Where do I file a complaint?
With the Public Prosecution or with a judicial police officer (Article 12 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)). In a flagrante delicto case you can file it directly with the public authority personnel who are present.
Anyone who becomes aware of a crime that the Public Prosecution may pursue without a complaint should report it to the Public Prosecution or a judicial police officer (Article 38).
Do I have to file a complaint at all?
For some offences, yes. Article 11 says certain offences can only be prosecuted on a complaint from the victim, their representative or an attorney with a special power of attorney.
The complaint is not admitted after three months from the day you learn of the crime and its perpetrator, unless the law says otherwise.
How do I claim compensation?
A complainant is only deemed to be claiming civil damages if they say so in the complaint or in a later paper, or if they claim compensation in either (Article 40).
If you want compensation as well as prosecution, say so clearly and early.
What are the risks of filing?
If the accusation turns out to be false, the accused can claim compensation for the damage from a false accusation (Article 26), and false reporting is itself an offence.
Be accurate and specific, and file only what you can support.
What should I do first?
Write a timeline
Dates, places, names and amounts.
Collect your evidence
Documents, messages, transfers, CCTV details.
Note the three-month deadline
It runs from when you learned of the crime.
Ask for a copy and a reference
You will need it to follow the case.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a complaint at the police?
Yes. A complaint is filed with the Public Prosecution or a judicial police officer (Article 12).
Is there a deadline?
For complaint-based offences, three months from learning of the crime and the perpetrator (Article 11).
Can I ask for compensation?
Yes, if you state it in the complaint or later papers (Article 40).
What if my complaint is false?
The accused can claim compensation (Article 26), and false reporting is an offence under the Crimes and Penalties Law.
Related guides
Police Complaints overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewFalse Complaint
What the law says about knowingly false reports, the penalties and how a falsely accused person can claim compensation.
Read the guidePolice Investigation
The powers and limits of the judicial police during an investigation, and what you should expect at each step.
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.