Contacted by the police or Public Prosecution? Speak to a lawyer before your next step — including before any interview or statement.
When the stakes are high, experience, strategy and preparation matter. MBM’s criminal lawyers advise and represent individuals, executives and businesses across the UAE — from financial crime, cybercrime and white-collar crime to drug offenses, violent crime and criminal appeals — at every stage, from a police enquiry and referral to Public Prosecution through to representation before Dubai’s criminal courts.
The steps taken in the earliest stages of a criminal matter can shape everything that follows. If you or your business have been contacted by Dubai Police or Public Prosecution, speaking with a criminal lawyer before your next step — including before any interview or statement — is advisable.
A criminal allegation is rarely just a legal question. It can affect personal freedom, reputation, professional standing and financial interests, often all at once. MBM begins by understanding the full picture before advising on a single next step.
Every consultation with MBM is treated as confidential — from the first phone call through to the conclusion of the matter, whether the discussion concerns a police enquiry, a matter before Public Prosecution or proceedings in the criminal courts.
Criminal allegations take many forms, and each requires a careful assessment of the specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction and procedural stage involved — whether the case is at the police enquiry stage, before Public Prosecution, or already before Dubai’s criminal courts.
Bank, investment, insurance, commercial and accounting fraud, embezzlement, asset misappropriation, breach of trust and money laundering matters, including financial investigations and financial crime defense. MBM advises individuals, executives and businesses in Dubai and across the UAE on financial crime allegations at every stage, from initial enquiry to representation before the criminal courts.
Online fraud, unauthorized access, electronic extortion and blackmail, digital threats, online harassment, digital defamation and technology-related criminal investigations. Cybercrime allegations in the UAE can move quickly from complaint to police involvement, and MBM advises on cybercrime and digital offense matters from the earliest stage.
Corporate criminal liability, director and executive investigations, employee misconduct, regulatory and compliance-related criminal matters affecting a business. MBM advises companies and their directors on white-collar crime exposure in the UAE, including internal reviews and representation before Public Prosecution.
Assault, serious assault, criminal threats, battery-related and injury-related offenses, public violence and violent crime investigations. MBM represents individuals facing violent crime allegations in Dubai and the wider UAE, from the police interview stage through to criminal court proceedings.
Legal representation and defense advice for possession, use, trafficking, distribution and import/export allegations — focused strictly on legal representation through the applicable procedures. Drug-related cases are treated seriously under UAE law, and MBM advises clients on their rights and options from the earliest stage of an investigation.
Theft, attempted theft, robbery, burglary, possession of stolen property, criminal damage and other property-related criminal disputes. MBM advises individuals and businesses on property crime allegations in Dubai, including representation before the police, Public Prosecution and criminal courts.
Forgery, signature and commercial document forgery, false and fraudulent documentation, use of forged documents and electronic document issues. MBM advises on document fraud and forgery allegations across the UAE, including matters involving commercial contracts, cheques and official documents.
Handled with particular discretion. Representation approached with strict confidentiality, respect for due process and a strategic, professional approach. MBM’s criminal lawyers provide discreet advice and representation in connection with sexual offense allegations in Dubai and across the UAE.
Blackmail, extortion, electronic blackmail and digital extortion, criminal intimidation and reputation-related threats. MBM advises individuals and executives facing blackmail or extortion allegations in the UAE, including matters that originate online or through digital communication.
Defamation, online and social media defamation, and reputation-related criminal complaints — coordinated where relevant with MBM’s civil litigation team. Defamation matters in the UAE can carry criminal exposure in addition to civil liability, and MBM advises on both dimensions where relevant.
Serious traffic offenses, dangerous or reckless driving allegations, accident and injury-related traffic cases, and driving-under-the-influence matters. MBM advises drivers and businesses on serious traffic offenses in Dubai that carry criminal, rather than purely administrative, exposure.
Domestic violence allegations and family-related criminal complaints, approached with neutral language and without assumptions about guilt. MBM advises individuals involved in family and domestic criminal matters in the UAE, with sensitivity to the personal circumstances involved.
Representation of minors during investigations and court proceedings, handled with a sensitive, protective and professional approach. MBM advises families on juvenile criminal matters in Dubai, prioritizing the wellbeing of the minor throughout the process.
International and cross-border investigations, matters involving foreign nationals, extradition-related issues, subject to the relevant laws and procedures. MBM advises expatriates, foreign nationals and international businesses on cross-border criminal matters connected to the UAE.
Investigations connected to a company, and the exposure they may create for directors, executives, shareholders and the business itself. MBM advises UAE-based and international businesses on corporate criminal matters, including regulatory investigations and internal compliance reviews.
Assessing the grounds for an appeal and representing clients in appellate proceedings. MBM does not guarantee the reversal of a judgment. MBM advises clients across the UAE on the availability of an appeal following a criminal court judgment, and on the procedure before the Court of Appeal.
Advice in connection with Interpol Red Notices, diffusions and other international notices, including their potential effect on travel, banking and business activities. MBM advises individuals and businesses on the options available for seeking review or removal of a notice, subject to the applicable procedures and Interpol’s own rules.
Following recent reforms to the UAE’s criminal laws, certain conduct once treated as a criminal offense has been decriminalized, reclassified or made subject to reduced or alternative penalties. MBM advises clients on whether these legal reforms may be relevant to an existing complaint, investigation or ongoing matter.
A criminal investigation or conviction can carry immigration consequences for non-nationals, including the risk of a deportation order. MBM advises expatriates and foreign nationals on the potential immigration consequences of a criminal matter, and represents clients in connection with deportation orders arising from criminal proceedings.
Criminal matters in the UAE typically move through a defined procedural path. Understanding each stage helps you know what to expect and when to act.
Initial enquiries, evidence gathering and early legal advice before any formal complaint is filed. Acting at this stage can shape the options available later.
Statements, interviews and procedural steps before Dubai Police or the relevant police authority. Legal advice before an interview can clarify your rights and obligations.
Referral to Public Prosecution, further questioning and a decision on whether charges proceed. This stage is often decisive in whether a matter reaches the criminal courts.
Proceedings, hearings and representation before the Court of First Instance. MBM prepares and presents the case based on the evidence and applicable UAE law.
The Court issues its judgment based on the evidence and arguments presented, setting out its findings and any penalties imposed.
Where grounds exist, assessing and pursuing an appeal before the Court of Appeal, generally within strict statutory timeframes.
An approach built around the case, not a template.
Every matter begins with a careful review of the facts, evidence and procedural posture before any advice is given, so the strategy reflects the realities of the case rather than a generic playbook.
Grounded, current knowledge of UAE criminal law and procedure, developed through direct experience before UAE authorities and courts, including Dubai Police, Public Prosecution and the criminal courts.
Criminal matters are sensitive by nature. MBM handles every engagement with discretion and professional confidentiality, from the first phone call to the conclusion of the matter.
No two cases are alike. Strategy is built around the specific facts and objectives of each client — whether the matter involves an individual, an executive or a business.
Clear, direct communication and dedicated attention from enquiry through to the conclusion of the matter, so clients understand their position at each stage.
An initial discussion to understand the facts and circumstances of your matter, so MBM can advise on the available options and next steps. You do not need any of this to make the call.
If you have been contacted by the police or Public Prosecution, or an interview is scheduled, call first. Do not wait to gather documents.
Every matter is different, but the discipline behind MBM’s approach is constant — careful assessment, thorough preparation and considered representation at every stage, from the first enquiry to representation before Dubai’s criminal courts.
General information about criminal law and criminal defense in Dubai and the UAE. This does not constitute legal advice — every case depends on its specific facts, so please contact MBM directly to discuss your circumstances.
It is advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible, ideally before attending any interview or providing a statement, so that your rights and options are properly understood.
Yes. MBM’s legal team advises on and represents clients in criminal matters in Dubai, Sharjah and across the UAE, from the earliest stage of a police enquiry through to representation before the criminal courts and, where applicable, appeal.
MBM advises on a broad range of criminal matters including financial crime, cybercrime, white-collar crime, violent crime, drug offenses, property crime, document and fraud offenses, sexual offenses, blackmail and extortion, defamation, traffic crimes, family and domestic matters, juvenile matters, cross-border matters, corporate criminal matters, criminal appeals, Interpol and international notice matters, decriminalization matters arising from recent legal reforms, and deportation-related matters.
Yes, MBM advises businesses, directors and executives in connection with corporate criminal exposure and related investigations.
Matters generally move through investigation, police involvement, referral to Public Prosecution, criminal court proceedings, judgment and, where applicable, appeal. The exact path depends on the nature of the allegation.
Public Prosecution reviews evidence referred by the police, may conduct further questioning, and decides whether a matter proceeds to criminal court.
Yes, MBM can assess the grounds available for an appeal and represent clients before the Court of Appeal. An appeal is not available or appropriate in every case.
Yes, including matters involving fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust and money laundering allegations.
Yes, MBM advises on cybercrime matters including online fraud, unauthorized access, electronic blackmail and other digital offenses.
MBM provides legal representation and advice in connection with drug-related allegations, focused strictly on the client’s legal rights and defense within the applicable legal procedures.
Yes, including online and social media defamation matters, coordinated where relevant with MBM’s civil litigation team.
Yes, MBM advises on domestic and family-related criminal complaints, approached with neutral, non-judgmental language and respect for due process.
Yes, MBM can represent minors during investigations and proceedings, with a sensitive and protective approach appropriate to juvenile matters.
Yes, MBM advises on cross-border criminal matters, including matters involving foreign nationals and extradition-related issues, subject to applicable laws and procedures.
An initial discussion to understand the facts and circumstances of your matter, so that MBM can advise on the available options and next steps.
Yes, MBM treats every consultation and engagement with professional confidentiality, whether the matter is at the enquiry stage or already before Public Prosecution or the criminal courts.
Yes. Some incidents can give rise to both criminal liability and a separate civil claim for damages. MBM can advise on both dimensions where relevant, and coordinate with its civil litigation team as needed.
In some categories of offense, a complaint may be capable of withdrawal or settlement between the parties, subject to the applicable law and the stage the matter has reached. MBM can advise on whether this may be relevant to your case.
MBM is based in Dubai and Sharjah and regularly advises on criminal matters across the UAE. Please contact MBM to discuss the specifics of a matter arising in another Emirate.
No responsible law firm can guarantee the outcome of a criminal matter. MBM’s role is to provide diligent, strategic representation based on the facts and applicable law.
As early as possible. Early legal advice can help you understand your position before key procedural steps take place.
Yes, MBM regularly advises expatriates and foreign nationals on criminal matters within the UAE legal system.
Any documents, correspondence or notices you have received in connection with the matter, along with a clear timeline of events as you understand them.
Yes, MBM advises on serious traffic offenses, including dangerous driving and accident-related matters that carry criminal exposure.
You can request a confidential consultation through the form on this page, call MBM directly, or send an enquiry by email.
Tell us briefly about your matter. Our team will review your enquiry and advise you on the appropriate next step. Every consultation is treated as confidential.
If you have been contacted by the police or Public Prosecution, or an interview is scheduled, please call rather than waiting for a reply by email.
A member of MBM’s criminal law team will review what you have sent and come back to you with the appropriate next step, in confidence.
If your matter is time-critical, please call +971 4 570 0204 rather than waiting.
MBM’s criminal law team is available to discuss your matter in confidence and advise on the best path forward, whatever stage it has reached — from an initial enquiry to proceedings before the criminal courts.
