What should I do if I am arrested in Dubai?

Stay calm and do not resist. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Do not sign any documents or make any statements before speaking to a criminal defense lawyer. Call us immediately; we will tell you exactly what to do from that moment.

How fast can a criminal defense lawyer reach me in Dubai?

Our team is available now. When you call or WhatsApp us, we respond immediately. For urgent situations, like arrest, police questioning, or an imminent hearing, we treat your case as a priority from the first contact.

What happens at Dubai criminal court?

Criminal cases in Dubai start at the Public Prosecution stage. The prosecution decides whether to send the case to the Court of First Instance. If convicted, you can appeal to the Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation. Each stage has deadlines. Having a lawyer from the start gives you the best chance at every stage.

Can I be deported after a criminal conviction in Dubai?

Yes. A criminal conviction in Dubai can result in deportation and a re-entry ban, especially for expats. This makes early legal intervention critical. The sooner you involve a criminal defense lawyer, the more options you have to prevent this outcome.

What is the difference between criminal defense and criminal litigation?

Criminal defense is the work done to protect your rights and build your case before and during trial. Criminal litigation refers specifically to court proceedings. Our team handles both. We defend you from the moment of arrest and represent you in court if the case goes that far.

Can you handle a criminal case if my family member is arrested and I am outside Dubai?

Yes. We work with family members who are abroad and need to help a loved one facing criminal charges in Dubai. We can act on your behalf, keep you fully informed, and represent your family member in all court proceedings, you do not need to be in Dubai yourself.

Does Leaders Advocates handle criminal cases for expats and non-Arabic speakers?

Yes. Our criminal defense team speaks Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish. We have handled criminal cases for clients from across Europe, South Asia, Russia, and the Arab world. You do not need to speak Arabic to get strong legal representation in Dubai criminal courts.

Domestic Violence - Leaders Advocates

Family Law · Dubai

if you or someone you love is in a dangerous situation at home, the law in the UAE is on your side. Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 gives you the right to a protection order, safe housing, legal support, and the ability to take criminal and civil action against the person harming you. Our domestic violence lawyers in Dubai handle every step with complete confidentiality and urgency. Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish speaking team.

20+ years

Family Law in Dubai and the UAE

All Represented

Victims, Children, and Accused Parties

5 Languages

Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish

Awards

Award-Winning Family Law Firm

Quick help

If you are in immediate physical danger, call Dubai Police on 999 right now. Do not wait. The steps below apply once you are safe.

Domestic violence situations are different for every person. Tell us which of these matches yours and we will tell you exactly what steps to take.

I am being physically hurt by my spouse or a family member, and I need to get out safely.

My partner controls all the money, and I have no access to funds or documents.

I am being threatened, or I live in fear of what might happen if I try to leave.

My children are being harmed or are witnessing abuse in the home.

I want to leave, but I do not know what will happen to my visa or my right to stay in the UAE.

I have left, but the abuser is still contacting me, and I need a court order to stop this.

I am a domestic worker, and I am being mistreated by the family I work for.

I have been accused of domestic violence, and the accusation is not true.

If any of these match your situation, contact our domestic violence lawyers in Dubai. We treat every case with complete confidentiality.

Domestic abuse takes many forms. Here are the specific situations our domestic violence lawyers handle in Dubai.

Psychological and Emotional Abuse

Threats, constant humiliation, isolation from family and friends, controlling behavior, monitoring your movements and communications, emotional manipulation, and intimidation. Psychological abuse is now fully recognized under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024. You do not need physical injuries to file for a protection order.

Economic Abuse and Financial Control

Preventing you from working, controlling all money, refusing to give you money for basic needs, using debt as a tool of control or withholding your salary. Economic abuse is a form of domestic violence under the 2024 law. We advise on both the domestic violence claim and the financial remedies available in parallel proceedings.

Child Abuse Within the Family

Any harm to a child by a family member is covered under the 2024 law. Children can be protected through emergency protection orders, and the family courts run parallel proceedings on custody when domestic violence involving children is reported. We handle the full picture, including protection and custody, simultaneously.

Physical Abuse and Assault

Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, throwing objects, or any physical harm inflicted by a family member. Physical abuse often leaves visible evidence. We advise on preserving and using that evidence in criminal and protection order proceedings.

Abuse Against Domestic Workers

Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 specifically extended protection to domestic workers employed in the household. Abuse of a domestic helper by any family member is now covered under the domestic violence law. We represent domestic workers who have suffered abuse and advise on both the domestic violence complaint and any employment claims.

Defending False Domestic Violence Allegations

Not every allegation of domestic violence is accurate. People accused of domestic violence have the right to a full defense. We represent individuals who have been falsely accused of domestic violence, challenge the evidence presented against them, and protect their rights in all proceedings.

20+ years

All Covered

5 Languages

3 Offices UAE

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Arabic

English

Russian

Urdu

Turkish

Understanding The Law

The 4 Types of Domestic Violence Recognized by UAE Law

The 2024 law recognizes four distinct forms of domestic violence. Physical violence covers any bodily harm, including hitting, pushing, throwing objects, or any physical assault within the family. Psychological violence covers threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, controlling behavior, and emotional manipulation that causes mental harm. Sexual violence covers any non-consensual sexual act within the family relationship. Economic violence covers financial control, preventing access to money, forcing someone into debt or stopping them from working as a way of exerting power and control.

Who Is Protected Under This Law

The 2024 law extended protection significantly beyond the previous 2019 law. Protection now covers spouses and former spouses, children of the family, parents and grandparents, siblings, domestic workers employed in the household, and any other person living permanently in the family home. This means domestic helpers and live-in caregivers are protected under this law for the first time. Expats have exactly the same rights as UAE nationals under this law.

Domestic violence is not always physical. If someone in your home is controlling your money, isolating you from friends, threatening you, or humiliating you, this may be domestic violence under UAE law. Contact us to discuss your situation in complete confidence.

EMERGENCY NOTICE

If you are in immediate physical danger, call Dubai Police on 999 right now. Do not wait. The steps below apply once you are safe.

Safe Steps to Take When You Are Ready

Get to a safe place. Go to a family member, a trusted friend, or contact the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, which provides shelter and support on 800 111.
Document the evidence. Take photographs of injuries, save threatening messages, note dates and descriptions of incidents. This evidence is critical for both the protection order application and any criminal case.
Do not delete messages or communications from the abuser. These are evidence and will support your legal case.
Contact a domestic violence lawyer before you speak to anyone else officially. The steps you take in the first days significantly affect your legal position and your safety.
You do not have to leave your home to be protected. A restraining order can require the abuser to leave the family home while allowing you to stay.

Your safety comes before everything. Once you are safe, contact our domestic violence lawyers in Dubai. We act fast, we keep everything confidential, and we guide you through every step.

What a Protection Order Does

A protection order is a court order that legally prohibits the abuser from approaching you, contacting you, or entering your home. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, the Public Prosecution can issue a restraining order within days of receiving a domestic violence report. This order lasts for up to 30 days and can be extended for two further similar periods. If protection is needed beyond that, the competent court can extend the order for up to 6 months. Violating a protection order is a separate criminal offense with additional penalties.

How to Apply for a Protection Order in Dubai

A protection order can be requested by the victim directly, by the public prosecution, by the Ministry of Community Development, by a social support center, or by any competent authority. You do not need to file a full criminal case first. The prosecution can issue an urgent restraining order before any criminal proceedings begin. The process is designed to be accessible to victims who may be in immediate danger. We prepare and file the protection order application and attend all proceedings with you.

What a Protection Order Can and Cannot Do

A protection order can require the abuser to leave the family home even if they own or rent it. It can prohibit contact by any means, including phone, message, and social media. It can prevent the abuser from coming near your workplace, your children’s school, or any other specified location. What it cannot do automatically is resolve divorce, custody, or financial matters. These run as separate proceedings. We handle all of these in parallel where needed.

Childrens

Children who witness domestic violence are also victims of it under UAE law. Their protection is handled in parallel with the protection order for the adult victim. Here is how we protect children in domestic violence situations.

Emergency protection orders can cover children as well as adult victims. The order can prohibit the abuser from approaching the children at school or at any other location.
The family court that handles custody proceedings considers domestic violence evidence very seriously. A parent with a documented history of domestic violence faces a much harder time arguing for custody.
Children can be interviewed by a court-appointed social worker or psychologist as part of both the domestic violence and custody proceedings. We prepare you and your children appropriately for these assessments.
If there is a risk the abuser might try to take the children abroad, we apply for a travel ban on the children immediately as part of the emergency legal steps.
You do not need to make the decision about divorce before protecting your children. Protection order applications for children run independently of any divorce decision.

Domestic Violence Law

The 2024 Law

Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 replaced the 2019 domestic violence law and came into force on 2 October 2024. The new law matters because it expanded the definition of abuse to include more detailed criteria for each type, it extended protection to domestic workers who were not covered before, it introduced mandatory reporting obligations for certain professionals, it established provisions for safe houses and rehabilitation programs, and it made clear that failing to report a known domestic violence situation carries a fine of up to AED 20,000. This law is one of the strongest domestic violence frameworks in the region.

Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings

When you report domestic violence in Dubai, two types of legal proceedings can run at the same time. The criminal case is handled by the public prosecution and can result in the abuser being fined or imprisoned. The civil proceedings run through the family courts and can cover divorce, custody of children, maintenance payments, and the right to remain in the family home. We manage both tracks simultaneously so you are protected on every front. Most victims benefit from pursuing both routes.

Not sure whether to file a police report or go straight to court? We advise on the right route for your specific situation and make sure you are protected at every stage of the process.

WHY LEADERS ADVOCATES?

Complete Confidentiality

Domestic violence cases require absolute discretion. At Leaders Advocates, nothing you tell us leaves this firm. Every domestic violence case is handled by a single named lawyer and their direct team. We do not discuss client situations with anyone outside the case.

We Handle Protection and Family Law Together

Many domestic violence clients have to deal with multiple law firms at the same time. One for the criminal case, one for divorce, and one for custody. Leaders Advocates handles all of it. Protection orders, criminal proceedings, divorce, custody, and maintenance all under one roof. You have one point of contact for everything.

5 Languages | No Translator NeedeD

Domestic violence victims often struggle to speak about their situation even in their first language. Being forced to explain through a translator makes it harder. Our lawyers speak Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish. You tell us what happened in the language you are most comfortable in.

Award-Winning Family Law Practice

Leaders Advocates has been recognized for excellence in UAE family law. When your safety and future are at stake, you deserve lawyers with a track record that speaks for itself. We have helped families across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and RAK through the most difficult situations imaginable.

The Process

Safety Assessment and Immediate Advice

We assess your immediate safety situation first. If you are still in the home with the abuser or the threat is ongoing, we advise on the fastest legal steps to create physical separation. We also advise on what evidence to gather, what to document, and what not to do that could complicate your case.

Filing the Police Report and Protection Order Application

We file the police report with Dubai Police on your behalf or accompany you to the police station. We prepare the protection order application for the public prosecution simultaneously. The prosecution can issue a restraining order within days. We make sure the application is complete and supported by all available evidence so it is approved quickly.

Medical Examination, if Applicable

If there are physical injuries, a medical report from a UAE-approved medical center is important evidence. We advise on which facilities are approved and what the medical report should document. The medical report is submitted to the prosecution alongside the police report under the 2024 law.

Parallel Proceedings | Divorce, Custody, Maintenance

While the criminal case proceeds, we file the related family law proceedings. This includes the divorce application if you choose to divorce, the custody application for your children, the maintenance claim, and the application to remain in the family home. We handle all of these in parallel so you do not lose time on any of them.

Court Hearings and Final Judgment

We represent you at every criminal hearing and every family court hearing. We challenge the abuser's evidence, present your evidence clearly, and make sure the court has the full picture. When the criminal judgment is issued and the family court orders are in place, we apply for enforcement of all orders immediately.

For Expats

One of the most common reasons expat victims stay in dangerous situations in Dubai is fear of what happens to their visa if they leave or if their spouse is arrested. This fear is understandable, but it should not stop you from getting help. Here is the reality.

You do not lose your legal right to be in the UAE just because you report domestic violence. You have the right to safety and legal protection regardless of your visa status.
If your visa is sponsored by the abuser, you have options. You can apply for an independent visa during divorce proceedings. The court can make orders to protect your right to remain in the UAE while family law cases are ongoing.
Your children’s visa status is also protected during legal proceedings. We advise on how to secure the right visa arrangements for you and your children as part of the overall domestic violence and divorce strategy.
If you need emergency shelter while your legal situation is being resolved, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children provides confidential accommodation on 800 111. Your visa status does not affect your right to access this support.
Expats from any country have exactly the same rights under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 as UAE nationals. Your nationality does not limit your access to legal protection.

Worried about your visa if you report domestic violence in Dubai? Contact us. Your safety matters more than your visa status, and there are legal steps to protect both. We advise on this as part of our domestic violence support.

Client Experience

Alternatives

Legal help is one part of what you need. Here are the other support resources available to domestic violence victims in Dubai.

Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

Emergency shelter and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 800 111. Available 24 hours.

Dubai Police Family Support Centre

Specialist unit for domestic violence cases within Dubai Police. File reports and receive immediate safety support.

Ministry of Community Development

Oversees domestic violence response in the UAE and can refer victims to social support centers and safe housing.

Public Prosecution

Can issue emergency protection orders directly in urgent domestic violence situations without requiring a court hearing first.

These resources are available to you right now without needing a lawyer first. Once you are safe, contact our domestic violence lawyers in Dubai. We take over from there.

FAQs

Can I be deported from the UAE if I report domestic violence?

No. Reporting domestic violence does not lead to your deportation. You have the right to report abuse and seek protection regardless of your nationality or visa status. The UAE domestic violence law applies equally to all residents. If your visa was sponsored by the abuser, there are legal steps to protect your right to remain in the UAE. Contact us for specific advice on your visa situation.

Does the abuser get arrested immediately when I report domestic violence?

Not automatically. The police investigate the report first. If there is evidence of violence and an immediate safety risk, the police can detain the abuser while the investigation runs. The Public Prosecution can issue an emergency protection order quickly. The specific outcome depends on the evidence, the severity of the abuse and the immediate risk assessment. We advise you on what to expect before you make the report.

What evidence do I need to report domestic violence in Dubai?

Any evidence helps. Medical reports of injuries. Photographs of physical harm. Threatening or abusive messages. Records of calls or incidents with dates and descriptions. Witness statements from neighbours, friends or family members. Bank records if the abuse is financial. You do not need to have everything before you report. Even a single piece of evidence with a clear account of what happened is enough to start the process. We help you identify and preserve the evidence you have.

Can psychological abuse lead to a protection order in Dubai?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 specifically covers psychological violence including threats, humiliation, isolation and emotional manipulation. You do not need physical injuries to be granted a protection order. We have successfully obtained protection orders on grounds of psychological abuse in Dubai.

What happens to my children if I leave the abusive home?

Your children can leave with you if you have custody rights or if there is an emergency. We advise on how to leave safely with your children without putting your custody position at risk. We file emergency custody applications and travel bans simultaneously with the protection order application so your children are protected legally from the moment you leave.

Can a domestic worker report domestic violence in Dubai?

Yes. Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 specifically extends protection to domestic workers employed in the household. If you are a domestic worker being mistreated by any member of the family you work for, you have the same right to report and seek protection as any other resident. Contact us or contact the domestic worker support line at the Ministry of Human Resources.

I reported domestic violence but later want to withdraw the complaint. Can I?

The 2024 law allows for reconciliation in domestic violence cases when both parties or their legal representatives agree and the process is handled formally with a social worker involved. However, withdrawing a complaint does not automatically end the legal proceedings. The Public Prosecution can decide to continue the case even if the victim withdraws. We advise on the implications of withdrawal and whether it is in your best interests before you take any steps.

What are the penalties for domestic violence in Dubai?

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, penalties for domestic violence include imprisonment and fines. Violating a protection order is a separate criminal offence with additional penalties. Repeat offenders and those who commit aggravated forms of abuse face significantly higher penalties than first-time offenders. The specific penalty depends on the type of abuse, its severity, and any criminal history.

Can I get a divorce because of domestic violence in Dubai?

Yes. Domestic violence is a ground for divorce in Dubai. Evidence of abuse strengthens a divorce and custody case significantly. The criminal proceedings and the divorce proceedings can and should run simultaneously. We file both at the same time so you are advancing on all fronts. Evidence used in the criminal case can also be used in the family court proceedings.

How do I know if what is happening to me is legally domestic violence in Dubai?

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024, domestic violence covers physical harm, psychological harm, sexual harm and economic control within a family relationship. If someone in your family is hurting you physically, threatening you, controlling your money, isolating you, humiliating you or preventing you from living safely and independently, this may be domestic violence under UAE law. Contact us. We assess your situation in complete confidence and tell you honestly what legal options you have.

You do not have to stay in a dangerous situation. UAE law gives you real protection and real options. Whether you need an emergency protection order, legal help leaving safely, or representation in all the proceedings that follow, our domestic violence lawyers in Dubai are ready. Contact us now. Everything is confidential.