Sheikh Mohammed issues new law on lost and abandoned property in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE: Dubai has introduced a new legal framework regulating how lost and abandoned property is managed across the emirate, following the issuance of Law No. (17) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai.

The legislation establishes clear definitions, responsibilities, and enforcement mechanisms covering the handling, documentation, and restitution of lost or abandoned items, reinforcing transparency and accountability across both public and private sectors.

Clear Definitions for Lost and Abandoned Property

Under the new law, Lost Property refers to money or movable items that have value and legal ownership, which were misplaced unintentionally. Stray animals are explicitly excluded.

Abandoned Property applies to items of value that their owners intentionally or implicitly relinquish. Stray animals do not fall under this category either.

The law outlines detailed regulations covering the responsibilities of the Dubai Police, the obligations of finders, and the rights of rightful owners.

Dubai Police Assigned Full Authority

Dubai Police have been granted formal responsibility for receiving and recording reports of lost or abandoned items, ensuring secure storage, and maintaining comprehensive digital records documenting location, condition, and details of the finder.

The force will also launch an electronic system to register and manage lost or abandoned property, publish announcements when required, oversee storage costs, and handle items in accordance with the law.

Obligations for Finders

Individuals who discover lost property, excluding government employees acting in the course of their duties are required to register the item in the Dubai Police electronic system within 24 hours, and hand over the property within 48 hours.

Finders are prohibited from using, keeping, or claiming the property. Failure to comply may result in criminal penalties.

Dubai Police will issue an official receipt documenting the item’s condition, description, location and date found, and the finder’s information.

Rights and Claims of Property Owners

Owners of lost property may reclaim their items before they are disposed of. If the property is sold, they may claim its value within three years of the sale date.

If an item was given away or transferred without compensation under the law, the rightful owner may still reclaim it from the current possessor.

In disputes involving multiple claimants, ownership is determined through a final court ruling. Claims without valid cause are barred after three years from the date the item was officially announced as found. Storage and announcement fees must be covered to retrieve the item or its value.

Finder Rewards and Requests to Keep Property

The law allows Dubai Police to recognise finders with a certificate of appreciation or a financial reward equal to 10% of the property’s value, capped at USD 13,612 / AED 50,000.

Conditions will be set by the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.

Finders may also request to keep an item if no owner comes forward within one year. If the original owner later emerges, the finder must return the property.

Enforcement and Penalties

Government and private entities must comply with Dubai Police instructions and register any lost or abandoned items within the designated timelines.

Violations may trigger a written warning and required corrective action. Fines range from USD 136 / AED 500 to USD 27,225 / AED 100,000, and may double to a maximum of USD 54,450 / AED 200,000 for repeated offences within one year.

The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police will issue executive decisions relating to the enforcement of the law, which will be published in the Official Gazette.

Law No. (17) of 2025 officially replaces Law No. (5) of 2015, while previous regulations remain valid unless they conflict with the new framework. The law takes effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.