Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. ARCHIVE

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a new law establishing a clear framework for administrative violations, penalties and enforcement measures in the emirate. According to a statement issued by the Dubai Media Office on Friday (March 13), the law aims to regulate how government authorities impose administrative penalties and measures on individuals and businesses that violate regulations. Administrative penalties typically include fines, warnings, operational restrictions, or other enforcement actions imposed by government entities when regulations are breached. These may involve violations such as failing to comply with licensing rules or other legal requirements.

Clear framework for violations and penalties

The new law establishes a unified and binding legal framework for government entities in Dubai when dealing with administrative violations. Authorities said the legislation is designed to strengthen transparency, fairness, accountability and legality when imposing administrative penalties. It also sets clear procedures to ensure enforcement actions protect rights and freedoms while maintaining public services and safeguarding the interests of society. Officials added that the law also seeks to support timely justice by regulating how administrative penalties and measures are applied, while preventing abuse or misuse of authority. The legislation is also intended to raise awareness about the importance of complying with laws and regulations in Dubai while strengthening deterrence against actions that could threaten public safety and security.

Violations classified by severity

Under the law, administrative violations must be clearly defined in legislation issued by the relevant authority. Each violation must be described in a way that ensures individuals and businesses understand their obligations. Violations will be classified into three categories:
  • Minor
  • Moderate
  • Serious
This classification helps determine the appropriate administrative penalty depending on the severity of the offence.

Rules for enforcement measures

The law also sets detailed rules for administrative measures imposed by government authorities to ensure they remain fair, transparent and proportional to the violation. Each enforcement measure must be linked to a clearly defined violation and specified in legislation issued by the competent authority. Authorities will determine the severity of the measure based on several factors, including:
  • The seriousness of the violation
  • Its impact on public services and public interest
  • Whether the offence was repeated
  • Intent, negligence or harm caused
  • Corrective action taken by the offender
  • Possible administrative measures
Government entities may impose one or more administrative measures on offenders, including:
  • A warning requiring the offender to correct the violation
  • Temporary closure of an establishment for up to six months
  • Permanent closure of the establishment
  • Cancellation or modification of licences, permits or approvals
  • Temporary or permanent suspension of activities, projects or transactions linked to the violation

Rules for publishing violations

The law also introduces procedures governing how administrative violations are announced. Before any violation can be published, the relevant authority must first obtain approval from its Director General and coordinate with the Dubai Media Office. Officials said this measure aims to ensure accuracy and fairness when information about violations is shared publicly. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue the necessary decisions to implement the provisions of the law, including procedures for announcing and publishing administrative violations. According to the Dubai Media Office, any provisions in other laws that conflict with the new legislation will be annulled. Authorities said the law forms part of Dubai’s broader efforts to strengthen governance, promote compliance with regulations and ensure fair enforcement practices across the emirate. ICA/Expat Media
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