Dubai's New Era for Lost Items

New Dubai Law: Handling Lost and Abandoned Items

On November 25, 2025, a new era began in Dubai for the handling of lost and abandoned property. The new legislation, enacted as the 2025 Law No. (17), makes the process more transparent and fair while also financially motivating honest finders. The goal is clear: to encourage the public to hand over found items as quickly and officially as possible, while ensuring the owners' rights to the maximum extent.

What is considered a lost or abandoned item in Dubai?

The law clearly distinguishes between lost and abandoned items. A lost item refers to money or movable goods that the owner accidentally left behind without intending to give them up. This could include, for example, a wallet, mobile phone, or jewelry accidentally left in a restaurant or taxi. It is important to note that stray animals do not fall under this category.

In contrast, an abandoned item is any money or movable asset whose owner can be presumed to have consciously or implicitly relinquished it. Such items are not protected by law, but the handling process is similarly regulated.

The obligations of finders

According to the new regulations, those who find a valuable item in Dubai are obliged to register it in Dubai Police's electronic system within 24 hours. Subsequently, they must hand over the item to the police within 48 hours.

Finders may not keep, use, or claim the item as their own. Violating the rules can have severe consequences, including fines or even criminal liability. Those who do not cooperate or try to conceal the discovery may face fines ranging from 500 dirhams to as much as 200,000 dirhams, with repeat offenses doubling the penalty.

Rewards and recognition for honest finders

The new law not only tightens rules but also incentivizes. A person who finds and officially hands over lost property may receive a reward. This could be a certificate of recognition or a monetary prize, which can reach up to 10% of the item's value, but not exceeding 50,000 dirhams.

This can be an important incentive in a city where millions of people pass through daily, and valuable items are often accidentally left behind in busy public spaces and shopping centers.

What happens if no one claims the item?

The new regulations also address what happens if an item is not claimed by its owner. In such a case, the finder may request the item after one year. However, this is not automatic, as the Dubai Police may decide on this within regulated frameworks, considering the laws and public interest.

It is important that if the owner later emerges and credibly proves ownership, the finder must return the item.

Protecting the rights of owners

Owners also receive significant protection. They can reclaim their lost property at any time, provided it has not been used or sold. If the item has been sold, the owner can claim the proceeds within three years.

In disputed cases, where several people claim ownership, the matter is settled by a final court ruling. After three years, neither the item nor its value can be reclaimed, except in exceptional cases justified by delay.

The new role and tasks of Dubai Police

The new law assigns a significant role to the Dubai Police. They are responsible for the electronic registration, handling, and safe storage of lost and abandoned items, as well as facilitating communication between finders and owners.

Additionally, the police must determine the costs of storage and public advertising, which the owner must bear in case of claiming back their item. Furthermore, the police can issue warnings to individuals violating the law and set deadlines for correcting deficiencies.

Legal background and coming into effect

The newly introduced law, the 2025 Law No. (17), replaces the previous 2015 Law No. (5) and invalidates any provisions conflicting with the new regulations. However, the regulations issued under the previous law remain in effect until new regulations are issued.

The law comes into force on the day it is published in the Official Gazette, making it immediately applicable to all citizens, residents, and visitors.

Summary

With this new law, Dubai sends a clear message: honesty is a value recognized not only morally but also financially. The new system operates within more predictable, modern, and digitally transparent frameworks. It ensures legal security for both finders and original owners while promoting trust and responsible behavior within Dubai's community.

Dubai sets an example not only in its built environment on a global scale but also in social functioning and digital governance. This law is another step towards an intelligent city where transparency and individual responsibility go hand in hand.

(The article is based on Law No. 17 of 2025 published in the Official Gazette.)