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, Turkish and Hindi and Hindi. 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.

Drug Lawyers in Dubai | Faris Raian & Ekaterina Butseva 🇦🇪

Criminal Law · Dubai

A drug charge in Dubai is one of the most serious problems a person can face. UAE drug law is strict, and even a small amount of a banned substance, or a trace found in a blood test, can lead to years in prison. If you or a family member has been arrested, stopped at the airport, or called in for a drug case, you need a drug lawyer in Dubai who knows the law and can act fast. Our drug crime lawyers defend possession, trafficking, prescription medicine and drug use cases across the UAE, in five languages.

Full Case Coverage

Possession, trafficking, prescription and airport arrests

20+ years

handling criminal cases in Dubai

Awar-winning

Recognised criminal law practice in the UAE

6 Languages

Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Turkish and Hindi and Hindi

DO THIS FIRST

What you do in the first few hours after a drug arrest can shape the entire case. Follow these steps.

Do not argue with the police and do not explain yourself. Anything you say can be used in the case against you. Politely say you want a lawyer before answering any questions.

You have the right to legal representation. Ask for a lawyer as soon as you are detained, and ask that your family and, if you are a foreign national, your embassy be informed.

Note how and where the substance was found, who was present, and whether you were shown any paperwork. These details matter later if the search was not carried out correctly.

Trying to leave the country during an investigation makes your situation far worse and can lead to extra charges. Stay put and let your lawyer handle the process.

If the substance found is a prescription medicine, tell your lawyer straight away and gather your prescription, medical letter or pharmacy record. This evidence can make a real difference to the outcome.

Start Here

Drug cases in Dubai come in many forms. Tell us which one matches what you are going through and we will tell you exactly what your legal options are.

I was arrested for drugs and I do not know what happens next.

I tested positive at Dubai airport and I was stopped by police.

Customs told me my prescription medicine is illegal in the UAE.

I want to know if bail is possible in my drug case.

My family member was arrested for drugs and I do not know how to help.

I have been charged with drug trafficking and I need a strong defense.

I want to come forward for treatment before the police get involved.

I lost my drug case and I want to know if I can appeal.

Contact our drug lawyers in Dubai today. The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you have.

Why Leaders Advocates

Criminal Law and Drug Law Under One Roof

A drug case often brings other problems with it, bail, visa status, and worried family members waiting for answers. We handle the full criminal picture, so you do not need to explain your case to a new lawyer at every stage.

We Know Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 Inside Out

UAE drug law changed in 2022 and works differently from most countries. We know how Dubai courts treat possession, trafficking and first time cases, and how the treatment pathway for personal drug use actually works in practice.

6 Languages Including Russian and Urdu

Most people facing drug charges in Dubai are not Arabic speakers. We explain your case and your options in your own language, and handle everything in Arabic for the police, the prosecution and the courts.

Fast Response for Urgent Arrests

A drug arrest moves fast, and the first hours matter. We respond quickly, so you or your family member has a lawyer working on the case from day one, not days later.

Complete Confidentiality and Professional Discretion

A drug case is deeply personal, and many clients worry about their name, their job or their family finding out. Every case we handle stays strictly confidential, from the first phone call to the last day in court.

Types of Drug Offenses

Every case gets a named lawyer from day one.

Drug Possession

Drug possession is the most common drug charge in Dubai. Under Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021, having any amount of a banned substance, even a very small trace, can lead to arrest. The court looks at the type and quantity of the substance to decide the charge and the punishment. Many people are stopped at the airport, at a venue, or during a routine police check, often without knowing the substance was illegal in the UAE. If you have been accused of drug possession, do not sign any statement before speaking to a lawyer.

Drug Trafficking and Supply

Trafficking means the authorities believe a person intended to sell, supply or distribute a banned substance rather than use it personally. This is treated as one of the most serious crimes in the UAE and can carry a life sentence in the most severe cases. The charge often relies on the quantity found, how it was packaged, and any messages or records linking the accused to a sale.

Drug Transporting and Smuggling

Moving drugs into, out of, or through the UAE, including bringing a substance through the airport in transit, is treated as a separate and serious offense. This applies even to travellers who never intended to enter the country and were only passing through on a connecting flight.

Prescription Medication Offenses

Certain painkillers, sleep aids, anxiety medication and ADHD medication that are freely available abroad are controlled in the UAE. Bringing them in without a valid prescription and, where required, prior approval from the Ministry of Health can lead to a formal drug charge, even when the medicine was prescribed by a doctor at home.

Drug Use and Positive Blood or Urine Tests

A person can be charged with drug use even without any substance found on them, based on a positive blood, urine or hair test. UAE law treats a controlled substance found in the body as evidence of use, which means past use in another country can still lead to a charge on UAE soil.

Cultivation and Manufacturing

Growing a controlled plant or producing a narcotic or psychotropic substance, including in small amounts at home, is treated as a serious offense under UAE law, separate from simple possession.

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Understanding The Law

What UAE Drug Law Covers

Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 replaced the older 1995 drug law. It separates drug use, simple possession and commercial trafficking into different levels of offense, and lets the court look at the type and amount of the substance before deciding the sentence. The law also created a treatment pathway so that some first time users can ask for help instead of facing prosecution, if they come forward before an arrest order is issued.

Penalties for Drug Offenses in the UAE

Punishment under UAE drug law ranges from a fine to life imprisonment, depending on the substance and the charge. Simple possession for personal use can still lead to years in prison, while trafficking and supply carry much harsher sentences. Foreign nationals convicted of a drug offence can also face deportation after their sentence ends, along with a UAE entry ban.

Have a question about your drug case or your rights under UAE law? Contact our drug lawyers in Dubai. We explain the law in plain words, based on your exact situation.

OUR SERVICES

Drug Possession Defense

If you have been charged with possessing a banned substance, we review your arrest, the evidence and how it was collected. We build your defense around the exact facts of your case and push for the best possible outcome.

Drug Trafficking Defense

Drug trafficking carries the harshest penalties in the UAE, including long prison terms. We question weak evidence, examine how the substance was found, and represent you at every court hearing.

Prescription Medicine Cases

Some medicines that are legal in your home country are controlled or banned in the UAE. If customs stopped you over a prescription drug, we help you prove genuine medical use and fight the charge.

Airport and Border Drug Arrests

UAE airports use strict screening. If you were stopped for drugs found in your luggage, on your body, or in a blood test, we act fast to protect your rights from the first hour.

Drug Use and Blood Test Cases

A positive blood or urine test can lead to a drug use charge, even without any drugs found on you. We explain how the test result is used in court and what defense options you have.

Voluntary Surrender and Treatment Cases

UAE law allows some drug users to request treatment instead of facing prosecution, if they come forward before an arrest is ordered. We advise on whether this path applies to you and how to use it correctly.

Bail and Release Applications

We prepare and file bail applications so that you or your family member can be released while the case continues, wherever the law allows it.

Appeals for Drug Convictions

If you were convicted and believe the judgment was wrong or too harsh, we review your full case file and file an appeal before the higher courts.

Workplace Drug Testing Cases

If your employer has referred you for a positive workplace drug test, or you have been dismissed or reported to the police because of one, we advise on your rights, the accuracy of the test, and how to respond before the matter turns into a criminal case.

ALTERNATIVES

Voluntary Surrender Before Arrest
If no arrest order has been issued yet, UAE law allows a request for treatment instead of prosecution in some personal use cases. We advise on whether you qualify and help you approach the right authority the right way.
Challenge the Evidence
Many drug cases depend on how the substance was found and tested. If the correct procedure was not followed, this can be grounds to challenge the case. We review the arrest report, the search and the lab results closely.
Present Your Case Early
In some cases, presenting the full facts early, medical records, travel history, or proof of legitimate use, can lead to a better outcome before the case moves further. We prepare this evidence and present it at the right stage.
Fight the Charge in Court
If the evidence is weak or your rights were not respected during the arrest, we build a full defense and represent you at every hearing before the Dubai courts.

Facing a drug case in Dubai? Contact our lawyers today. We assess your exact situation and tell you clearly which option gives you the best chance.

For Expats

The UAE has a zero tolerance policy on drugs. Even a small trace found in your blood or bag can lead to arrest, even if the substance is legal where you live.
Some common medicines, including certain painkillers, sleep aids and anxiety medication, are controlled or banned in the UAE. Always check before you travel.
CBD oil, CBD vapes and any product containing cannabis extract are treated as narcotics in the UAE, no matter how small the amount.
If your flight makes an emergency landing or stops in Dubai on transit, UAE drug law can still apply to you, even if Dubai was never your destination.
Foreign nationals convicted of a drug offence can face deportation after their sentence, along with a UAE entry ban.
You have the right to a lawyer and the right to contact your embassy after an arrest. Ask for both as early as possible.
Do not sign any document you do not fully understand. Ask for it to be explained in your own language first.

Client Experience

FAQs

What happens if you get caught with drugs in Dubai?

If you are caught with a banned substance in Dubai, you can be arrested and held while the police investigate. Punishment depends on the type and amount of the substance and can range from a fine to years in prison. Foreign nationals can also face deportation once the case ends.

Is Tramadol illegal in Dubai?

Tramadol is a controlled medicine in the UAE. It is not banned for medical use, but you need a valid prescription and, in many cases, prior approval from the Ministry of Health to bring it into the country. Carrying it without the right paperwork has led to serious drug charges, even for tourists.

Can you get in trouble in Dubai if drugs are found in your blood but not on you?

Yes. UAE law treats a positive drug test as evidence of drug use, even if no physical drugs are found on you. This means you can be charged even if you used the drug in another country before travelling to the UAE.

Is CBD oil illegal in the UAE?

Yes. The UAE treats CBD oil and any product containing cannabis extract as a narcotic, no matter how small the amount or how legal it is where you live. This includes CBD vapes and some skincare products, so do not bring them into the country.

What is the difference between drug possession and drug trafficking in the UAE?

Possession usually means the substance was for personal use. Trafficking means the authorities believe you intended to sell, supply or move the drug to someone else. Trafficking carries much heavier penalties, including long prison sentences.

Can voluntary surrender help in a UAE drug case?

In some cases, yes. UAE law allows certain drug users to request treatment instead of facing criminal charges, but only if they come forward before an arrest order is issued. A lawyer can tell you if you qualify and how to approach this safely.

Can I be deported from the UAE for a drug offence?

Yes. A drug conviction can lead to deportation for non citizens, along with a ban on returning to the UAE, in addition to any prison sentence or fine.

What happens if I am arrested at Dubai Airport for drugs?

Airport drug arrests move fast. You may be held for questioning, referred to the police anti narcotics department, and later face formal charges. You have the right to a lawyer and the right to contact your embassy, so ask for both immediately.

What distinguishes a good drug crime lawyer in Dubai from the rest?

Look for a lawyer who works in UAE criminal courts regularly, understands Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 in detail, can communicate with you in your own language, and can move quickly once you contact them, since the first hours after an arrest often matter the most.

Whether you are facing a drug possession charge, a trafficking accusation, or a case over a prescription medicine, our Drug Crime Lawyers in Dubai are ready to help. A drug case can change your future. Protect it with the right legal advice. Contact us today.