Arrested in Abu Dhabi: the same law, a different setting
The procedure is federal and therefore identical to Dubai: 48 hours for the police to refer the case, 24 more for the Public Prosecution to question you, then remand or release, with a travel ban that outlives both. What differs is the kind of case, because the economy is different.
What Abu Dhabi produces
- Government and public contracting. Disputes over performance, invoicing and procurement turn criminal far more readily than they would in Europe.
- Energy and construction. Workplace incidents, regulatory matters and contractual disputes with a criminal dimension.
- Professional expatriates. A population of employees on residence visas, for whom an absconding report or a labour dispute can become an immigration and criminal problem at once.
- Financial cases, including the free zone regimes, which have their own courts and their own rules.
- The ordinary caseload: driving, alcohol outside licensed premises, public conduct, and social media offences.
The free zone point deserves care. Some zones operate their own courts applying common law, which coexist with the federal criminal system. Which forum a matter belongs to is a technical question and it is frequently answered wrongly at the outset.
The Emirati clock, in short
Referral to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours, questioning within 24 more, remand of 14 days at a time, bail commonly against surrender of the passport, and a travel ban that continues after release. The full framework is in the guide for the United Arab Emirates.
If it concerns a company
Proceedings against executives of foreign companies operating here are common, and they usually begin as a commercial dispute. Two things follow: the individual and the company need separate advice from the outset, and any Italian exposure — including liability of the entity under Italian law for conduct abroad — has to be assessed in parallel.
The Italian framework is in the guide on corporate criminal liability and in the guide on bribery and corruption, which extends to foreign and international officials.
Frequently asked questions
Is the law different from Dubai?
The criminal procedure is federal and therefore the same. What differs is the caseload, and the presence of free zones with their own courts for certain matters.
A contract dispute has become a police matter.
That happens far more readily here than in Europe. The individual and the company should take separate advice from the outset.
Can I leave after being released?
Not necessarily. The travel ban is separate from the detention and continues until the underlying case is resolved.
Could Italy prosecute the same conduct?
It can, where the conditions on jurisdiction are met, including for payments to foreign officials. Both exposures should be assessed together.
If this is happening now
The first 48 hours decide the shape of the case, and the travel ban decides how long it affects your life. First contact is free and covered by professional privilege, at any hour.