“Sheikh Mohammed has introduced updated legislation in Dubai outlining how lost, abandoned, or unclaimed items should be managed, setting clear procedures to safeguard property rights and ensure proper handling across the emirate.”
New Dubai Law Issued by Sheikh Mohammed to Govern Lost and Unclaimed Property.
Dubai has rolled out a fresh legislative framework aimed at improving the way lost, forgotten, and abandoned items are dealt with across the emirate. The new system is designed to make the entire process more streamlined, transparent, and beneficial for both the owners of misplaced property and the individuals who find it. On Tuesday, November 25, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—officially issued Law No. (17) of 2025.
This law outlines updated procedures for reporting, storing, and claiming items that are discovered in public or private spaces, ensuring they are handled responsibly and returned to their rightful owners whenever possible. It also provides clearer guidelines for finders, defining their rights and obligations, and introduces incentives to encourage ethical behavior. The legislation reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing social trust, promoting civic responsibility, and maintaining an organized and fair system for managing lost property throughout the city.
The new regulation is intended to create a clearer and more trustworthy system for dealing with lost and found belongings, encouraging integrity and responsible behavior throughout Dubai. Under the updated rules, individuals who violate the law could face fines reaching up to Dh200,000, reflecting the seriousness of mishandling or withholding lost property. At the same time, the law introduces incentives for good conduct, allowing those who turn in lost items to the authorities to receive financial rewards. The rightful owners, meanwhile, are assured full legal protection and guaranteed the ability to recover their possessions through a structured and fair process.
According to the newly issued law, Dubai Police will serve as the primary authority responsible for handling all matters related to lost, forgotten, or abandoned belongings. Their duties begin the moment an item is handed over, requiring officers to document every essential detail, such as a full description of the object, the date and place where it was found, and information about the person who reported or submitted it. This detailed documentation ensures accuracy and supports any future claims made by the rightful owners.
As part of the updated procedures, the police are mandated to create and maintain a comprehensive digital platform dedicated to recording all cases of lost and unclaimed property. This electronic system will act as a centralized database, making it easier for both the public and authorities to track items, verify information, and manage claims.
Additionally, Dubai Police will be responsible for deciding the appropriate method and cost of storing these items while they await collection. Their role also includes preparing and issuing public notices when necessary, informing residents about significant or high-value items that have been found. Beyond administrative tasks, the police must oversee the entire custody process to ensure all property is protected, accounted for, and preserved in accordance with the law.
Dubai Police are authorized to give written warnings to individuals who breach the provisions of this law, instructing them to fix the violation within a specified timeframe. Financial penalties may also be imposed, starting at Dh500 and reaching up to Dh100,000, depending on the severity of the offence. If the same person repeats the violation within one year, the fine can be doubled, with the maximum penalty rising to Dh200,000.
Under the new legislation, “lost property” is described as any money or movable items that hold legal value and ownership, which the owner accidentally misplaces without intending to give them away. The definition explicitly excludes stray animals. In contrast, “abandoned property” refers to money or movable belongings of legal value that the owner—or lawful possessor—has intentionally or implicitly surrendered, showing no intention to reclaim them. Stray animals are not considered part of this category either, and are therefore treated separately under the law.
Under the new Dubai law, individuals who come across lost property are assigned specific duties to ensure the proper handling of the items. Anyone who discovers such belongings must record the details in the Dubai Police’s electronic system within 24 hours and hand over the property to the authorities within 48 hours. The law strictly prohibits finders from using, keeping, or claiming the item for themselves, and failure to comply with these requirements may lead to criminal consequences.
However, the legislation also provides a pathway for finders to eventually retain the property under certain conditions. If the rightful owner does not come forward to claim the item within one year of it being submitted to the Dubai Police, the finder may apply to officially take possession, following the procedures and safeguards established by the authorities. Should the original owner later emerge and assert their legal right to the property, the finder is obligated to return it in accordance with the law. This system is designed to balance fairness, responsibility, and transparency, ensuring that lost property is properly managed while protecting the rights of both owners and finders.
The new law in Dubai ensures that the rights of individuals who lose property are fully protected, providing a clear legal framework for reclaiming their belongings. Under these provisions, an owner has the right to retrieve any lost item before it is disposed of or otherwise dealt with by the authorities. In cases where the property has already been sold by the Dubai Police or relevant authorities, the owner is still entitled to claim its monetary value, provided this is done within a three-year period from the sale.
When multiple parties assert ownership over the same lost property, the law stipulates that the item—or its equivalent value—will be awarded to the individual whose claim is confirmed through a final court ruling. This ensures that ownership disputes are resolved fairly and in accordance with legal procedures.
After three years have passed from the date the lost property is officially announced as found, no further claims can be made without a legally valid reason. Additionally, the law requires that owners seeking to reclaim their property or its value are responsible for covering any costs incurred during storage and public announcement. This approach balances the protection of the rightful owner’s rights with the practical management of lost and abandoned property, ensuring fairness and accountability in the handling process.
Incentives and Procedures for Handling Lost Property in Dubai
Dubai has introduced a comprehensive legal framework to manage lost and abandoned property in a manner that is transparent, fair, and efficient. The new law is designed not only to regulate the processes associated with such items but also to promote responsible behavior among the public by encouraging the submission of found property to the authorities. By establishing clear procedures for reporting, recording, and returning lost or abandoned items, the legislation aims to balance the rights of both finders and owners, while also providing mechanisms to recognize ethical conduct.
Under this law, individuals who come across lost property are eligible for specific rewards, serving as both recognition and motivation for honesty and civic responsibility. Finders may receive a formal certificate of appreciation issued by the authorities or a financial incentive that can amount to as much as 10 percent of the item’s assessed value. The maximum monetary reward is capped at Dh50,000. These measures are intended to encourage people to hand over lost items to the Dubai Police rather than keeping them or attempting to sell them independently, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. By offering tangible rewards, the law seeks to reinforce ethical conduct while ensuring that valuable items are returned to their rightful owners.
The legislation also establishes clear procedures for the documentation and management of lost and abandoned property. Each item must be properly recorded in an official system, detailing the circumstances in which it was found, its description, and the identity of the person who submitted it. This structured approach ensures that claims can be verified efficiently, and disputes regarding ownership can be resolved with accuracy and fairness. The Dubai Police are tasked with overseeing the custody of lost items, managing storage, and facilitating the proper return of property to owners when claimed.
Law No. (17) of 2025 replaces the earlier Law No. (5) of 2015 on the Disposal of Lost and Abandoned Property, reflecting updated procedures and incentives. Any conflicting provisions in other legislation are nullified to avoid legal ambiguity and ensure consistency in the handling of lost property. Existing regulations or decisions issued under the 2015 law will remain valid as long as they do not conflict with the provisions of the new law, until new rules are formally introduced to replace them. The law officially came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, signaling the beginning of a more organized and accountable system for managing lost and abandoned items throughout the emirate.
The implementation of this law also addresses the practical concerns of both finders and owners. It clarifies the rights and responsibilities of individuals who encounter lost items, detailing the timeframe within which property must be reported and submitted to the authorities, as well as the consequences for failing to comply. For owners, the law guarantees the ability to reclaim lost property or its equivalent value in a transparent and structured manner. By providing defined processes for claims, storage, and notifications, the law reduces confusion and ensures equitable treatment for all parties involved.
Ultimately, the legislation represents a significant step forward in promoting transparency, trust, and civic responsibility in Dubai. It creates an efficient and reliable framework for handling lost and abandoned property, encouraging ethical behavior among residents and visitors, while safeguarding the rights of property owners. By offering recognition and financial incentives to finders, clarifying legal responsibilities, and establishing robust procedural standards, Law No. (17) of 2025 strengthens the integrity and efficiency of the emirate’s lost and found system, ensuring that items are managed with care, accountability, and fairness for all stakeholders.
