Dubai Unveils Comprehensive Law on Lost and Abandoned Property

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

A new legal framework has been established in Dubai governing the treatment of lost and abandoned property. Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Ruler of Dubai, Law No. (17) of 2025 replaces older regulations and introduces rigorous reporting deadlines, precise definitions, and a modern electronic tracking system overseen by Dubai Police.

This law distinguishes between lost property—items misplaced unintentionally—and abandoned property, which includes valuable items deliberately relinquished by their owners. Stray animals are excluded from both definitions.

As per the new law, Dubai Police will act as the main authority for receiving reports, securing items, and keeping meticulous digital records that detail descriptions, dates, locations, and finder information. The police are also responsible for implementing an electronic platform aimed at managing these cases effectively.

A significant public obligation mandates individuals who find lost items to register them in the Police's electronic system within 24 hours and release them within 48 hours. Any personal use, retention, or claiming of the item is strictly forbidden, with offenders potentially facing criminal charges. Police will furnish formal receipts during the handover to ensure clarity in the process.

The law also specifies procedures for reclaiming property. Owners can retrieve their belongings any time before disposal or claim its value within three years if sold. Should an item be given away without compensation in accordance with the law, the original owner has the right to reclaim it from the current possessor. Claims presented beyond three years after public announcement will not be accepted unless justified by valid reasons.

In instances of conflicting claims, the property or its value will be awarded to the individual confirmed by a conclusive court decision. Individuals reclaiming items are also responsible for covering storage and announcement fees incurred by Dubai Police.

Incentives for compliance are included in the law. Police may acknowledge those who return lost items with a certificate of appreciation or a monetary reward amounting to 10% of the property's value, up to AED 50,000. Moreover, finders may be permitted to keep unclaimed items if the original owner doesn't come forward within a year, although the items must be returned if the owner later appears.

Government bodies and private entities are required to cooperate with Dubai Police by registering and transferring any found items according to the specified timelines. Noncompliance can result in written warnings or fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 100,000, with penalties doubling for repeat violations within a year, capped at AED 200,000.

Law No. (17) of 2025 takes effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette, marking a critical evolution in the management of lost and abandoned property within Dubai.