How to Report Cybercrime in the UAE: ECrime, Aman, My Safe Society & Police

If you've been targeted by an online scam, hacking attempt, identity theft, or any other form of digital crime in the UAE, reporting it is straightforward — and doing it quickly increases the chance of a useful outcome, particularly if money was involved. This guide covers every official reporting channel, what to prepare before you report, and what happens after you do.

Legal notice: This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a UAE-licensed lawyer for advice on your specific situation.

The Legal Framework: What Constitutes Cybercrime in the UAE

Cybercrime in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrime, which replaced Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 and substantially expanded the scope of prohibited conduct. The law covers:

• Hacking and unauthorised access to devices, accounts, or networks
• Identity theft and impersonation online
• Online fraud and financial scams
• Cyberstalking, harassment, and cyberbullying
• Electronic blackmail (a specific, heavily penalised offence under this law)
• Spreading false information or content that affects public order
• Unauthorised access to or interception of credit card or banking data

Penalties under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 range from fines starting at AED 250,000 up to AED 3 million, and imprisonment from 6 months to 25 years depending on the severity and category of offence. Electronic blackmail and hacking with the intent to access financial systems carry some of the heaviest penalties.

What to Gather Before You Report

The quality of your report directly affects what investigators can do. Before filing through any channel, gather:

• Screenshots of all messages, posts, emails, or content involved
• Transaction records if money was involved, including transfer confirmations and bank statements
• Account details of the perpetrator — usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, URLs, social media profiles
• Chat logs in full, not just selective screenshots — authorities need the complete conversation where possible
• Your Emirates ID and passport for identity verification during the report

How to Report Cybercrime in Dubai: ECrime Portal

ECrime is the Dubai Police's dedicated cybercrime reporting portal, accessible in both English and Arabic. It is the primary channel for Dubai residents and the fastest online route for financial cybercrime cases in Dubai specifically.

1. Visit ecrime.ae or the Dubai Police cybercrime service page and click Access Service.
2. Select the type of cybercrime from the list provided.
3. Complete the form with full details: type of crime, date, time, and a clear description.
4. Attach all evidence — screenshots, emails, documents.
5. Review and submit. You will receive a unique reference number to track the investigation.

How to Report Cybercrime in Abu Dhabi: Aman Service

The Aman service is Abu Dhabi Police's reporting channel for crimes including cybercrime. It offers three options:

• Online: Abu Dhabi Police portal — select Submit a Case and complete the form with your personal details, crime details, and evidence.
• Phone: call the Aman hotline at 8002626.
• In person: visit any Aman service office. Staff will assist you in filing the report.

Identify the specific type of cybercrime first (hacking, scam, impersonation, etc.) before visiting the portal — the form is type-specific and more useful when completed accurately.

How to Report Cybercrime Across All Emirates: My Safe Society App

The My Safe Society app is operated by the UAE's federal Public Prosecution and works across all emirates — making it the most universally applicable reporting channel. It is available free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

1. Download and install the app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Register using your Emirates ID or passport number, or proceed anonymously if you prefer.
3. Select Report a Crime from the home screen and choose the relevant category.
4. Enter details of the incident, including type, date, time, and a full description.
5. Attach photos, videos, or screenshots as evidence.
6. Submit the report. It is sent directly to the federal Public Prosecution for review and action.

The anonymous reporting option is worth knowing about: if you witnessed a cybercrime rather than being directly victimised by it, or if you have concerns about your own safety in making a report, you are not required to identify yourself.

What to Do if You Lost Money to a Scam

Filing a police report is not the only step if money was transferred to a scammer. Two things should happen at the same time:

• Contact your bank's fraud department immediately. Banks can sometimes freeze or trace the receiving account before funds are moved further. The sooner this happens, the better the chance of recovery. Ask the bank to flag the transfer as fraudulent and open a dispute.
• File a police report through one of the channels above. Bring your bank transfer confirmation, all correspondence with the scammer, and your bank's fraud case reference number to the report. The police report and the bank's own investigation work in parallel.

In-Person Reporting and Emergency Reporting

Any UAE police station accepts cybercrime reports in person. Bring your Emirates ID, passport, and all evidence. For cases involving ongoing threats, extortion, or immediate danger, call 999.

What Happens After You Report

Online reports through ECrime and My Safe Society generate a reference number you can use to follow up. Abu Dhabi's Aman service allows you to track your report through the same portal. Once submitted, cases are reviewed by the relevant authority — Dubai Police for ECrime reports, Abu Dhabi Police for Aman reports, and the federal Public Prosecution for My Safe Society reports. Serious cases are referred to specialist cybercrime units. Investigators may contact you for additional evidence or to attend a statement.

If a criminal case has been filed against you as a result of a cybercrime allegation, or you want to check whether a case exists on your record, you can check your UAE court and police case status online. If the matter has also generated a travel ban concern, see our guide on how to check a UAE travel ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which channel should I use to report cybercrime in the UAE? Dubai residents: ECrime portal. Abu Dhabi residents: Aman service. All other emirates, or if you want one app that works anywhere: My Safe Society (iOS and Android).

What law governs cybercrime in the UAE? Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrime, which replaced the 2012 Cybercrime Law. Penalties range from AED 250,000 fines to 25 years imprisonment for the most serious offences.

Can I report cybercrime anonymously? Yes, through the My Safe Society app. You are not required to identify yourself if you choose the anonymous option.

Is My Safe Society available on Android? Yes. The app is available free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

I transferred money to a scammer. What should I do first? Contact your bank's fraud department immediately, then file a police report through ECrime or your nearest station. Speed matters for bank-side recovery actions.

What evidence do I need? Screenshots, emails, chat logs, transaction records, and the details of any accounts, numbers, or links involved. Provide as much as possible.

Key Takeaways

• ECrime (Dubai), Aman (Abu Dhabi), and My Safe Society (all emirates, iOS and Android) are the three main official online reporting channels.
• Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 governs cybercrime in the UAE — penalties are serious, including fines up to AED 3 million and imprisonment up to 25 years.
• If money was lost, contact your bank's fraud department immediately alongside filing the police report.
• Gather all evidence before reporting: screenshots, chat logs, transaction records, account details of the perpetrator.