What does an extradition defence involve?
It tests the request against the UAE law: whether the conditions in Article 7 are met, whether any ground for refusal in Article 9 applies, and whether the papers satisfy Article 11.
We also look at the person's position in the UAE, such as another investigation here, which can stay extradition under Article 10.
What are the conditions the request must meet?
The offence must be punishable by deprivation of liberty for at least one year in the requesting state and, had it happened in the UAE, in the UAE too. For a sentence to be served, at least six months must remain.
Article 7(4) says it does not matter whether the two states use the same category, name or elements for the act.
When is extradition refused?
Article 9 lists ten grounds, including UAE citizenship, political offences, military offences, persecution on grounds such as race, religion, nationality or political opinion, a time bar, and a real risk of torture or inhumane or degrading treatment.
Whether a ground applies depends on the facts and the documents, so it is never safe to assume one does or does not.
What should I do first?
Get the request and the foreign warrant
The defence starts from the documents the requesting state has actually filed.
List the facts that bear on Articles 7 and 9
Penalty in both states, nationality, time bars, earlier judgments and any risk of mistreatment.
Gather evidence of the conditions you will face
Reports, court records and expert material that show the risk if you are sent back.
Prepare for the closed hearing
We plan what is said, by whom and with which documents before the court sits.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can extradition be refused because the offence is political?
Article 9(3) refuses extradition for a political offence or one connected with it, but political offences do not include terrorism, war crimes, genocide and certain crimes against the State and its leaders.
Does a person have to consent?
No. Consent can allow a shorter route under Articles 13 and 14, but it must be written, voluntary and given with full knowledge of the legal consequences.
Related guides
Extradition Cases overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewExtradition Requests and Proceedings
How a foreign request reaches the UAE courts and what happens at each step of the proceedings.
Read the guideChallenging Extradition Requests
The legal points that can be raised against a foreign request, from missing papers to grounds for refusal.
Read the guideExtradition Appeals
Who can appeal an extradition decision, the time limit and what the appeal court does.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 (International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 15 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.