How to File a Criminal Complaint in Dubai

Dubai Police provides digital services that allow individuals to submit certain criminal complaints electronically. The online process can help complainants begin a report without first visiting a police station, although the authorities may later request attendance, original documents, additional evidence, or clarification.

Dubai Police’s current service catalogue includes a service for opening criminal complaints and indicates that criminal reports can be coordinated with the relevant authorities.

Step 1: Access the Dubai Police Service In Dubai

Begin through the official Dubai Police digital service channels and access the reporting services.

The reporting section provides different options depending on the nature of the matter. Select the service relating to filing a criminal complaint.

Before starting, make sure you have the relevant documents and information available.

Step 2: Select the Criminal Complaint Service In Dubai

Choose the option for filing or opening a criminal complaint.

The available service options may change over time, so applicants should follow the categories currently displayed on the official Dubai Police platform rather than relying solely on an older screenshot or guide.

The correct classification is important because the supporting documents and information required can differ according to the type of complaint.

Step 3: Complete the Complainant Information In Dubai

The complaint process requires information concerning the complainant and the incident.

Depending on the case, the portal may require the complainant to identify the police station connected with the location of the incident and select the relevant complaint category.

The source material identifies categories such as:

Breach of trust
Forgery
Fraud
Insult or defamation-related matters

The appropriate category should be selected according to the actual facts and available evidence.

A complaint should not be presented as a criminal matter simply because there is an unpaid amount or contractual disagreement. The facts should support the criminal allegation being made.

Step 4: Prepare the Supporting Documents In Dubai

Supporting documents can be important to the review of a criminal complaint.

The documents required depend on the category selected.

Documents for a Breach of Trust Complaint

The source identifies documents such as:

Emirates ID or passport copy
Certified legal auditor’s report
Power of Attorney, where applicable
Legal Arabic translations, where available or required
Trust receipt

Documents for a Forgery Complaint

Documents may include:

Emirates ID or passport copy
The document alleged to be forged
Power of Attorney, where applicable

Documents for a Fraud Complaint

The source identifies documents such as:

Emirates ID or passport copy
Bank account statement where payment was made through a bank
Proof of transfer for other payment methods
Chats, agreements, receipts, or documents supporting the alleged fraud
Power of Attorney, where applicable

The exact requirements displayed by Dubai Police should be checked at the time of filing because digital services and document requirements can change.

Step 5: Upload the Documents In Dubai

The next stage involves uploading the supporting documents requested for the selected complaint category.

For a fraud-related complaint, this may include payment records, transfer evidence, agreements, messages, receipts, and other records relevant to the allegation.

Keep the original documents safely.

Screenshots and digital records should ideally preserve important information such as dates, names, account details, transaction information, and surrounding messages. Avoid altering evidence in a way that removes relevant context.

Step 6: Provide the General Details of the Incident In Dubai

The complaint should explain what happened clearly and chronologically.

Important information may include:

The relationship between the complainant and the person or entity complained against
What happened
When and where the events occurred
Relevant transaction details
The financial or other loss alleged
Documents and communications supporting the complaint

A factual and organised explanation can make it easier to understand how the evidence relates to the allegation.

Avoid unnecessary emotion, unsupported accusations, or conclusions that cannot be demonstrated through the available evidence.

Step 7: Enter the Accused Person’s Details In Dubai

The portal may request information that can help identify the person or entity referred to in the complaint.

Where available, provide relevant identifying information such as:

Full name
Phone number
Address
Company name
Business location
Trade licence information
Social-media account details
Transaction references
Other documents identifying the person or entity

If some information is unavailable, provide the identifying information that you do have rather than guessing.

Step 8: Add Additional Information In Dubai

The additional-information section can be used for relevant facts that do not fit elsewhere in the form.

For example, a complainant may use it to:

Identify potential witnesses
Explain the importance of a particular document
Clarify a transaction
Provide additional relevant facts

There is usually no need to repeat the entire complaint. Focus on information that assists the authorities in understanding the matter.

Step 9: Review and Submit the Complaint In Dubai

Before submitting, carefully review the information entered.

Check that:

The appropriate complaint category has been selected
The incident details are accurate
Dates and transaction amounts are correct
Supporting documents are attached
The written account matches the evidence
Any required authority documents are included

After submission, retain the complaint reference number and copies of the documents provided.

What Happens After Filing a Criminal Complaint In Dubai

Submitting an online complaint does not necessarily mean that a criminal case will automatically proceed.

The authorities may review the complaint, supporting documents, and nature of the allegation before determining the appropriate next step.

A complainant may be contacted and asked to:

Attend a police station
Provide a statement
Present original documents
Provide additional evidence
Clarify particular facts
Submit translations or other records

Depending on the circumstances, a matter may proceed to further investigation and may be referred to the Public Prosecution where appropriate.

Common Problems That Can Affect a Complaint In Dubai

Several issues can make a complaint more difficult to assess, including:

Choosing a category that does not correspond with the facts
Providing incomplete evidence
Failing to provide payment or transfer records in a fraud allegation
Uploading screenshots without important dates or surrounding context
Providing documents without required translations
Failing to provide a Power of Attorney when filing through a representative
Giving an unclear or incomplete description of the incident
Treating an ordinary contractual or debt dispute as a criminal allegation without evidence of a criminal element

A complaint should therefore be prepared around the facts and evidence rather than simply around the desired legal classification.

What If You Do Not Know All the Accused Person’s Details In Dubai

You should provide all identifying information that is genuinely available.

This may include a person’s name, phone number, email address, company information, transaction records, account information contained in relevant documents, or other identifying details.

Do not invent missing information.

Providing accurate information can help the authorities assess the complaint and identify the person or entity concerned.

Fraud and Breach of Trust Are Not the Same In Dubai

Fraud and breach of trust can involve different factual circumstances.

Fraud generally concerns alleged deception or dishonest conduct that causes another person to part with money, property, or another benefit.

Breach of trust generally concerns property, money, or documents entrusted to another person for a particular purpose and allegedly misused or dealt with contrary to that purpose.

The correct legal classification depends on the facts and evidence of the individual matter.

What If the Complaint Is Closed In Dubai

If a complaint is closed at the relevant stage, the available options depend on the reason for closure and the applicable procedure.

The source material indicates that a complainant may be able to challenge a closure decision through a grievance to the Dubai Public Prosecution, subject to the applicable requirements.

The complaint reference, relevant police-station information, supporting evidence, and reasons for requesting a review should be preserved.

Because procedural rights and deadlines can depend on the circumstances, obtaining legal advice can be useful when challenging a closure decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a criminal complaint online in Dubai?

Dubai Police provides digital services for opening criminal complaints. The available service and requirements should be checked on the official Dubai Police platform at the time of filing.

Do I have to visit a police station after filing online?

Not necessarily in every case. However, the authorities may request the complainant to attend, provide a statement, present original documents, or clarify the evidence.

What documents should I keep?

Keep original agreements, receipts, bank records, payment confirmations, messages, emails, screenshots, identification documents, and any other records relevant to the complaint.

Can a contractual dispute be filed as fraud?

A contractual dispute does not automatically amount to fraud. There should be facts and evidence supporting the relevant criminal allegation.

What should I do after submitting the complaint?

Keep the complaint reference number, copies of all submitted documents, and records of any communication received from the authorities.

Conclusion

Dubai Police’s digital complaint services provide a structured way for individuals to begin certain criminal complaints online. The process generally requires accurate incident information, appropriate classification, supporting documents, and a clear factual explanation.

For matters involving alleged fraud, breach of trust, forgery, significant financial losses, complex transactions, or extensive digital evidence, preparing the complaint carefully can be important.

Individuals and businesses in Oud Metha and across Dubai can seek professional legal guidance to understand the available options, organise supporting evidence, and prepare their complaint based on the facts of the matter.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Dubai Police service procedures and requirements may change, so applicants should verify the current requirements through the official Dubai Police platform before submitting a complaint.

How to File a Criminal Complaint in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide