Protect your rights with the best criminal law firms in Abu Dhabi. Expert defense in ADJD courts for financial crimes, drugs, and cybercrime. Proven local success. Book a confidential consultation today.

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.

General Review: Dr. Hassan Elhais is a prominent legal consultant in the UAE, widely recognized for his profound expertise and strategic approach to complex legal matters. With nearly two decades of experience, he has established himself as a premier expert in navigating the intricate UAE legal system, particularly within criminal and civil litigation. His reputation for meticulous case preparation and dedication to client interests makes him a top choice for high-stakes advocacy and expert legal advisory services in Dubai and across the Emirates.

Branches: Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Approximate Team Size: Dr. Hassan leads a mid-to-large-sized professional team of legal consultants, licensed local advocates, and specialized paralegals.

Spoken Languages by the Team:
The team is multicultural and offers services in English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Hindi/Urdu.

Jurisdiction:
Operates in both Onshore (UAE Mainland) and Offshore (DIFC Courts) jurisdictions.

Practice Areas

• Criminal Law (Specialized)
• Family & Divorce Law
• Civil & Commercial Litigation
• Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
• Maritime & Shipping Law
• Banking & Construction Law
• Inheritance & Wills

Famous Clients:
Dr. Hassan has advised high-profile individuals and entities, including members of the UAE Royal Family (such as H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin Mohammed Hashir Al Maktoum) and major international financial institutions.

Address: 4th Floor, Building No. 85,
Tawi Shouf Street, Al Nahyan,
PO Box 129980, Abu Dhabi
Tel: +971 2 650 1211

Website

General Review: As the largest law firm in the Middle East, Al Tamimi offers a sophisticated “Financial Crime” and “Special Investigations” department. They are uniquely positioned to handle complex federal criminal matters and cross-border investigations, leveraging their unparalleled regional footprint and strong relationship with local authorities.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah (and 9 countries across the ME)

Approximate team size: 450+ lawyers

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Mandarin

Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore

Practice areas: Financial Crime, Arbitration, Banking, Construction, Employment

Famous clients: Abu Dhabi Government, ADNOC, HSBC, Etisalat

Contact details: Al Sila Tower, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 813 0444 | Website

General Review: Galadari is one of the oldest firms in the UAE, providing robust representation in criminal litigation. Their Abu Dhabi office is highly regarded for its ability to navigate local court systems. They specialize in white-collar defense and regulatory breaches, offering seasoned local advocates with rights of audience.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah

Approximate team size: 60+ lawyers

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, French

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Defense, Real Estate, Banking, IP, Labor Law

Famous clients: Major UAE construction firms, Local family conglomerates

Contact details: Al Khatem Tower, ADGM Square, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 626 5000 | Website

General Review: BSA’s criminal defense team is a cornerstone of their litigation practice. They are experts in Interpol red notices and extradition cases. The firm bridges the gap between local Arabic court procedures and international client expectations, making them a top choice for expatriates facing legal challenges.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Muscat

Approximate team size: 150+ professionals

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, French, Greek, Russian

Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore

Practice areas: Cybercrime, White-Collar Crime, Interpol Cases, Extradition

Famous clients: International banks, Global tech firms

Contact details: Sky Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 555 1311 | Website

Get A Consultation

Complete a simple form to connect with a professional lawyer who will help protect your rights.

General Review: ADG Legal maintains a highly specialized criminal department led by Emirati advocates. They focus on complex criminal matters, including fraud and customs violations. Their Abu Dhabi presence is bolstered by a “Head of Customs & Criminal” partner, ensuring dedicated leadership for every case.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London

Approximate team size: 30+ professionals

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, Italian

Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore

Practice areas: Customs & Criminal Law, Asset Recovery, Commercial Litigation

Famous clients: Private high-profile investors, Regional logistics companies

Contact details: International Tower, Capital Gate District, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 565 0010 | Website

General Review: Hadef & Partners is a blue-chip Emirati firm with deep roots in the capital. While broadly commercial, their dispute resolution team is formidable in criminal proceedings related to business, such as breach of trust, corporate fraud, and regulatory offenses.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Approximate team size: 100+ lawyers

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, German, French

Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore

Practice areas: Dispute Resolution, Criminal Regulatory, Energy, Employment

Famous clients: Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, Mubadala

Contact details: Al Sila Tower, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 205 7333 | Website

General Review: This firm is a staple in the UAE legal community for criminal litigation. They are highly skilled in navigating the nuances of the UAE Penal Code and have a high success rate in obtaining bail and reductions in sentencing for serious offenses.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Approximate team size: 40+ professionals

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, Farsi

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Law, Civil Law, Sharia Law, Real Estate

Famous clients: Local developers, Private investors

Contact details: Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 671 1133 | Website

General Review: Horizons & Co. is well-regarded for its focus on dispute resolution. Their criminal team frequently handles white-collar crime and represents clients before the Abu Dhabi courts in cases involving cybercrime, defamation, and financial mismanagement.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Approximate team size: 35+ lawyers

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, Russian

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Litigation, Construction, Private Wealth, Arbitration

Famous clients: DAMAC Properties, International sports personalities

Contact details: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 622 1333 | Website

Get A Consultation

Complete a simple form to connect with a professional lawyer who will help protect your rights.

General Review: HAS Law is known for being a “feedback data-driven” firm, using technology to optimize case management. Their criminal department provides strategic and transparent advice, particularly in regulatory breaches and investigations affecting businesses and individuals in the capital.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Approximate team size: 20+ professionals

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, Spanish

Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore

Practice areas: Regulatory Breaches, Criminal Law, Family Law, DIFC/ADGM Litigation

Famous clients: Tech startups, European SME owners

Contact details: Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 441 5556 | Website

General Review: Ibrahim Al Banna is highly respected for criminal defense, particularly in cases involving medical malpractice or professional negligence that lead to criminal charges. They offer personalized attention and are known for their accessibility during emergencies.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Approximate team size: 15+ lawyers

Spoken languages by the team: Arabic, English, Malayalam

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Law, Medical Negligence, Debt Recovery, Insurance

Famous clients: Private healthcare providers, Individual professionals

Contact details: Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 676 0000 | Website

General Review: STA is an international firm with a strong Abu Dhabi footprint. They are experts in corporate criminal liability, assisting companies in managing risks related to bribery and corruption. Their approach is highly analytical and suited for corporate entities.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, London

Approximate team size: 50+ lawyers

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, Italian, Hindi

Jurisdiction: Onshore and Offshore

Practice areas: Corporate Crime, Aviation, Media Law, Shipping

Famous clients: Regional airlines, Global media houses

Contact details: Al Khatem Tower, ADGM Square, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 644 4330 | Instagram

General Review: Fotis International offers a comprehensive criminal defense practice in Abu Dhabi. They are noted for their efficiency in handling bounce cheque cases, travel bans, and financial disputes that escalate into criminal proceedings.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah

Approximate team size: 25+ professionals

Spoken languages: Arabic, English, French, Urdu

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Law, Debt Collection, Family Law, Rental Disputes

Famous clients: Multinational logistics firms, Individual expats

Contact details: Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 666 2220 | Facebook

Get A Consultation

Complete a simple form to connect with a professional lawyer who will help protect your rights.

General Review: Al Safar & Partners has been operating for over 35 years. Their criminal department is known for its investigative depth, often working with private experts to build a defense. They are specialists in handling narcotics and violent crime cases.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

Approximate team size: 30+ lawyers

Spoken languages by the team: Arabic, English, Farsi, Russian

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Law, Real Estate, Labor, Intellectual Property

Famous clients: Leading hospitality groups, Private real estate investors

Contact details: Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 644 5550 | Website

General Review: This firm is renowned for its high-level litigation before the Federal Supreme Court. Their criminal practice is focused on heavy-duty litigation, including state security cases and large-scale embezzlement, offering a high level of discretion and authority.

Branches: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat

Approximate team size: 45+ lawyers

Spoken languages: Arabic, English

Jurisdiction: Onshore

Practice areas: Criminal Litigation, Banking, Corporate, Arbitration

Famous clients: Major UAE banks, Semi-government entities

Contact details: Al Wahda Commercial Tower, Abu Dhabi | Tel: +971 2 645 5556 | Website