In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved Law No. (17) of 2025, a new legal framework governing the handling of lost and abandoned property in the emirate.
The updated regulations strengthen procedures for reporting, documenting, storing and reclaiming lost items, while granting Dubai Police wider operational authority.
According to the law, “lost property” refers to movable items or money that can be legally owned and were unintentionally lost by their owner.
This definition excludes stray animals. “Abandoned property,” on the other hand, covers items whose owners have intentionally or implicitly surrendered ownership.
Under the new system, Dubai Police will manage all matters related to lost and abandoned property, including receiving reports, taking possession of items, securing safe storage, and maintaining digital records containing item descriptions, dates, locations found, and details of the finder.
The law mandates the establishment of a dedicated electronic reporting system, enabling Dubai Police to record found items, announce them publicly when necessary, and determine the cost of storage and advertising. This digital platform is expected to streamline transparency and improve recovery efficiency.
A key provision requires anyone who finds lost property—except public employees performing official duties—to register the item within 24 hours and hand it over within 48 hours. Using, keeping, or claiming ownership of found items is strictly prohibited, with violations attracting criminal penalties.
Once an item is handed over, Dubai Police issue an official receipt capturing its condition, the circumstances under which it was found, and the finder’s details. The law outlines clear procedures for reclaiming property, including the owner’s right to retrieve it before disposal or claim its value within three years if sold.
If ownership is disputed, the property or its value is released only to the individual confirmed by a final court ruling. Claims submitted after three years from the date an item is announced as found will not be considered.
The law also encourages responsible reporting by allowing Dubai Police to honour a finder with a certificate of appreciation or a financial reward of up to 10% of the property’s value, capped at AED 50,000. Finders may also request to keep the property if unclaimed after one year, subject to compliance with police guidelines.
In addition, all government and private entities in Dubai are required to support Dubai Police by registering and promptly handing over any lost or abandoned property found within their premises.
Penalties for violating the law include written warnings and fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 100,000, which may double for repeat offences within one year.
Law No. (17) of 2025 repeals Law No. (5) of 2015 on lost and abandoned property but maintains all non-conflicting previous regulations until new updates are issued. The law takes effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette.
