dubai’s legal framework for handling lost and abandoned property has been updated with the issuance of Decree No. 17 of 2025 by sheikh Mohammed bin rashid Al Maktoum. The new law,which replaces the 2015 legislation,establishes clear procedures for reporting,claiming,and managing found items and funds within the emirate,aiming to provide greater clarity and security for both owners and finders. Notably, the decree excludes stray animals from its provisions and outlines potential penalties for those who attempt to illegally claim discovered property.
Dubai’s ruler has enacted a new law governing lost and abandoned property within the emirate, outlining procedures for reporting, claiming, and handling unclaimed items and funds.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, issued Decree No. 17 of 2025, defining “lost property” as movable items with inherent value that an owner unintentionally relinquishes. The law specifically excludes stray animals.
“Abandoned property” is defined as items an owner intentionally discards, also excluding animals. The legislation aims to provide a clear legal framework for dealing with found or relinquished possessions.
Under the new law, Dubai Police will be responsible for receiving reports of lost items, securing found property in appropriate facilities, and maintaining detailed records including descriptions, dates, locations, and finder information.
Police will also establish an electronic system for registering lost and found items, publicly announcing the discovery of property, and assessing storage and advertising costs. The law grants police authority to dispose of unclaimed items according to its provisions.
Reporting Found Property
Individuals who find lost property – excluding those whose job duties involve searching for lost items – are required to register the find with Dubai Police’s electronic system within 24 hours of discovery. The property must then be turned over to police within 48 hours. Holding or attempting to claim found property is prohibited and subject to criminal penalties.
Finders are also obligated to cooperate fully with Dubai Police in implementing the law. Police will issue a receipt detailing the item’s description, condition, finder information, and the date and location of discovery.
Claiming Lost Property
Owners have three years from the date the item is publicly announced as found to claim their property. If an item is sold by Dubai Police, the owner is entitled to the proceeds. If the property is disposed of without compensation, the owner retains the right to pursue it through legal channels.
In cases where multiple individuals claim ownership, the item or its value will be awarded to the person proven to be the rightful owner by a competent court.
Claims for lost property or its value will be barred after three years, unless a valid excuse is provided. Owners must cover any storage and advertising costs before reclaiming their property.
Recognition for Finders
The law allows Dubai Police to recognize and reward individuals who turn in lost property. This may include a certificate of appreciation or a financial reward of up to 10% of the item’s value, capped at 50,000 dirhams, deducted from the sale proceeds if the owner claims the item. Specific criteria and procedures for recognizing finders will be determined by the Dubai Police General Commander.
Retaining Found Property
After one year from the date of discovery, and if the owner has not come forward, the finder may request permission to retain the property, subject to conditions and guarantees set by the Dubai Police General Commander. If granted permission, the finder must safeguard the item and return it to the owner upon request.
Cooperation with Authorities
All government entities and private organizations are required to fully cooperate with Dubai Police and provide necessary support to facilitate the law’s implementation. This includes registering any found property with the police’s electronic system and delivering it within the specified timeframe.
Violations and Administrative Penalties
Dubai Police will issue written warnings for violations of the law and its implementing regulations, requiring offenders to rectify the situation within a specified timeframe. Violators may face fines ranging from 500 to 100,000 dirhams, with the Dubai Executive Council determining specific offenses and associated penalties. Fines will be doubled for repeat offenses within one year, up to a maximum of 200,000 dirhams.
Implementing Decisions
Except for decisions reserved for the Dubai Executive Council, the Dubai Police General Commander will issue the necessary decisions to implement the law, which will be published in the Official Gazette of the Dubai Government.
Repeal and Amendments
This law repeals Decree No. 5 of 2015 regarding lost and abandoned property in Dubai and supersedes any conflicting provisions in other legislation. Existing decisions and regulations issued under Decree No. 5 of 2015 will remain in effect until replaced by new regulations.
The law will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect upon publication.
تابعوا آخر أخبارنا المحلية والرياضية وآخر المستجدات السياسية والإقتصادية عبر Google news
