What should I do if I am detained by police in Dubai?

If you are detained by police in Dubai, stay calm and cooperative, and avoid signing any document you do not fully understand, especially statements in a language you do not read. You are generally entitled to know the reason for your detention and to seek legal assistance, and you can ask to contact your family or, if you are a foreign national, request that your consulate or embassy be notified. Do not admit to anything or sign confessions under pressure before getting advice, as statements can carry significant weight in proceedings. The Public Prosecution reviews the matter and decides on continued detention or release, sometimes on conditions. Procedures and time limits for these stages are set by UAE law and applied by the authorities, so the specifics should be confirmed in your case. The most important early step is to involve a qualified defence lawyer quickly, who can attend, review the allegations, and protect your position. You can compare verified UAE criminal-defence professionals on LEXAI to get representation as early as possible.