Home Services Filing a Police Complaint in the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

Filing a Police Complaint in the UAE

A police complaint in the UAE is an official report submitted to law enforcement authorities to record a violation, initiate an investigation, and protect the complainant’s rights. Complaints can be filed by individuals (citizens, residents, or tourists) as well as companies through authorized representatives or lawyers.


When a Complaint Can Be Filed

CategoryExample Situations
Financial disputesBounced cheques, fraud, refusal to repay debt
Violence and threatsPhysical assault, harassment, threats
CybercrimeAccount hacking, phishing, online defamation
Commercial disputesForgery of contracts, corporate fraud
Defamation and insultsIncluding WhatsApp, Instagram, and social media
Traffic accidents & violationsCollisions causing damage or injury
Lost documentsPassport, Emirates ID — to obtain a police report
Domestic violenceComplaints against spouse or relatives

Who Can File a Complaint

  • UAE citizens.
  • Residents with Emirates ID.
  • Tourists (with passport).
  • Companies (via PRO, director, or lawyer).

How to File a Complaint

  1. In person at a police station: visit the nearest branch (Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police), present Emirates ID/passport, and provide evidence (screenshots, receipts, videos).
  2. Through online services: Dubai Police App, adpolice.gov.ae (Abu Dhabi), moi.gov.ae (Sharjah), rakpolice.gov.ae (RAK).
  3. Through Dubai Smart Police Stations: 24/7 self-service kiosks with translation support.

What Happens After Filing a Complaint

  • The police register the complaint and verify the facts.
  • If grounds exist, an investigation begins with interrogations.
  • The case is referred to the Public Prosecution.
  • The prosecutor may close the case, open a criminal file, or request arrest/travel ban orders.

Important to Know

QuestionAnswer
Complaint languageArabic (English translation may be accepted)
Can a complaint be withdrawn?Yes, before referral to court (not always guaranteed)
False complaint liabilityFine and/or imprisonment
Travel banMay be imposed automatically
Company complaintsFiled by an authorized representative

Faced with fraud, threats, or a legal violation?

MIRAD provides expert support in filing police complaints in Dubai and across the UAE, ensuring your rights are protected.

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HowTo: Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Police Complaint in the UAE

  1. Identify the category of violation (finance, cybercrime, violence, traffic).
  2. Collect evidence (messages, photos, videos, documents).
  3. Choose submission method: police station, online, or Smart Police Station.
  4. Complete the application (in Arabic).
  5. Keep the complaint reference number for tracking.
  6. If necessary, engage a lawyer for representation.

What MIRAD Does

  • Advise on filing police complaints (online and in person).
  • Prepare evidence and draft the complaint in Arabic.
  • Represent clients when dealing with police and prosecution.
  • Monitor investigation progress.
  • Handle criminal cases through trial and appeals.

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