What happens in an airport arrest?
A person is stopped at passport control or customs because of a warrant, a ban, a customs matter or a case.
The first hours decide what follows, so speed matters.
What do we do?
We locate the person, find out the authority and the reason, attend, and act on release or transfer.
We also support the family and sort out onward travel.
What should the person do?
Stay calm, ask for a lawyer and do not sign what you do not understand.
Keep your phone details so that we can be contacted.
What should I do first?
Call us from the airport if you can
Even a short call helps.
Note the authority and the reason
Any document you are given.
Do not sign unread papers
Ask for an explanation first.
Tell the family where you are
So they can reach us.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can an airport arrest affect my flight?
Yes. The trip may be missed. We advise on rebooking only after the case position is clear.
Does a drug find at the airport lead to arrest?
It can, and those cases are handled separately. The airport drug guide explains it.
Related guides
Travel Bans, Deportation & Airport Cases overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewAirport Arrest
Why people are stopped at UAE airports on arrival, departure or in transit, and what your rights are.
Read the guideAirport Drug Cases
What happens when a controlled substance or prescribed medicine is found at a UAE airport, and how the law treats entering with a substance.
Read the guideArrest
When a judicial police officer can arrest, how ordinary citizens can hand someone over, and what must happen next.
Read the guideSources
This page describes how we act in this type of case. It does not restate the law: the linked guides set out the statutory position and cite the official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, uaelegislation.gov.ae. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.