE is instead required to prosecute its own nationals domestically where a requesting state provides sufficient evidence.
Yes. Representation is provided by the network lawyer admitted to practice in the UAE, working together with the rest of the network on strategy.
The UAE has a number of bilateral treaties, and cooperates with fellow GCC states. Where no treaty exists, cooperation can still proceed case-by-case under the reciprocity principle in Federal Law No. 39/2006.
Judicial review commonly ranges from around three to twelve months, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is contested.
Yes — an unfavourable Court of Appeal decision can be escalated to the Cassation Court, and even a final court ruling still requires the Minister of Justice’s approval before enforcement.
Speak with us confidentially before your next hearing or deadline.