How to Report a Missing Person in the UAE

If you ever find yourself in the middle of a missing person crisis in Dubai, it is the right steps taken which make a difference. The purpose of this article is to clearly outline the steps involved in reporting a missing person in Dubai, as well as the requirements.

Purpose of Reporting a Missing Person
This is one of the important services at Dubai Police, where it ascertains that effective and immediate measures are taken to track disappeared persons. The service assists in implementing procedures against which a missing person can be searched and recovered.

Requirements for Reporting a Missing Person
In order to report a missing person in Dubai, you have to fulfill some requirements:
• ID Copy:
 A copy of the passport or Emirates ID of the missing person is required.
• Waiting Period: 
The report is acceptable only when the missing person has been absent for at least 48 hours.
• Who Can Report:
 The report may be submitted by the relatives, friends, or roommates of the missing individual.
• Other Requirements:
 Police can also request personal belongings of the missing person, such as worn clothes or a toothbrush, to help in finding him/her.

Free Service
Dubai Police offers this service free of charge, so reporting shouldn’t be difficult.

How to Report a Missing Person
1. Visit the Police Station.
You have to visit a police station falling in the jurisdiction area where the missing person lives. Suppose the missing person is a resident of Al Barsha; you would report at the Al Barsha Police Station.
2. Not Sure About Which Station to Go To?
 If any person is not sure about going to which police station, they can call on 999 for the facilitation of Dubai Police.

Timing of Submission
You can also submit the missing person report on the same day as you visit the police station so that it can be put into action immediately.

Importance of Missing Person Reports in the UAE
Dubai is a secure city; however, cases of missing individuals are reported. The efficiency of the one reporting and responding to such cases makes a big difference in bringing the missing person home in a safe and swift manner.

Missing Person Cases in Dubai- Examples
Several scenarios depict the importance of effective reporting of the missing person, which includes:
• Tourist:
 A foreigner may visit Dubai for sight-seeing purposes and lost his/her way in the city. Thus, he or she may fail to reach his/her lodging facility.
• Residents:
 Any resident of Dubai may get missing due to personal problems or family conflicts.
• Children:
 There are instances concerning children who accidentally wander away from their caretakers in public places.
• Mental Health Issues:
 People who are mentally ill often become confused and disappear. The earlier this is reported, the easier their recovery.
• Police Raids:
 A missing case sometimes occurs where a police raid has taken place in an apartment. For this reason, the authorities must take prompt action.

Searching for Missing Family Members Abroad
The steps a family member overseas would follow to locate a missing family member:
1. Contact Dubai Police:
 Call the Dubai Police on 999 to declare disappearance and seek advice.
2. Relevant Information:
 One should provide full details of the missing person, including identification and last contact or any travel plans they may have had.
3. Local Contacts:
 One should work with friends or family members in Dubai to facilitate reporting and follow-up with the police.

Conclusion
The reporting will be important in order to facilitate timely action by the authorities. The Dubai Police are, no doubt, quite efficient and full-fledged, ready to handle such tasks; being informed is what would, in turn, make it easier for one to get through with it much faster. For any further query or help, please contact the relevant department. Stay informed, stay safe!