Arrest Affidavit Template for the United Arab Emirates

An Arrest Affidavit is a fundamental legal document in the UAE criminal justice system that you must prepare whenever making or documenting an arrest. Under UAE Federal Law No. 35 of 1992, this sworn statement serves as the official record of arrest circumstances and provides crucial evidence for subsequent legal proceedings. The document ensures compliance with UAE criminal procedures while protecting the rights of all parties involved.

When do you need this document?

You need an Arrest Affidavit immediately following any arrest situation in the United Arab Emirates. Law enforcement officers must complete this document when arresting suspects for criminal offenses, whether for minor violations or serious crimes. The affidavit is essential when presenting cases to prosecutors, appearing before judicial officers, or when arrests involve foreign nationals requiring diplomatic notification. You also need this document when arrests occur during traffic stops that escalate to criminal charges, during execution of search warrants that result in arrests, or when responding to domestic violence incidents. The document becomes particularly crucial in cases involving state security matters under UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2003, where special procedures and additional documentation requirements apply.

Key legal considerations

Your Arrest Affidavit must include specific mandatory elements to ensure legal validity under UAE law. The document requires detailed affiant information including your name, badge number, jurisdiction, and years of service as the arresting officer. You must provide complete subject information including the arrested person's full name, nationality, Emirates ID when available, physical description, and current address. The probable cause statement represents the most critical section, requiring you to articulate specific facts and observations that justified the arrest. You must document the exact date, time, and location of the arrest, along with details of any evidence seized or witnesses present. The affidavit must confirm that you properly informed the arrested person of their rights under UAE law, including the right to legal representation and the right to remain silent. Any language barriers requiring interpreter services must be documented, and you must ensure the document complies with UAE Federal Law No. 10 of 1992 regarding evidence documentation standards.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

UAE Federal Law No. 35 of 1992 establishes strict requirements for arrest documentation that you must follow precisely. The affidavit must be sworn under oath before a qualified judicial officer or magistrate within the prescribed timeframe following the arrest. You must prepare the document in Arabic as the official language, though English translations are often required for foreign nationals or international legal cooperation. The document must reference specific provisions of UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 when citing the criminal offenses that formed the basis for arrest. Your affidavit must demonstrate compliance with UAE Police Law regarding proper arrest procedures and use of force protocols. When arrests involve medical examinations or occur in sensitive locations, additional documentation requirements under various UAE federal laws may apply. The completed affidavit becomes part of the official case file and may be presented as evidence in UAE courts, making accuracy and completeness essential for successful prosecution.