There is no single official free legal chat for Dubai, but several government and court channels give free help. In Dubai, the Legal Affairs Department runs a pro bono portal that links the public with volunteer law firms, Dubai Courts runs a free consultation programme for litigants, and the DIFC Courts run a pro bono clinic. Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) offers free legal guidance by video, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has a free legal services initiative, and workers can call the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) advice line. As of October 2026, each of these is free, but most have eligibility limits.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for anyone in the UAE who needs legal help but cannot pay a lawyer yet, or wants to understand a problem before hiring one. It lists official free options and explains how to check that an adviser is licensed.
It does not cover how to choose or brief a paid lawyer; see preparing for a first meeting with a UAE lawyer. If you are not sure which court or authority handles your problem, try the UAE authority navigator.
Which free official services exist?
| Service | Run by | Who it is for | How to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Legal Services (pro bono) portal | Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department | Open to the public; aimed at people who cannot afford legal services | Register, choose the area of law, then pick a volunteer firm and time. The firm may accept or decline |
| Free Legal Consultation Programme ("Shoor") | Dubai Courts | Litigants | Authorised law firms give free voluntary consultations; Dubai Courts' Litigant Guidance division connects you |
| Pro Bono Programme | DIFC Courts | Individuals who cannot afford advice, with civil matters in the DIFC or within the DIFC Courts' jurisdiction | Walk-in clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 12 pm, at Level 3, Precinct Building 5 (South), The Gate District; online for people outside Dubai |
| Request for Legal Guidance and Counselling | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department | Anyone with a matter before ADJD courts or prosecution, before or during a case | Online request with Emirates ID; fee AED 0; session by video call |
| Legal in your Help Initiative | Ministry of Justice | People unable to pay legal fees | Through the MOJ e-lawyer sign-in; questions on 800 333 333 |
| Labour Claims and Advisory Centre | MoHRE | Private-sector workers | Toll-free 80084; MoHRE's call centre 600590000 also takes WhatsApp messages |
| Care and helpline services | Dubai Foundation for Women and Children | Women and children facing violence or abuse; the helpline is open to residents across the UAE | Free 24/7 helpline 800111; the foundation has a permanent legal adviser for its clients |
Limits to know. The DIFC Courts say they do not give help on criminal or family law matters. ADJD's guidance must relate to matters within the jurisdiction of ADJD courts and prosecution. The UAE Government portal says ADJD's wider legal aid, such as advocacy and paying expert fees, depends on how serious the case is and the person's income. If you need protection from violence, see our guide to domestic violence protection orders.
Dubai Courts. The UAE Government portal (updated 30 September 2026) describes the Shoor programme. When we checked on 10 October 2026, the Dubai Courts website showed a maintenance page, so confirm the current request route with Dubai Courts.
Community Development Authority. The UAE Government portal also lists a Legal Clinic run by Dubai's Community Development Authority, offering free consultations to Dubai residents through the hotline 800 3232 and legalclinic@cda.gov.ae. We could not open the authority's own page on the clinic, so confirm it is still running before you rely on it.
Court-appointed lawyers. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 on the legal profession, the court or public prosecution appoints a lawyer for a party exempted from court fees because of financial hardship, in cases that must be conducted through a lawyer (Article 83). If several lawyers refuse a case that needs a lawyer, the court can appoint one at your request (Article 84).
What can an AI legal tool do, and what can it not do?
Tools such as CaseDaleel's free case check can be a useful first step, but they are not a lawyer.
What a tool like this can do:
- Help you put the facts in order, with dates, amounts and documents.
- Explain the general rules in plain language.
- Point you to the authority or court that usually handles your type of problem.
- Help you prepare questions for an official service or a lawyer.
What it cannot do:
- Give legal advice on your specific case. Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 lists giving legal opinions and advice among the work only licensed lawyers may carry out (Article 6).
- Represent you before a court, the police or the prosecution.
- Guarantee that its answer is complete, current or correct for your facts.
- Replace a licensed lawyer when a deadline, hearing or large sum is involved.
Protect your data. Do not paste passport numbers, Emirates ID numbers, UAE Pass codes, bank details or medical records into any chat tool unless you know who runs it and why it needs them. Describe the problem first and share documents only through an official portal or with a lawyer you have checked.
How to check that a lawyer or consultant is licensed
Some people who call themselves "legal consultants" are not licensed to give legal advice. Under Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, courts, prosecutions and government bodies accept a lawyer's power of attorney only if the lawyer is on the Ministry of Justice roll of practising lawyers.
- Dubai. Search the Legal Affairs Department's directory of advocates and legal consultants. It does not list paralegals, legal assistants or public relations officers, or suspended or disbarred lawyers, and a listing is not an endorsement.
- Abu Dhabi. Use ADJD's "Search for Lawyer" page, which searches by lawyer name, office and city.
- Federal courts. Ask the Ministry of Justice on 800 333 333.
- Your embassy. Some embassies publish lawyer lists. The UK government's list, for example, says its lists are not recommendations.
Step by step
- Write down the facts. List what happened, dates, amounts and who was involved.
- Identify the authority. Labour, rent, consumer, family and criminal matters each go to different bodies; see which UAE court handles your case.
- Check deadlines. Put any hearing or complaint date in the legal deadline organiser.
- Choose a free official channel. Match your problem and emirate to the table above.
- Prepare your documents. Bring the contract, notices, messages and receipts.
- Ask clear questions. Write two or three questions before the session.
- Check any adviser. Search the official register before you sign anything or pay.
- Keep records. Note who advised you, when and what they said.
Documents checklist
- Emirates ID or passport
- Any contract, lease or employment offer
- Notices, letters, SMS or emails from the other side or an authority
- Case or complaint reference numbers
- Receipts, bank transfers and invoices
- A one-page timeline of events
- Proof of income, if a service asks you to show financial need
Common mistakes
- Treating a chat answer as legal advice. General information does not replace advice from a licensed lawyer on your facts.
- Paying an unlicensed "consultant". Check the official register first.
- Sharing ID numbers or UAE Pass codes. Official services use their own secure channels.
- Waiting for free help while a deadline runs. Hearings and appeal periods do not pause while you look for advice.
- Going to the wrong body. A labour, rent or consumer problem usually starts with a specialist authority, not a court.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Free services are good for orientation, but speak to a licensed lawyer if you have a hearing date, a criminal complaint against you, a travel ban, a large money claim or a deadline you cannot miss. A lawyer can act for you, which free guidance services and AI tools cannot. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get free legal advice online in Dubai?
Yes, through the Dubai Legal Affairs Department's pro bono portal, where volunteer firms may accept your request, and the DIFC Courts' online pro bono help for eligible DIFC matters.
Is there a free legal advice chat in the UAE?
We found no official legal advice chat, but MoHRE takes WhatsApp messages on 600590000 and its advisory line 80084 is toll-free.
Does Abu Dhabi offer free legal consultation?
ADJD's Request for Legal Guidance and Counselling service is listed at AED 0 and runs by video for matters within ADJD's jurisdiction.
Who can use the DIFC Courts pro bono clinic?
Individuals who cannot afford legal advice and need help with civil matters within the DIFC or the DIFC Courts' jurisdiction, not criminal or family matters.
Will the court give me a free lawyer?
In cases that must be conducted through a lawyer, Article 83 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022 provides for one to be appointed for a party exempted from court fees because of financial hardship.
Can an AI tool give me legal advice in the UAE?
No, it can organise facts and explain general rules, but legal advice on your case is work for a licensed lawyer.
How do I check that a Dubai lawyer is licensed?
Search the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department's directory of advocates and legal consultants.
Official sources
- UAE Government portal — Promoting the competency of the judicial system (legal aid and guidance)
- Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department — Voluntary Legal Services (pro bono) portal
- DIFC Courts — Pro Bono Programme for individuals
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department — Request for Legal Guidance and Counselling
- Ministry of Justice — Legal in your Help Initiative
- MoHRE — Dear Worker, know your rights
- Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department — Search for an advocate or legal consultant
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.