How can a criminal case end?
Article 21 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law) lists the grounds: death of the accused, a final judgment or conclusive criminal order, conciliation or waiver by the party entitled, pardon, repeal of the law, and lapse of the limitation period.
In practice most cases end in one of three ways: the Public Prosecution dismisses it, the parties waive or conciliate where allowed, or the court gives judgment.
What does dismissal by the prosecution mean?
Under Article 118, after its investigation the Public Prosecution may dismiss the case with prejudice and order the accused released, unless they are held for another reason.
In felonies, dismissal can only be issued by an Advocate General or their designee and takes effect only after the Attorney General or deputy approves it. The decision must state the charge, its legal characterisation and the grounds, and be served on the victim and the plaintiff.
Can a dismissed case be reopened?
Yes, in limited ways. For misdemeanours the Attorney General may revoke a dismissal within three months of its issue unless it was appealed and the appeal dismissed (Article 120).
Article 132 says the order prevents the re-initiation of the investigation unless new evidence comes to light, and defines new evidence as witness statements, reports, papers or electronic evidence not submitted initially that reinforce insufficient evidence or help reveal the truth.
What about a dismissal without prejudice?
For misdemeanours and petty offences, if the Public Prosecution finds no legal ground to proceed, it dismisses the case without prejudice (Article 119).
If instead it is convinced the case is ready, it summons the accused to appear immediately before the competent criminal court.
What should I do first?
Get a copy of any dismissal order
The grounds matter if the case is reopened.
Ask your lawyer about new-evidence risk
Article 132 allows reopening.
Make sure you are released
Unless detained for another reason.
Keep the order safe
You may need it later for work or travel.
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Frequently asked questions
What is dismissal with prejudice?
A decision of the Public Prosecution after investigation to dismiss the case and release the accused (Article 118).
Can the prosecution reopen a case?
For misdemeanours the Attorney General can revoke dismissal within three months (Article 120), and new evidence allows re-initiation (Article 132).
Does a waiver end every case?
Only where the offence allows waiver or conciliation (Articles 17 and 21).
Who approves dismissal in a felony?
An Advocate General or designee, with approval by the Attorney General or deputy (Article 118(2)).
Related guides
Criminal Case Process overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewComplaint Withdrawal
When a complainant's withdrawal ends a criminal case and when it does not, and the deadline for filing a complaint.
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.