Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in United Arab Emirates
This guide explains what happens after a death in United Arab Emirates, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home to the UK. The information comes from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you need someone to guide you through it, our team is available any time.
Typical timeline
7-21 days
Typical cost
GBP 3,000-8,000
FCDO 24hr helpline
+44 (0)20 7008 5000
The Police Report Comes First. Everything Else Waits.
In the UAE, every death — in hospital, at a hotel, on the road, anywhere — must be reported to the police. The police attend, investigate, and issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before any subsequent steps can happen. There is no way to begin hospital release, documentation, or funeral arrangements before the police NOC is in hand. This is not bureaucratic friction; it is the legal foundation of the entire process.
In straightforward natural deaths, the NOC can be issued within 24-48 hours. In cases involving investigation — accidents, unclear circumstances, or any suspicion of an offence — the process takes longer. Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and Sharjah Police all operate the same basic framework but with slightly different processes. Know which emirate your loved one died in and ensure you are contacting the right authority.
MOFA Attestation: The Additional Step
Once the death certificate is issued, it must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This gives it international legal validity and is required before UK authorities will accept it. MOFA processing times are typically one to three days in normal circumstances. During Ramadan and around Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, government offices reduce hours significantly and processing slows. If the death falls near a major Islamic holiday, build extra days into every timeline estimate.
UAE Zero-Tolerance Drug Policy
The UAE applies zero tolerance to any controlled substance. If a death involves drugs — including prescription medications that are restricted under UAE law, or recreational substances — a full police investigation will follow. Investigations of this type can extend the process by weeks. Families should report all facts accurately to their repatriation coordinator at the outset. Withholding information about circumstances rarely shortens the process and can complicate it further.
Why the UAE Is Actually Well-Equipped for Repatriation
Despite the police-first requirement and attestation steps, the UAE handles a very high volume of international repatriations. Emirates SkyCargo and Etihad Cargo between them operate multiple daily flights to Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham. Funeral services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are professional and experienced with the precise documentation UK funeral homes need. English is widely spoken at every stage. The typical 7-21 day timeline reflects the police investigation uncertainty more than any institutional slowness in the overall system.
Sources: FCDO UAE guidance (updated February 2026); Dubai Health Authority regulations; UAE MOFA attestation procedures; British Embassy Abu Dhabi guidance.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Call 999 for police or 998 for ambulance. In Dubai, call Dubai Police (901). A doctor must certify the death. All deaths must be reported to the police, who issue a police report. This police report is essential for all subsequent steps. Contact the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the British Consulate in Dubai.
Local emergency number: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance)
Contact the British Embassy or consulate
Notify the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi as soon as possible. They can give you a list of local English-speaking funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
Embassy: +971 2 610 1100
FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in United Arab Emirates will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. They may cover the full cost of repatriation, which can be GBP 3,000-8,000.
Travel insurance with repatriation cover recommended. Expats in UAE should check their employer-provided insurance, which commonly includes repatriation cover.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from United Arab Emirates requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
- UAE death certificate (with MOFA attestation)
- Police report (clearance certificate)
- Embalming certificate
- Freedom from infection certificate
- Passport and visa of deceased
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from police
- Airline cargo documentation
Documentation typically takes 5-14 days to complete.
Official support
British Embassy in Abu Dhabi
The embassy can provide information and a list of local funeral directors, but they cannot arrange or pay for repatriation. Contact them early to register the death with consular services.
Khalid bin Al Waleed Street (Street 22), PO Box 248, Abu Dhabi
What the embassy can do
What the embassy cannot do
What to expect
How long does it take?
Factors that can extend the timeline
- Police investigation (all deaths investigated, clearance needed)
- Forensic examination by UAE authorities
- Islamic law considerations (Sharia courts may be involved for Muslim deceased)
- MOFA attestation processing time
- Ramadan and Eid holidays (government offices operate reduced hours)
- Outstanding visa or employment issues for the deceased
- Drug-related deaths (zero tolerance: investigation can be prolonged)
- Death during custody or legal proceedings
Cost guide
How much does it cost?
| Local funeral director | GBP 600-1,500 |
| Embalming | GBP 400-1,100 |
| Zinc-lined coffin | GBP 500-1,200 |
| Air freight to UK | GBP 2,000-5,000 |
| UK reception | GBP 400-900 |
UAE is moderately priced for the Middle East. Dubai is slightly more expensive than other emirates. The efficient cargo infrastructure helps keep freight costs competitive despite the distance. The high volume of repatriations processed through UAE airports means the system is well-optimised.
Common questions
Questions families ask about deaths in United Arab Emirates
Repatriation from United Arab Emirates typically takes 7-21 days. The fastest is 5-7 days with no complications. Complex cases involving a post-mortem or police investigation can take 4-12 weeks.
The typical cost is GBP 3,000-8,000. This covers local funeral director fees, embalming, a zinc-lined coffin, documentation, air freight to the UK, and reception at a UK funeral home. The main variable is air freight, which depends on the destination airport and flight frequency.
Your local funeral director in United Arab Emirates will gather most documents on your behalf. The core documents required are: a local death certificate, an embalming certificate, a freedom from infection certificate, and airline cargo documentation. The full documentation process typically takes 5-14 days.
Cremation in United Arab Emirates is available. If your loved one is cremated abroad, returning ashes to the UK typically costs GBP 300-700 if carrying personally.. Do NOT cremate abroad if a UK coroner may need to hold an inquest. Cremation destroys evidence.
Please contact our team for guidance on this question. We are available 24 hours a day on +44 (0) 000 000 0000.
Please contact our team for guidance on this question. We are available 24 hours a day on +44 (0) 000 000 0000.
Full repatriation guide for United Arab Emirates
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We coordinate repatriations from United Arab Emirates every week. If you need someone to take over the arrangements, call us now.
+44 (0) 000 000 0000Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Updated April 2026.
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from United Arab Emirates · Frequently asked questions