What is criminal conciliation?
It is an amicable settlement between the victim and the defendant that ends a criminal dispute, initiated through the Public Prosecution or the competent court (Article 348 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)).
The victim, their attorney under a special power of attorney, or their heirs can conciliate with the defendant.
Which offences can be settled?
Article 349 lists certain misdemeanours and infractions under the Crimes and Penalties Law, including those under Articles 453 (breach of trust), 454 and 455, 447 (unauthorised use of a vehicle), 425 to 427 (defamation offences), and others, plus any other misdemeanour or infraction where the law says the case ends on conciliation or waiver.
Conciliation is not available for felonies or for offences outside that list. Check the list before agreeing anything.
When can it happen?
At any stage of the litigation, even after the judgment or criminal order becomes final (Article 350(5)).
A request for conciliation that is conditional or limited to a particular timeframe is inadmissible (Article 350(4)). The agreement is recorded in a conciliation report approved by the Prosecutor after the parties sign.
What does conciliation do?
It terminates the criminal action or stays execution of the judgment (Article 357(1)). If it is made after a final judgment or order, the Public Prosecution orders a stay of execution.
Once approved by the Prosecutor, neither side can retract, and the report has the force of a writ of execution (Article 357(3)). A defendant's agreement to criminal mediation and what they say during it cannot be used against them as a confession (Article 357(5)).
What should I do first?
Check the offence is on the list
Article 349.
Get the agreement in writing
Signed by the victim or their attorney under a special power of attorney.
Have it attested if the victim is not present
A notarised instrument works (Article 350(2)).
Do not pay without a recorded agreement
Payment alone does not end a case.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a felony be settled?
Conciliation applies to the offences in Article 349, which are misdemeanours and infractions.
Can we settle after the judgment?
Yes, at any stage even after the judgment becomes final (Article 350(5)).
Is it binding?
Once approved by the Prosecutor, no one can retract it (Article 357(3)).
Does payment end the case?
Only a recorded conciliation approved by the Prosecutor does.
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 guidePlea Bargain
How the Public Prosecution can offer a reduced sentence in exchange for acceptance or confession, what the offer can contain and your right to a lawyer.
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.