Dubai’s New Law: AED 200,000 Fine Alert!
Law No. (17) of 2025 has been issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to regulate lost and abandoned property in Dubai. Under this law, the responsibilities of finders, property owners, and Dubai Police are clearly defined — and violations come with heavy fines.
Key Takeaways
- The new law brings clarity & transparency to lost and abandoned property handling across Dubai.
- Responsibility lies with the finder to report and hand over — not to assume “finders-keep-ers.”
- Owners are protected: they can reclaim their property or its value.
- Honest behaviour is rewarded — deterring misuse and encouraging integrity.
- Serious penalties for misuse make it risky to break the law.
What the Law Covers — Key Definitions & Responsibilities
- Lost Property: Any money or movable item of legal/monetary value lost by its owner unintentionally, without intent to give it up. Stray animals are excluded.
- Abandoned Property: Money or movable items of value for which the owner or lawful possessor intentionally — or implicitly — relinquished ownership. Stray animals are excluded.
- Dubai Police Role: The Dubai Police is authorized to receive reports of lost or abandoned property; take possession; store it safely; maintain detailed records including descriptions, dates, locations, and finder info; and manage the items under the law.
- Electronic System: Police must establish an electronic system for registration of lost/abandoned property, track found items, announce them if needed, manage storage/announcement costs, and handle reclaim/disposal.
✅ Finder & Owner Obligations
- What Finders Must Do
- Register found items in Dubai Police’s system within 24 hours.
- Hand over the item to Dubai Police within 48 hours.
- Do not keep, use or claim the item as your own. Doing so violates the law.
- Rights of Original Owners
- Owners can reclaim their lost property before it is disposed of.
- If the property is sold, owners can claim its value — up to 3 years after sale.
- If more than one person claims the same item, final decision (item or its value) will be by court ruling.
- What Happens to Unclaimed Items
- If the owner doesn’t claim the item within 1 year, the finder may apply to keep it (subject to law’s conditions).
🎁 Incentives & Penalties
- Reward for Honesty: Finders may receive a certificate of appreciation, or a financial reward of 10% of the item’s value — capped at AED 50,000.
- Penalties for Violations:
- For first offence: fines between AED 500–AED 100,000.
- For repeat offence within a year: fines may double, up to AED 200,000.
Why This Matters — Dubai Stays Safe
With Dubai Police in charge — tracking, recording, and managing lost and abandoned items — residents and visitors have a clear, fair process. The mix of strict penalties and real rewards encourages honesty and respect for others’ property.
Thanks to laws like this, Dubai remains one of the safest cities in all ways, reinforcing trust, integrity, and community safety.
📚 FAQ — Common Questions about the New Law
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who must report found items? | Anyone (except public employees on duty) who finds lost or abandoned property must register it in the Dubai Police electronic system within 24 hours and hand it over within 48 hours. |
| What counts as “lost or abandoned property”? | Money or movable items of legal value that are lost or abandoned. Stray animals are not included. |
| Can finders keep the item themselves if no one claims it? | Only if the owner doesn’t claim it within 1 year — and after applying under the law’s conditions. |
| Can the owner reclaim lost items? For how long? | Yes. Owners can reclaim items before disposal. If sold, they can claim its value within 3 years. |
| Is there a reward for handing in lost items? | Yes. A finder may get a reward equal to 10% of the item’s value, up to AED 50,000. |
| What are the penalties for violating the law? | Fines from AED 500–AED 100,000, doubling to AED 200,000 for repeat offences. |
