Emergency Services for U.S. Citizens
Arrest of an American citizen:
When in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which often differ significantly from those in the U.S. and may not afford the same protections that are available in the United States. Foreign countries' judicial systems and respect for certain rights are also likely to be quite different than what citizens expect in the United States. Please familiarize yourself with information and a description of the UAE court system.
In the event of an arrest, American citizens and/or friends and relatives of American citizens are encouraged to notify the Embassy or Consulate General so that a consular visit can be arranged. While a consular visit is not intended to arrange for a prisoner's release or provide legal counsel, it does allow a consular officer to meet with American citizen prisoners in order to monitor their physical and mental well-being, to inquire about mistreatment or abuse, to ensure that their treatment is in accordance with conventions in force and commonly accepted international standards, to provide information on the local legal system and a list of local lawyers, to ascertain if medical care is needed, and to facilitate contact with family and friends as requested by the prisoner.
The American Citizen Services unit can also help prisoners stay up-to-date on developments related to their cases. If a lawyer is retained, we strongly encourage incarcerated U.S. citizens and their families and friends to work closely with the lawyer regarding details of the judicial proceedings. Consular officers and staff cannot act as lawyers or pay legal costs.
Death of an American Citizen:
The death of an American citizen in Abu Dhabi Emirate should be reported to the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. The death of an American citizen in Dubai or in the Northern Emirates should be reported to the U.S. Consulate General. In the event that a U.S. citizen dies while unaccompanied in the UAE, the ACS unit can help verify the citizenship and identity of the deceased and notify the next of kin. In all cases of death of U.S. citizen in the UAE, the Embassy and Consulate General can assist with arrangements for the disposition of the remains. All costs are the responsibility of the family, as the U.S. government is unable to pay for the return of remains or other costs associated with funeral arrangements.
Upon completion of all formalities, including the issuance of a death certificate by UAE authorities, the American Citizen Services unit will prepare a Report of Death of an American Citizen. This document is an administrative report that provides essential facts concerning the death of the U.S. citizen and custody of the personal estate of the deceased. Copies are provided to the next of kin or legal representative for use in the United States to settle estate matters.
Welfare & Whereabouts:
If family or close friends of an American citizen, believed to be in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, become concerned about the citizen's welfare or whereabouts, they can request the U.S. Embassy assistance in locating the citizen. If the US Citizen is believed to be in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, you need to contact the U.S. Consulate-General in Dubai at http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/service/contact-us.html. Please note that if the citizen is located and he/she is over the age of 18, he/she must provide a Privacy Act waiver before the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General can provide information to third parties.