HomeExtradition from UAE to Egypt
The UAE, a global financial and business hub, attracts not only investors and expats but also individuals seeking to evade justice in their home country. For Egyptian citizens who find themselves in such a situation, the issue of extradition becomes critically important. The extradition procedure between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt is a complex and multifaceted process governed by both bilateral agreements and the domestic legislation of each country. It is filled with legal intricacies where any detail can drastically change the outcome of the case. Lack of knowledge about these nuances and the absence of qualified legal support often lead to fatal consequences.
In this material, we will thoroughly examine the legal foundations of extradition between the UAE and Egypt, analyze real cases and statistics, and also explain why timely consultation with experienced lawyers is not just a recommendation but a vital necessity for protecting your rights and freedoms.
Legal basis: what is the extradition process based on?
The relations between the UAE and Egypt in the field of extradition of criminals are regulated by several key documents. The fundamental one is the Agreement on Legal Assistance, Judicial and Legal Cooperation in Civil, Commercial, Personal, and Criminal Matters between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt, signed in Cairo on November 27, 2000. This treaty lays the foundation for interaction between the law enforcement agencies and judicial systems of both countries. It details the conditions under which the requested party (in this case, the UAE) may or is obliged to extradite a person accused or already convicted in the requesting country (Egypt).
In addition, an important role is played by the Riyadh Convention on Judicial Cooperation of 1983, a multilateral treaty among the member countries of the League of Arab States. It also contains provisions on extradition and serves as an additional legal instrument. One should not forget about the domestic legislation of the UAE. UAE Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 on International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters is a key regulatory act that defines the procedure for considering extradition requests within the territory of the Emirates.
It is precisely in the intricacies of these documents that the complexity of the process lies. The extradition request received from Egypt first goes to the Ministry of Justice of the UAE. Then it passes through the prosecution and is reviewed in the appellate court of the respective emirate. The court’s decision can be appealed in the Court of Cassation. The entire process requires a meticulous analysis of the documents provided by the Egyptian side to ensure their compliance with both the bilateral agreement and UAE legislation.
When can the UAE refuse extradition to Egypt?
Despite the existence of agreements, extradition is not an automatic procedure. UAE legislation provides several valid grounds for refusing to extradite a person. Understanding these grounds is key to building an effective defense strategy.
A key condition for extradition is the principle of double criminality. The act for which extradition is requested must be recognized as a crime under the laws of both countries. If this action is not criminally punishable in the UAE, extradition will be denied. For example, certain financial offenses may be interpreted differently in Egypt and the UAE.
There are also other important barriers to extradition. Here are the main ones:
The political nature of the crime
The UAE, like most countries, does not extradite individuals prosecuted for political reasons. If lawyers manage to prove that the extradition request has a political basis and is aimed at persecution for beliefs rather than for committing a common criminal offense, the court will deny extradition.
Statute of limitations
If, under UAE legislation, the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of the alleged crime has expired, extradition is not possible.
The threat of torture and inhuman treatment
The UAE is a party to the UN Convention against Torture. If there are serious grounds to believe that the requested person may be subjected to torture, cruel, or degrading treatment in Egypt, the UAE court is obliged to refuse extradition. This is one of the most significant and frequently used grounds for protection.
Citizenship of the UAE
The Emirates do not extradite their citizens. If the wanted person is a citizen of the UAE, extradition will be denied, but they may be held accountable in the territory of the Emirates for a crime committed abroad.
The final court decision
If a final verdict has already been issued by a UAE court against a person for the same crime, extradition will be denied based on the principle of ne bis in idem (no one can be tried or punished twice for the same act).
Statistics of extradition cases between UAE and Egypt
Although official and detailed statistics on the number of extradition requests between Egypt and the UAE are published irregularly, an analysis of judicial practice and news reports shows a steady trend toward an increase in such cases. This is linked to strengthened economic cooperation, an increase in the number of Egyptian expats in the UAE, and intensified efforts to combat financial crimes in both countries.
In recent years, several notable cases can be highlighted. Often, requests from Egypt concern accusations of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other economic crimes. For example, cases related to non-repayment of loans to Egyptian banks or financial manipulations in large companies. In such cases, the Egyptian side sends a request to the UAE through Interpol channels red notice, which becomes the basis for detaining the individual in the Emirates and initiating extradition procedures.
One illustrative example is the case of an Egyptian businessman accused in his homeland of large-scale fraud. He was detained in Dubai at the request of the Egyptian authorities. His legal team in the UAE managed to build a defense on several grounds. Firstly, they proved the presence of procedural violations in the documents provided by the Egyptian side. Secondly, convincing evidence was presented that the case bore signs of a commercial dispute rather than a criminal offense. Thirdly, questions were raised regarding the observance of human rights and guarantees of a fair trial in Egypt. As a result of a lengthy judicial process, the Dubai Court of Cassation denied extradition.
This and other similar cases prove that the decision of the UAE court is not a formality. Judges in the Emirates thoroughly examine all the circumstances of the case, and with competent legal argumentation, the chances of refusal of extradition are quite high.
The role of Interpol and red notice
It is important to understand the mechanism of Interpol’s work in the extradition process. A request for extradition is often preceded by the issuance of a so-called Red Notice. This is not an international arrest warrant but rather a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and detain a specific individual for their subsequent extradition.
For a person against whom a red notice has been issued at Egypt’s request, crossing any border, especially in countries with close ties to Egypt, such as the UAE, becomes extremely risky. Detention can occur at the airport, hotel, or even on the street. After detention in the UAE based on a red notice, a judicial procedure is initiated to verify the legality and validity of the extradition request.
Working with a red notice is a separate and important area of legal defense. Experienced lawyers can challenge its publication directly at Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon, proving, for example, that the case is of a political, religious, or commercial nature, which contradicts the organization’s charter. Successfully removing a red notice from Interpol’s database significantly reduces the risk of detention and simplifies defense against extradition.
Why do you need a qualified lawyer in the UAE?
Independently opposing the well-established machinery of the law enforcement and judicial systems of two states is practically impossible. The extradition process requires deep knowledge not only of international law and bilateral agreements but also of the nuances of the criminal procedural legislation of the UAE. Any mistake, delay, or incorrectly drafted document can have irreversible consequences.
That’s why the involvement of a local, experienced lawyer is crucial:
- Immediate response. Immediately after your detention, a lawyer will be able to visit you, ensure your rights are upheld, prevent any pressure, and begin collecting the necessary documents.
- Analysis of the extradition request. A lawyer will conduct a thorough examination of the documents received from Egypt to determine their compliance with all formal and legal requirements. Often, it is in these documents that errors are found, which may serve as grounds for refusal of extradition.
- Building a defense strategy. Based on the analysis of the case and legislation, the lawyer will develop a multi-level defense strategy, using all possible arguments: from political motivation and the threat of human rights violations to procedural errors and non-compliance with the principle of double criminality.
- Representation in court. A lawyer will represent your interests at all stages of legal proceedings in the UAE, from the prosecution to the Court of Cassation, filing necessary motions, gathering evidence, and speaking at hearings.
- Work with Interpol. Simultaneously with the court process in the UAE, lawyers can initiate the procedure for challenging the red notice in the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF).
The extradition process is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring endurance, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the UAE legal system. The stakes in this struggle are extremely high. It is not just about money or business but about your freedom and future.
If you or your loved ones are facing the risk of extradition from the UAE to Egypt or fear that such a request may be filed against you, do not waste precious time. Passive waiting is the worst possible tactic. Every day of delay gives an advantage to the other side.
Contact our extradition lawyers right now. We will conduct a detailed analysis of your situation, assess the risks, and develop an individual strategy to protect your rights. Our team has many years of successful experience handling the most complex extradition cases in the UAE and is ready to apply all its knowledge and resources to achieve a positive result in your case. Protect your future — trust the professionals.
