Can a complaint be withdrawn?
Only for offences that require a complaint. Under Article 11 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law) the criminal action can only be instituted for certain offences on a complaint by the victim, and for those, Article 17 allows the complainant to waive the complaint at any time before a final judgment, which terminates the criminal action.
For other offences, the Public Prosecution has exclusive jurisdiction to institute and prosecute the case (Article 9), so a complainant's change of mind does not automatically end it.
Which offences need a complaint?
Article 11 lists theft, fraud, breach of trust and concealment of items obtained from them where the victim is the spouse, ascendant or descendant of the perpetrator, failure to hand over a child to the person with custody, failure to pay alimony, custody or housing costs awarded by the court, and insult and slander, as well as other offences the law defines.
The complaint is not admitted after three months from the day the victim learns of the crime and the perpetrator, unless the law says otherwise.
How does a waiver work with several people?
If there are several victims, the waiver is effective only if all complainants make it. If there are several accused, a waiver for one has effect for the rest (Article 17).
If the waiver is made after the judgment is final, the Public Prosecution orders a stay of execution of the penalty and releases the convict.
Is a settlement possible for other offences?
The criminal action is terminated by conciliation or waiver by the party legally entitled to waive (Article 21), where the law allows it.
Whether conciliation is available depends on the offence, so do not assume a payment or apology ends a case. Take advice first.
What should I do first?
Check whether your offence needs a complaint
That decides whether withdrawal ends it.
Record the date the victim learned of the crime
The three-month deadline runs from then.
Make withdrawal formal
It must be filed, not just agreed.
Do not pressure the complainant
It can be treated as interference.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Does withdrawal always close the case?
No. It does so for complaint-based offences under Articles 11 and 17. Other offences continue under the Public Prosecution (Article 9).
What is the deadline for a complaint?
Three months from when the victim learns of the crime and its perpetrator, unless the law says otherwise (Article 11).
Can a victim withdraw after conviction?
Yes, if the offence is complaint-based, the Public Prosecution then stays the penalty and releases the convict (Article 17(5)).
What if the victim dies?
The right to file lapses on death, but if the complaint was already filed the case continues (Article 16).
Related guides
Criminal Case Process overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCase Closure
The ways a criminal case can end, including dismissal by the Public Prosecution, termination by waiver or time bar, and judgment.
Read the guideTime Limits
How long the State has to prosecute a crime, what stops the clock and the other time limits that apply during a case.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.