Skip to main content
Back to dictionary

Public Prosecution

النيابة العامة

criminal law

The Public Prosecution is the authority that investigates crimes and brings criminal cases before UAE courts. After a police complaint or arrest, the file moves to the prosecution, which questions suspects and witnesses, orders detention or release on bail, requests forensic reports, and decides whether to refer the case to court, impose a fine through a penal order, or close it. Prosecutors also handle travel bans in criminal matters and supervise the execution of sentences. It matters because the prosecution stage often determines the outcome: statements you give there are central evidence, and decisions about charges and bail are made before any judge sees the case. You meet it if you are accused, the victim of a crime, or a witness — typically receiving a text summons to attend. Having a lawyer and a sworn interpreter at prosecution interviews is one of the most consequential rights in UAE criminal practice.

Also in

النيابة العامة هي الجهة التي تحقق في الجرائم وترفع الدعوى الجزائية أمام محاكم الإمارات. فبعد البلاغ أو القبض ينتقل الملف إليها، فتستجوب المتهمين والشهود، وتأمر بالحبس الاحتياطي أو الإفراج بكفالة، وتطلب تقارير الطب الشرعي، وتقرر إحالة القضية للمحكمة أو إصدار أمر جزائي بالغرامة أو حفظها، كما تتولى أوامر المنع من السفر في القضايا الجزائية وتشرف على تنفيذ العقوبات. وأهميتها أن مرحلتها تحسم القضية غالباً: فأقوالك أمامها دليل محوري، وقرارات الاتهام والكفالة تُتخذ قبل وصول الملف للقاضي. تواجهها متهماً أو مجنياً عليه أو شاهداً، وحضور محامٍ ومترجم محلف معك حق بالغ الأثر.

Plain-language summary for information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed UAE advocate for your specific case.

Does this affect your situation?

Describe your situation below. Your details go to our team, and a suitable lawyer in the LEXAI directory may receive them so they can contact you about it.

Pick your situation so your enquiry can reach a suitable lawyer in the LEXAI directory who works in that area.

Your details stay private and are used only to handle your enquiry. Your enquiry may be offered to a suitable lawyer automatically, and may be offered to another if there is no response, so a lawyer can contact you about it. Privacy policy

Need advice on this?

Contact a UAE lawyer specialised in this area, or ask the AI assistant first.