Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

UAE authorities have issued a stern reminder to residents about the legal obligations regarding lost property, warning that keeping items found in public can lead to heavy fines and even jail time. Under the Federal Decree Law, individuals who do not report found property to the police within 48 hours could face a fine of at least Dh20,000 or a prison sentence of up to two years. The UAE Public Prosecution has urged residents to report lost items immediately to avoid criminal liability. “Anyone who finds lost or abandoned property must surrender it to authorities within 48 hours,” the statement read. “Failure to do so could result in significant penalties.” The law applies whether the item was found by accident or under extraordinary circumstances, such as a natural disaster. The legal framework surrounding lost property in the UAE is comprehensive. In Dubai,  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. 5 of 2015, which governs the handling of lost and abandoned property. This law requires finders to report any found valuables to Dubai Police and forbids individuals from claiming ownership without going through the proper legal channels. Authorities stress that keeping lost property is considered a criminal act, but there’s good news for those who follow the law. The finder of lost property is entitled to a reward of 10 percent of the item’s total value, up to Dh50,000. If the property is not claimed within one year, the finder may keep it under certain conditions, such as maintaining it in good condition and returning it to the original owner if requested. Dubai Police play a crucial role in managing lost-and-found cases, with procedures in place to document the finder's information, the condition of the property, and other relevant data. ICA/Expat Media
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