15 Best Criminal Lawyers in Dubai

Facing criminal charges in the UAE? Connect with the best criminal lawyers in Dubai. Expert defense for financial crimes, drug offenses, and cybercrimes.

Please note that the firms aren’t listed in the level of importance, this means that a firm listed at the bottom of this page is just as important as one listed at the top.

Dr. Hassan Elhais (Professional Legal Consultant)

General Review: Dr. Hassan Elhais is widely regarded as one of the premier criminal legal consultants in Dubai. He specializes in high-stakes criminal litigation, including financial crimes, drug offenses, and extradition cases. His approach combines deep local procedural knowledge with a sophisticated understanding of international legal standards. Clients frequently praise his ability to navigate complex police and prosecution phases, making him a top choice for both expatriates and local nationals facing serious charges.
Branches: Dubai (Head Office), Abu Dhabi.
Approximate Team Size: 20–30 professionals.
Spoken Languages: English, Arabic, French, Hindi, Urdu.
Jurisdiction: Onshore (UAE Federal Courts) and Offshore (DIFC/ADGM).
Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Arbitration, and Corporate Law.
Famous Clients: High-net-worth individuals and international expatriates involved in complex legal disputes.
ADDRESS: Latifa Tower, 37th Floor, Office 3701, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
TEL: +971 50 506 5861
Website

Hadef & Partners LLC

General Review: As one of the oldest and largest independent UAE law firms, Hadef & Partners offers a sophisticated criminal law practice, particularly regarding “Financial Crime” and regulatory investigations. They are the firm of choice for corporate entities facing criminal allegations such as embezzlement, fraud, or breach of trust. Their deep-rooted local expertise and large-scale resources allow them to handle massive, multi-jurisdictional criminal cases that involve complex financial auditing and local regulatory compliance.
Branches: Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
Approximate Team Size: 100+ lawyers.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Italian.
Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore (DIFC).
Practice Areas: Banking & Finance, Criminal Defense (White-Collar), Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law.
Famous Clients: International banks, government entities, and Fortune 500 companies.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 429 2999; Address: Level 5, Building 3, The Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai.
Website: https://www.hadefpartners.com

Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants

General Review: Khairallah Advocates provides robust criminal legal assistance with a focus on protecting the rights of the accused during the critical first 24 hours of detention. Their criminal lawyers are highly skilled in dealing with Dubai Police and the Public Prosecution. They handle a wide spectrum of cases, ranging from minor misdemeanors to major felonies. Their reputation is built on transparency and a track record of achieving favorable settlements or acquittals through meticulous evidence review.
Branches: Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
Approximate Team Size: 15–20 lawyers.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, Russian.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Maritime Law, Civil Law, Corporate Law.
Famous Clients: Shipping companies and private high-profile individuals.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 427 0881; Address: Office 3504, Business Bay, Churchill Tower, Dubai.
Website: https://www.khairallahadvocates.com

Afridi & Angell

General Review: While known heavily for corporate work, Afridi & Angell has a distinguished reputation for handling complex “White-Collar Crime” and regulatory defense. They are often brought in when criminal allegations intersect with corporate governance or financial regulations. Their team provides a bridge between Western legal expectations and local UAE criminal procedures. They are particularly effective in internal investigations and representing clients before the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and local prosecutors in financial matters.
Branches: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah.
Approximate Team Size: 40+ lawyers.
Spoken Languages: English, Arabic, Urdu, French.
Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore.
Practice Areas: Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Financial Crime, Real Estate.
Famous Clients: Multinational corporations and international law firms.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 330 3900; Address: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Office Tower, Level 35, Dubai.
Website: https://www.afridi-angell.com

Charles Russell Speechlys

General Review: This international firm brings a global perspective to criminal law, focusing on “Business Crime” and Asset Recovery. They are specialists in defending clients against allegations of money laundering, bribery, and corruption. Their Dubai office is adept at handling the local aspects of international criminal investigations, including Interpol red notices and extradition requests. They provide a high-end, discreet service for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives navigating the UAE legal system.
Branches: Dubai (UAE), London, Geneva, Hong Kong.
Approximate Team Size: 500+ (Global); 20+ (Dubai).
Spoken Languages: English, Arabic, French, Spanish.
Jurisdiction: Offshore (DIFC) and International.
Practice Areas: Private Wealth, International Business Crime, Litigation, Real Estate.
Famous Clients: Royal families, global CEOs, and international celebrities.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 430 2700; Address: Index Tower, Level 24, DIFC, Dubai.
Website: https://www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com

HHS Lawyers

General Review: HHS Lawyers is a versatile firm with a dedicated criminal defense wing that prides itself on 24/7 availability for emergency legal situations. They handle everything from alcohol-related offenses and drug charges to complex fraud. Their lawyers are known for their aggressive advocacy in court and their ability to secure bail for clients in difficult circumstances. They offer a client-centric approach, ensuring that families are kept informed during every step of the criminal process.
Branches: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi.
Approximate Team Size: 30+ professionals.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, Russian, Farsi, Turkish.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Intellectual Property, Labor Law, Family Law.
Famous Clients: Large trading companies and diverse expatriate communities.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 255 5499; Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Website: https://hhslawyers.com

Al Kabban & Associates

General Review: Al Kabban & Associates is a highly respected local firm with decades of experience in the UAE criminal courts. Their criminal department is led by experienced Emirati advocates who possess an intimate knowledge of local customs and judicial leanings. They are particularly strong in defending cases involving professional negligence that has escalated into criminal charges, as well as general penal code violations. Their longevity in the market has granted them significant credibility within the Dubai courts.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 20+ lawyers.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, French.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Construction Law, Commercial Litigation, Arbitration.
Famous Clients: Major local developers and prominent Emirati families.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 442 9400; Address: Al Attar Business Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Website: https://www.alkabban.com

Davidson & Co

General Review: Davidson & Co is an international law firm that has built a strong reputation for “Crisis Management” and criminal defense for expatriates and foreign investors. They excel in cases where civil disputes turn into criminal complaints—a common occurrence in the UAE. Their team is skilled at negotiating withdrawals of criminal complaints through civil settlements, which is often the most effective way to resolve business-related criminal charges in Dubai.
Branches: Dubai, Geneva.
Approximate Team Size: 15–20 lawyers.
Spoken Languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, French.
Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore (DIFC).
Practice Areas: Dispute Resolution, Criminal Defense (Financial), Real Estate, Private Client.
Famous Clients: International entrepreneurs and boutique investment firms.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 343 8897; Address: Clover Bay Tower, Business Bay, Dubai.
Website: https://www.davidsoncolaw.com

Motei & Associates

General Review: Motei & Associates is a boutique firm that offers highly personalized legal services. In the realm of criminal law, they specialize in white-collar crimes and cybercrimes. Their strength lies in their strategic “Pre-trial” advice, helping clients avoid criminal escalation through preventive measures and early-stage negotiations. They are known for being extremely thorough and providing a high level of partner-led attention to every criminal file they handle.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 10+ professionals.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, French.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law (Corporate), Arbitration, Commercial Law.
Famous Clients: SME owners and tech startups.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 435 5909; Address: Business Bay, Bay Square, Building 13, Dubai.
Website: https://www.motei.com

LYLAW

General Review: Led by the well-known Ludmila Yamalova, this firm has a significant presence in the UAE legal community. They are particularly effective in defending expatriates in criminal matters related to employment, debt, and social media/cyber laws. The firm is highly communicative and uses various digital platforms to educate the public on UAE law, which translates into a transparent and well-explained defense process for their clients.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 10–15 lawyers.
Spoken Languages: English, Russian, Arabic.
Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore (DIFC).
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Employment Law, Media Law, General Litigation.
Famous Clients: International influencers, media personalities, and tech executives.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 343 4545; Address: Reef Tower, JLT, Dubai.
Website: https://www.lylawyers.com

Abdulhakim Binherz Advocates & Legal Consultants

General Review: This firm is renowned for its expertise in “Regulatory Criminal Defense.” They often represent clients in front of government bodies and regulatory authorities when administrative issues cross into the criminal domain. Their team includes former members of the UAE judiciary and prosecution, providing them with a unique “insider” perspective on how cases are built and how to dismantle them effectively. They are very strong in banking-related criminal defense.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 15+ professionals.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Banking Law, Criminal Law, Maritime, Government Relations.
Famous Clients: Regional banks and government-linked entities.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 395 5444; Address: Al Moosa Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Website: https://www.binherzlaw.com

Al Shaiba Advocates & Legal Consultants

General Review: Al Shaiba Advocates has a robust criminal law department that handles a high volume of cases across the UAE. They are particularly known for their work in drug-related offenses and violent crimes, where they provide a strong defense focused on procedural irregularities and lack of evidence. They have a reputation for being accessible and affordable while maintaining a high standard of legal representation in the criminal courts.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 20+ lawyers.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Family Law, Debt Recovery, Labor Law.
Famous Clients: Local business owners and members of the expatriate labor force.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 238 4444; Address: Office 1001, Citadel Tower, Business Bay, Dubai.
Website: https://www.alshaibaadvocates.ae

ProConsult

General Review: ProConsult is a specialized firm that excels in “Commercial Criminal Law.” They are often the first point of contact for directors and officers facing criminal liability for corporate actions. Their approach is analytical, often involving forensic accountants to challenge the prosecution’s financial findings. They are highly adept at navigating the intersection of the UAE Penal Code and the UAE Companies Law.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 10–15 lawyers.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Corporate/Commercial, Criminal Law (Financial), Construction, Litigation.
Famous Clients: Investment firms and construction conglomerates.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 329 8711; Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Website: https://www.proconsult.ae

LawBridge Advocates & Legal Consultants

General Review: LawBridge is known for its tactical approach to criminal defense, particularly in the areas of “Cybercrime” and “Defamation.” As the UAE’s laws on digital conduct are strict, LawBridge has carved out a niche in defending clients against charges stemming from social media use and electronic communications. They offer modern, efficient legal services and are highly responsive to the fast-moving nature of criminal investigations in the digital age.
Branches: Dubai.
Approximate Team Size: 10+ professionals.
Spoken Languages: Arabic, English.
Jurisdiction: Onshore.
Practice Areas: Cybercrime, Criminal Defense, Intellectual Property, Civil Litigation.
Famous Clients: Digital marketing agencies and individual content creators.
Contact Details: Tel: +971 4 330 0003; Address: Business Bay, Dubai.
Website: https://lawbridge.ae