Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. ARCHIVE

Dubai has introduced stricter rules on handling lost and abandoned items under a new law issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Law No. (17) of 2025 replaces previous legislation and sets clear obligations for anyone who finds property of value, with penalties reaching up to Dh200,000 for violations. The legislation defines “lost property” as money or movable items that can legally be owned and are lost unintentionally. “Abandoned property,” meanwhile, refers to items intentionally or implicitly given up by their owner. Stray animals are excluded from both categories. Under the law, anyone who finds lost property—except a public employee who discovers it in the course of official duties—must register it in Dubai Police’s electronic system within 24 hours and physically hand it over within 48 hours. Finders are prohibited from using, keeping, or claiming the property as their own. Failure to comply may result in criminal penalties. Dubai Police will manage the entire lost-and-found process, including receiving and storing items, recording relevant details, announcing found property when necessary, and determining storage or announcement costs. Items must be received through an official police receipt that documents the description, condition, location, date, and finder’s details. The law allows rightful owners to reclaim their property at any point before it is officially disposed of, or to claim its value within three years if it has been sold. If multiple individuals claim ownership, Dubai Police will release the property or its value only upon a final court ruling. No claim may be made after three years from the date the item was officially announced as found, and owners must cover all related storage or announcement fees. To encourage honest reporting, Dubai Police may reward finders with a certificate of appreciation or a financial reward worth 10 percent of the property’s value, up to Dh50,000. A finder may also request to keep the item if no owner comes forward within one year, though they must return it if the owner later emerges. Government and private entities are required to cooperate fully with Dubai Police and must also register and submit any found items within the prescribed timelines. Violations may lead to written warnings, fines between Dh500 and Dh100,000, or doubled penalties of up to Dh200,000 for repeat offenses within a year. Law No. (17) of 2025 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette and replaces Law No. (5) of 2015, although existing regulations will remain valid until new ones are issued. ICA/Expat Media
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