Dubai's New Law On Lost And Abandoned Property: Key Provisions And Responsibilities

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his role as the Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (17) of 2025 concerning lost and abandoned property in Dubai. This law outlines procedures for handling such property, distinguishing between "Lost Property" and "Abandoned Property." Lost Property refers to valuable items misplaced by their owner without intent to relinquish them, excluding stray animals.

Abandoned Property includes valuable items intentionally or implicitly relinquished by the owner, also excluding stray animals. The law empowers Dubai Police to manage reports of lost items, secure these properties, and maintain detailed records. These records include descriptions, dates, locations, and finder details.

The law mandates Dubai Police to establish an electronic system for recording lost and abandoned property. They must announce found items when necessary, determine storage and announcement costs, and manage the property according to legal guidelines. Finders must register discovered items in this system within 24 hours and hand them over within 48 hours.

Individuals who find lost property are prohibited from using or claiming it as their own. Non-compliance may lead to criminal penalties. Cooperation with Dubai Police is required, with an official receipt issued for each item detailing its description, condition, finder’s details, date, place found, and other necessary information.

The law allows owners to reclaim their lost property before police disposal or claim its value within three years if sold. If disposed of without compensation under the law, owners can recover it from current possessors. In cases of multiple ownership claims, a final court ruling determines rightful ownership.

No claims are valid after three years from the announcement date unless justified. Owners must cover storage and announcement costs to reclaim their property or its value. The law also provides for rewarding finders with a certificate or financial reward up to AED50,000 based on 10 percent of the property's value.

Finder's Rights and Obligations

A finder may request to keep unclaimed property after one year following specific rules set by Dubai Police. If the owner later claims it, the finder must return it. All entities must cooperate with police efforts under this law by registering found or abandoned items in the electronic system promptly.

Violators may receive written warnings requiring correction within a deadline. Fines range from AED500 to AED100,000 for violations and double for repeated offenses within a year up to AED200,000. The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police issues decisions enforcing this law except those reserved for the Executive Council of Dubai.

Implementation and Repeal

This new legislation replaces Law No. (5) of 2015 regarding lost and abandoned property disposal while annulling conflicting provisions in other laws. Existing regulations under Law No. (5) remain effective unless they contradict Law No. (17) until new regulations replace them.

The law takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

With inputs from WAM