Jail for Selfies
So, you're on holiday in the UAE, seeing the sights; the beach, Burj Khalifah, your plush hotel cafe...and, naturally, you want to take some selfies. Fill your friends on Facebook and Instagram with envy, right? Unfortunately, even this has become a risky issue in the UAE. You're going to need to take that selfie in a secluded corner of the cafe, or visit Jumeirah Beach at about 5 o'clock in the morning if you want a selfie that includes the sea and sand;because it is a cr
Beware of money requests for lawyers from Dubai. Scams using a Dubai Jail format
We have received five enquiries this year from people who have been requested to send funds to a lawyer because their partner has been arrested in Dubai. The fraud usually involves a few planned stages: 1. An intimate but remote relationship is established with the potential victim, men often posting as US Military personnel. We have seen both men and women being targeted; 2. There is a promise of marriage or intention to live together and a serious commitment made; 3. Th
UAE Bankruptcy Law Proposals & the decriminalisation of bounced cheques. Will it happen and wil
Prison sentences for bounced cheques have been a hot topic in the UAE media over the years. The practice of holding cheques as security is akin to holding a prison sentence over someone´s head. David Haye, former heavyweight champion of the world, will fight next week in London after his bounced cheque related arrest in the UAE was resolved.... Landlords have requested post dated cheques for 12 months rent (or more) and so an unexpected loss of employment has lead to prison
Caution: Do not use marijuana (or other prohibited drugs) before traveling to the UAE
Most travellers are aware that using drugs within the UAE is a serious crime, but may not be aware that having marijuana residue in their system can result in a 4 year prison sentence. With marijuana being legal in some countries in Europe, the ill researched traveller could end up serving time if the police perform a blood or urine test that proves positive. Samples for testing could be taken due to suspicion at the airport or in the event that one is involved in any other
Clearance process following a court judgment
Once a judgment has been fulfilled, whether it be paying a fine or serving a prison sentence, the Courts should automatically process the removal of the cases from the national authority databases. However, we have found that approximately ten percent of fulfilled judgments are remaining as alerts that can lead to delays at border control points or unnecessary bureaucratic problems that need resolving, often at the most inconvenient of times. The process can be fulfilled man
Cautions: Reporting Crime in Dubai can backfire
While it is very important that crime is reported, over the years we have received many complaints from foreign nationals who have been victims of crime, and so it is important that people are aware of the ramifications of reporting crime in the UAE so that they may make an informed decision. We have assisted individuals who have made reports in respect of “road rage”. Once the complaint was lodged with the police, a retaliatory accusation was made. This served as a negotia
Where a guilty plea is the most sensible option and how we help smooth the path..
In less serious criminal cases, it is sometimes more sensibly to enter a guilty plea even if the accused feels that they are innocent. If one pleads innocent, he will experience delays in the processing of his case. Such delays can be extensive, often up to six months or more. During this time, the accused will have to provide his passport to the police and therefore will not be able to return home and will not be able to seek employment. The costs of staying in the UAE w
Partnerships, Sponsors & the Expat Scapegoat. Challenges of the average expat Entrepreneur....
Seen from the outside, with its relative political and economic stability, generally favourable rankings as an investment destination, and a reputation for luxury, the UAE is seems attractive place to do business. But, from the inside, the picture is quite a bit more complicated. You should realise that the system in the UAE, to a great extent, is rigged. That doesn't mean you can't succeed business-wise, but you have to be wary and understand the potential pitfalls, becaus
Expats in the UAE flee debt with intention to return
Foreign nationals in the UAE who face police reports from creditors are increasingly fleeing to their homeland to avoid the criminalised punishments. Now though, more often than not, they pay off their debts from abroad with the intention to return to the UAE once they have settled obligations that could otherwise lead to imprisonment. Expats are astute enough nowadays to know that in the event they can not fulfil their credit payment obligations, a bank may open a police ca
Detained in Dubai supporting Embassies in the UAE
Embassies provide important services to citizens visiting and living abroad. However, under their agreements and charters, they are limited in the type of assistance they can provide. It often surprises citizens that the embassies are not able to involve themselves in the legal process of their host country. They do however, visit prisoners, recommend legal representation, assist families in locating loved ones and monitoring for human rights violations within detention fa
