United Arab Emirates

You’re subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Behaviour that could be considered offensive or antisocial, but not criminal, in Australia could violate UAE law. Anyone breaking UAE laws, even without knowing, may face severe punishments.

UAE law applies to you even if you’re only transiting and don’t leave the airport.

The UAE is a mostly Muslim country. Local laws closely reflect Islamic practices and beliefs.

Sharia or Islamic courts work alongside the civil and criminal courts in the UAE. This can make legal issues and systems complicated.

Even simple legal issues can be complex and take time to be resolved. Custodial sentences are served in local jails.

Legal process

If you come to the attention of UAE authorities, your case will be dealt with by the local legal and judicial system. This differs significantly from Australia’s legal system.

If you’re arrested, authorities may hold you for a long time before your case goes to trial. UAE authorities can hold your passport and stop you from leaving the country. Even simple legal issues can take a long time to resolve. Custodial sentences are served in local jails.

If you’re going to be deported, you’ll be in immigration detention for at least 24 hours before being allowed to leave the UAE.

To get a list of lawyers who can represent you, either:

If you’re arrested or jailed, we will do what we can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

Laws in individual emirates

The UAE is made up of 7 emirates, each with its own justice system. Laws, legal procedures and penalties vary between systems.

There’s a federal court system with a final court of appeal in Abu Dhabi. This is called the Abu Dhabi Supreme Court. Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah aren’t part of this system.

Commercial, civil and family law disputes

Australians are often involved in disputes where local firms or courts have taken their passport. This prevents them from leaving the UAE until the dispute is settled.

You can be jailed or stopped from leaving the UAE for offences, including:

• having a cheque dishonoured
• not paying bills, including court fines, hotel bills, personal loans and local credit cards

If you travel to the UAE with an unpaid UAE debt, authorities are likely to detain you on arrival. This applies even if you’re only in transit and don’t plan to leave the airport.

Bail is generally not available to non-residents arrested for fraud. You can be jailed until debts are settled.

If you take part in activities involving local legal matters, get professional legal advice. This is particularly relevant for family law matters including:

• divorce
• child custody 
• child support

Ask a legal professional about your rights and responsibilities.

If you have children or assets in the UAE, get local legal advice about preparing a local will.

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law.

Drugs

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, including for travellers transiting through the country. No one accused of drug crimes is eligible for bail.

Penalties for drug trafficking may include the death penalty, or a sentence up to life imprisonment.

Penalties for having or using illegal drugs include lengthy jail terms and heavy fines. These laws also apply if you’re transiting through the UAE.

If illegal drugs are found in blood or urine tests, this is considered possession. It won’t matter where or how long ago you consumed the drugs.

You can be charged with possession if trace amounts of drugs are found on your body, clothing or luggage. You can be convicted for 0.05g or less.

Avoid carrying substances that could be mistaken for drugs or drug equipment. This can include, for example, marijuana-flavoured or branded:

• liquor
• tea
• chewing gum
• lollies

Lab testing on suspicious substances could take days or weeks. During this time, authorities could detain you without bail.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government