Disclaimer – UAE context, 2025: This is general information about can you be extradited from dubai prepared by the UAE qualified lawyers. It is not personalised legal advice. If you suspect an extradition risk, engage counsel immediately.
Understanding Extradition from Dubai | UAE Extradition Law
Who Can Be Extradited from Dubai — and Why?
Any non-citizen — tourist, resident, or expatriate — may be surrendered if a foreign prosecutor files a compliant request and the case ticks every UAE legal box. Typical triggers include fraud, money laundering, violent offences, cybercrime and large scale narcotics. UAE nationals are almost never extradited; instead, they stand trial at home.
Deportation vs Extradition
| Action | What it is | Key driver |
| Deportation | Administrative removal for immigration or security reasons | Immigration officer’s decision |
| Extradition | Court tested hand over to face charges or a sentence abroad | Judicial order + ministerial sign off |
Legal Framework Governing Extradition in the UAE
Federal Law 39 of 2006 (as amended 2023)
The backbone statute says the UAE will not extradite if:
- The conduct is not criminal in both states.
- The case is political.
- The requester may impose the death penalty, torture, or an unfair trial.
layers in the Process
- Public Prosecution – screens the file.
- Court of First Instance / Court of Appeal – hold hearings and rule on legality.
- Minister of Justice → President – issue the final go or no go decree.
Bilateral & Multilateral Treaties
Forty plus treaties (UK 2008, USA 2006, India 1999, Australia 2010) spell out paperwork, deadlines and offence lists.
Countries That Can Request Extradition from Dubai
UAE ↔ United Kingdom
- 2008 treaty; frequent fraud and white collar matters.
- Must show dual criminality and certified evidence bundles.
UAE ↔ United States
- 2006 treaty; “probable cause” dossier required.
- Cyber crime and FCPA style corruption dominate recent cases.
EU, India, Australia & Others
- India – robust pipeline for bank fraud and economic offences.
- EU members – individual MOUs; France, Germany, Italy are active.
- Australia – often drug trafficking or child exploitation cases.
An individual wanted abroad for drug trafficking or possession may face extradition depending on the treaties involved. For locals and expats alike, it’s important to recognize the heavy punishment for drugs in Dubai and the long-term consequences of conviction.
Interpol Red Notice as a Trigger
A Red Notice is not an arrest warrant, but Dubai Police routinely detain notice holders while prosecutors examine formal extradition.
Countries That Typically Cannot Extradite from Dubai
- No treaty / strained relations: Iran, North Korea, certain African states.
- Political offence shield: the UAE refuses offences rooted in dissent or persecution.
- “Strategic” relocations: Russia, China, Montenegro lack UAE treaties, yet carry their own risks (visa issues, surveillance, asset exposure).
Extradition Process in Dubai — Step-by-Step
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
| Arrest | Police act on Red Notice or direct request | Same day |
| Prosecutor review | Checks prima facie compliance | ≤ 15 days |
| Court hearings | Evidence, dual criminality, human rights test | 1–4 months |
| Appeals | Either side may appeal | + 2–3 months |
| Ministerial / Presidential decision | Final political legal sign off | Few weeks |
Overall: 3 – 12 months, longer if appeals or diplomatic wrangling drag on.
Before extradition is even considered, an arrest warrant must typically be issued in the UAE or by the requesting country. If you’re already in the UAE and facing legal issues, it’s crucial to understand how to get rid of an arrest warrant to prevent further escalation. Taking early legal action can sometimes resolve the matter locally without involving international courts.
Legal Defences Against Extradition from Dubai
- No dual criminality – the act isn’t a crime in the UAE.
- Political/Humanitarian bar – persecution, health risk, or capital punishment.
- Unfair trial evidence – flawed judiciary, torture, or inhuman prisons.
- Red Notice abuse – file for deletion at Interpol’s CCF citing bad faith.
How Our Interpol & Extradition Team Fights Your Case
- Rapid jail visits & bail motions – protect rights from hour one.
- Multi-layer appeals – Court of Appeal, Court of Cassation, Constitutional arguments.
- Cross border coordination – gather exculpatory proof abroad, sync defence strategy.
- Tight confidentiality – NDAs, encrypted client comms, discreet court filings.
Recent High Profile Cases
- $200 m Ponzi fraudster – extradited to the UK after eight month fight.
- Crypto exchange founder – UAE court denied U.S. request citing dual criminality gaps.
- Gulf political activist – Red Notice deleted by CCF; asylum later granted in Canada.
Facing Extradition? Your First 72 Hours
- Stay put – airports and borders are heavily monitored.
- Call a UAE licensed extradition lawyer – speed is everything.
- Gather documents – medical records, business ties, evidence of political risk.
Extradition Without a Treaty
The UAE may still comply under:
- Reciprocity pledges – “You helped us, we’ll help you.”
- UN conventions – anti-terror, anti-narcotics, anti-corruption frameworks.
- Security exceptions – urgent terrorism or organised crime threats.
Why Choose Our Interpol Lawyers in Dubai?
- Multilingual bench strength – Emirati, English, Hindi, French, Russian.
- Proven track record – treaty and non treaty wins, Red Notice removals.
- 24 / 7 response – airport detentions, midnight raids, Interpol alerts.
Understanding your situation and the specific legal agreements between the UAE and the requesting country is critical. Our Interpol lawyers in Dubai can help determine whether extradition is even possible based on the facts of your case.
Take Action Now – If an extradition shadow looms, early legal intervention can be the difference between freedom and a one way flight. Contact our Interpol defence team today for a confidential strategy session.
FAQs – Can You Be Extradited from Dubai?
1- Can the UAE extradite me without a treaty?
Yes, via reciprocity or UN conventions, but the bar is higher.
2- Do dual nationals face extradition?
Yes—unless they hold UAE citizenship. Emiratis are tried domestically.
3- Will a Red Notice guarantee extradition?
No. It may spark arrest, but courts still test the request.
4- How long does the process last?
Average 3–12 months, longer with appeals.
5- Can I fight extradition in court?
Absolutely. Dual criminality, human rights and procedural flaws are common defences.
6- Is extradition to the UK or USA common?
Yes, both treaties are active—especially for financial and cyber crimes.
7- Which countries lack treaties with the UAE?
Examples: Russia, China, North Korea, several African states—but political realities vary.