𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗶'𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘄: 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄

A clear legal framework under Law No. (17) of 2025 centralises control, sets strict deadlines, and introduces significant rewards and penalties for dealing with found items in the Emirate.

Dubai has taken a major step toward enhancing accountability and transparency in the management of lost and abandoned items with the introduction of a new, comprehensive law. Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the new regulation provides a definitive legal structure for residents, businesses, and authorities.

The new legislation is officially known as Law No. (17) of 2025, and it effectively replaces and overrides the previous Law No. (5) of 2015, establishing a clearer and more streamlined process.

Centralizing Authority: Dubai Police in Full Charge

One of the most significant changes under Law No. (17) of 2025 is the centralization of authority. Dubai Police has been assigned full responsibility for the entire lost and abandoned property management cycle.

The law mandates that the Police are responsible for:

• Receiving all reports of lost property.
• The safe storage of items.
• Maintaining detailed, electronic records of every item, including its description, location, date of discovery, and finder's information.

Defining Lost vs. Abandoned Property

The law provides specific definitions to clarify its scope:

• Lost Property: This refers to money or movable items of legal ownership and value that were unintentionally misplaced by the owner.
• Abandoned Property: These are similar items that have been deliberately or implicitly relinquished by their owners.

It is important to note that the law specifically excludes stray animals from both of these categories.

Crucial Deadlines and Responsibilities for Finders

The new law introduces strict deadlines and duties for anyone who discovers lost property in Dubai. This section is particularly critical for every resident and visitor:

• Reporting Deadline: Any individual (excluding public employees on duty) who finds lost property must report the discovery in the electronic system within 24 hours.
• Handover Deadline: The finder must physically hand over the property to the Dubai Police within 48 hours of finding it.

A critical restriction placed on the finder is the prohibition from using, keeping, or claiming the property immediately. The finder can only request to retain the item if the legal owner does not come forward within one year. Even then, if the owner subsequently claims the property, it must be returned.

All government and private entities that receive lost property are also required to comply with these registration and handover deadlines.

Rewards for Honesty: Incentivizing Compliance

To promote honesty and encourage reporting, Law No. (17) of 2025 outlines a clear system for rewarding finders:

• Recognition: The finder may be granted a certificate of appreciation.
• Financial Reward: A finder is entitled to a financial reward of 10 percent of the property's value. This reward is capped at a maximum of AED 50,000, with the final amount determined by the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.

Crucially, these rewards are applied after the property is disposed of, irrespective of whether the owner eventually claims the item.

Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance

The law establishes a clear deterrence mechanism with substantial fines for any violations:

• Standard Fines: Violations of the law carry penalties ranging from AED 500 to AED 100,000.
• Repeat Offences: For any repeated breaches of the law within one year, the fine amount will be doubled, up to a maximum penalty of AED 200,000.

Dubai Police also retains the authority to issue official warnings, requiring the offender to rectify the violation within a specified timeframe.

Protecting the Owner's Rights

The legislation is designed to safeguard the rights of the original owners:

• Reclaiming Property: An owner has the right to reclaim their property before it is disposed of by the Police.
• Claiming Value: If the property has been sold, the owner can claim the value of the property within three years of its disposal.
• Disputes: In cases where ownership is disputed, the law stipulates that the final court ruling will determine entitlement.

Conclusion: A Clear and Accountable Framework

Law No. (17) of 2025 marks a significant upgrade to Dubai’s regulatory environment for lost and abandoned items. By centralizing control with the Dubai Police, establishing clear electronic reporting procedures, and setting definitive responsibilities, deadlines, rewards, and penalties, the Emirate is ensuring a more accountable, transparent, and fair framework for all residents and visitors.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and not legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult a UAE legal professional.