Dubai sets new framework for body camera use in enforcement procedures
Strict limits placed on where and how recordings may be made
DUBAI – In his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2026, establishing a detailed regulatory framework for the use of cameras in documenting violations and the execution of judicial judgments, decisions, and orders.
The Resolution is designed to align enforcement practices with applicable legislation and judicial supervision, marking a structured shift in how official procedures are recorded and verified across government operations in Dubai.
The regulation sets out a clear objective to enhance professional conduct among enforcement officers, improve transparency, and reinforce integrity in the execution of legal procedures. It also aims to protect individual rights while integrating technology into verification processes, ensuring that documentation of enforcement actions is both accountable and legally compliant.
Secure recording rules
Under the Resolution, enforcement officers are permitted to use cameras to document violations and execution procedures, but only within defined limits. The framework specifies what may be recorded and restricts recording in sensitive or highly private spaces such as homes, places of worship, and changing rooms. Individuals must also be informed when recording is taking place, reinforcing procedural transparency during enforcement activity.
All recordings must be stored using secure encrypted systems, with strict protections against unauthorised access, alteration, or misuse. The management and retention of such data must comply with Dubai’s legislative requirements and technical standards issued by the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, including rules governing information security, business continuity, and controlled data handling.
Access and accountability
The Resolution places responsibility on government entities to maintain structured databases of authorised personnel and their access levels. This ensures that only approved individuals can view or handle recordings, with privacy protection standards applied across all stages of data management.
Officers are required to use body cameras strictly for official duties and in line with instructions issued by their respective authorities. They are prohibited from copying, transferring, or storing footage on personal devices or unauthorised systems. The use of recordings for personal, unofficial, or unlawful purposes is explicitly barred under the framework.
Recordings may only be shared within the relevant government entity or with authorised parties, ensuring a controlled chain of custody for all digital evidence captured during enforcement procedures.
Training and compliance
The Resolution introduces mandatory training requirements for enforcement officers before they are granted judicial enforcement powers. Training programmes must cover operational use of cameras, documentation standards for violations, secure handling of recordings, and the legal and ethical responsibilities linked to privacy and procedural integrity.
Government entities are also tasked with ensuring compliance among private companies contracted to carry out statutory functions on their behalf. These companies must adhere to the same rules governing recording, storage, confidentiality, and access control.
In addition, recordings are required to be stored electronically under government supervision and may only be accessed or shared with written approval for defined legal purposes. Implementation authority lies with heads of relevant government entities, except where decisions fall under higher legislative oversight. Any conflicting provisions in previous resolutions are superseded once the new framework comes into effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.