For filing a rape case in the UAE, the victim or anyone who knows of the crime can make a report. Report to the police or the Public Prosecution (Articles 12 and 38 of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022).
The police must take the report and preserve evidence (Article 36). The Public Prosecution investigates and decides whether to send the case to court.
If anyone is in danger, call 999. Get medical care first: it protects health and can record injuries.
Our guide on the Dubai rape law explains the offence and its penalties. This guide covers how a case is filed and what follows.
Quick Answer
Filing a rape case in the UAE begins with reporting the suspected offence to the police or Public Prosecution. In an emergency, call 999. Seek medical care as soon as possible, and preserve relevant messages, records and other evidence without putting yourself at risk.
The police receive the report and preserve evidence. The Public Prosecution directs the criminal investigation and determines whether the matter proceeds to court. A person harmed by the alleged offence may also seek compensation through the applicable legal procedure. Reporting promptly can help preserve time-sensitive evidence.
filing a rape case in the UAE through the reporting channels
- In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergency contact in Dubai, use 901, a police station or the Dubai Police app.
- The complaint or report is filed with the Public Prosecution or a judicial police officer (Article 12).
- Judicial police officers must accept reports and complaints and seek clarification. They must take every precautionary measure needed to preserve evidence (Article 36).
- Officers may seek help from doctors and other experts. The prosecutor can order a medical expert’s report (Articles 41 and 94).
- Procedures are in Arabic. If a party does not speak Arabic, the judicial police officer, prosecutor or judge may engage an approved interpreter. They may instead use a technical means approved by the Ministry of Justice (Article 8).
Need Legal Guidance About Reporting Sexual Assault in the UAE?
Leaders Advocates can explain the criminal reporting process, evidence requirements and available legal procedures. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services first.
What happens after you report
| Stage | What happens | Article |
|---|---|---|
| The report | Reports record your statement and the police’s actions. They go to the Public Prosecution with the documents and seized items | 36, 37 |
| Medical evidence | Doctors and experts can be engaged to examine and report | 41, 94 |
| The investigation | The Public Prosecution investigates felonies and misdemeanors itself where necessary, and the procedures and results are confidential | 65, 67 |
| The accused | If arrested, he must be sent to the prosecution within 48 hours and questioned within 24. Remand and release are decided under the rules on custody. The victim cannot apply for the accused’s detention | 48, 103 to 107, 114 |
| The decision | After investigation, the Public Prosecution dismisses the case or sends it to the criminal court. Only an Advocate General can issue a dismissal with prejudice for a felony. It takes effect only after approval by the Attorney General or his deputy. The victim and civil plaintiff are served with the decision. Dismissal bars reopening the investigation unless new evidence appears | 118, 122, 132 |
| If the case is dismissed | The victim and civil plaintiff can each appeal a dismissal with prejudice. Grounds are that the charge is unproven, the act is not punishable, or evidence is insufficient. Lodge a statement at the criminal court’s clerk’s office within 10 days of service. The Court of Appeal examines it in chambers and can order further investigation. If it overturns dismissal, it returns the case to the Public Prosecution for transfer to the criminal court. Its decision is final | 134 to 138 |
| The trial | Hearings on offences against honour are held in camera. The court may also hear the victim’s claim for damages | 162, 23 |
Time limits
- Article 11 lists offences prosecutable only on a complaint. The complaint must be filed within three months of the victim learning of the crime and perpetrator. Rape is not among the listed offences.
- Felonies punishable by death or life imprisonment are excluded from the 20-year limitation period. That period applies to other felonies (Article 21(2)).
- A withdrawal of a complaint ends the case only for the complaint-based offences in Article 11 (Article 17). The Public Prosecution has the exclusive power to institute and prosecute the criminal action (Article 9). For the investigation stage, see the Public Prosecution’s role in criminal investigations.
- Evidence is time-sensitive. A prompt medical examination and report give the investigation the clearest record, even though the law sets no short deadline for this offence.
Need Advice About a Criminal Investigation or Dismissal?
Discuss the investigation status, prosecution decision or applicable appeal procedure with Leaders Advocates. Time limits and available legal steps depend on the specific decision and case documents.
Protecting privacy and your rights
| Protection | What the law provides | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Your data | Investigators may disclose the victim’s data only as the Attorney General’s decisions allow | 7 |
| Closed hearings | Hearings on offences against honour are held in camera, and the court can restrict who attends | 162 |
| Witnesses | The competent bodies must protect witnesses at all stages of the criminal action | 45 |
| Victims with a mental disorder | Until the case is decided, the court can place the victim in a hospital. It can instead hand him to his family or a trusted person | 189 |
| Compensation | A person harmed by the crime can claim damages in the criminal case until pleadings close. The claim must be expressed in the complaint or a later paper, and fees apply | 23, 40 |
| A false accusation | The accused can claim compensation if the accusation was false. This does not affect the seriousness with which a genuine report is treated | 26 |
The law does not give blanket assurances about every other consequence a person might fear. A worried victim should seek advice before or alongside reporting.
What to keep and do
Put safety and care before gathering documents.
- Get medical care as soon as you can. Ask for the examination to be documented and for a copy of the report.
- Report to the police or the Public Prosecution, and keep the reference number and the officer’s details.
- Write down what you remember with dates, times and places, and note any gaps instead of guessing.
- Keep messages, call records, photographs and other files in their original form, and do not edit or crop them.
- Do not contact the accused or return to gather more material if doing so could put you at risk.
- Seek support from a specialist service, such as the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, alongside the legal process.
To discuss reporting or a related damages claim, speak to our lawyers on WhatsApp or use the Contact Us page.
Need Guidance About Evidence or a Compensation Claim?
Speak with Leaders Advocates about the legal reporting process, available records, privacy considerations and civil compensation procedures. Your safety and medical care should remain the priority.
Questions about filing a rape case
Relevant Legal Services
For questions about criminal reporting, sexual assault investigations, evidence, related compensation claims and court proceedings, explore our criminal defence lawyers in Dubai, domestic violence lawyers in Dubai and criminal litigation lawyers in Dubai. The appropriate legal assistance depends on the circumstances, procedural stage and available evidence.
Related Legal Guidance
Need Legal Help With Filing a Rape Case in the UAE?
To discuss a case, speak to our lawyers on WhatsApp or use the Contact Us page. Leaders Advocates can help assess the criminal reporting process, investigation procedures and potential compensation claims. For immediate danger, contact emergency services on 999.
