New Dubai antiquities law explained: Sheikh Mohammed orders strict protection of archaeological heritage sites
Ownership rules, reporting duties and discovery procedures defined
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. 11 of 2026 on antiquities and archaeological sites in the Emirate of Dubai.
The law applies to existing and newly discovered archaeological sites and artefacts across all land, marine, and mountainous areas of Dubai, including special development zones and free zones, among them the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The legislation sets out a comprehensive framework to identify, register, classify and preserve Dubai’s antiquities and archaeological sites, recognising them as key national assets of the emirate. It also aims to raise awareness of Dubai’s archaeological sites and their historical, cultural and architectural significance, while strengthening protection measures and regulating archaeological activities across the emirate.
According to the law, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is designated as the entity responsible for overseeing antiquities and archaeological sites in Dubai. The authority will supervise implementation of the law and ensure compliance with its provisions across all relevant locations and sectors.
Mohammed bin Rashid issues Law on antiquities and archaeological sites in the Emirate of Dubai. The Law applies to existing and newly discovered archaeological sites and artefacts across all land, marine, and mountainous areas of Dubai, including special development zones and… pic.twitter.com/0pRrIaZzYz
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 22, 2026
Under the law, antiquities and archaeological sites in Dubai are deemed the property of the emirate, except for privately owned movable or immovable artefacts and sites proven through possession, official documentation or registration in the official register. Land ownership does not include rights over any antiquities found on or beneath it, nor does it authorise excavation or related works.
Artefacts owned by the emirate of Dubai cannot be gifted except with approval from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and may only be temporarily moved abroad for exhibition, restoration or study with its permission. Under the law, artefacts owned by the emirate may also be loaned to official, scientific or museum institutions inside or outside the country by decision of the Director General of the authority.
The executive regulations of the law will define the criteria for gifting, temporary export or loan of such artefacts, as well as the rules governing privately owned artefacts taken outside the emirate. The emirate also retains all intellectual property rights over images, models, reports and replicas of its artefacts, including those produced by authorised entities.
Scope and objectives
The law establishes a detailed system aimed at safeguarding Dubai’s archaeological heritage through structured identification, classification and preservation processes. It positions antiquities as strategic cultural assets and integrates their protection into urban development and planning frameworks across the emirate.
A key objective is to ensure that archaeological sites are properly documented and protected from damage or unauthorised alteration, while also promoting public awareness of their historical importance. The framework extends to all geographical areas within Dubai, including marine and mountainous regions, reflecting the emirate’s diverse archaeological landscape.
The legislation further seeks to regulate archaeological activities and ensure that all related operations are conducted under official supervision. This includes coordination between Dubai Culture and other relevant authorities to ensure sites are preserved during development or construction activities.
Ownership rules, reporting duties and discovery procedures
The law introduces strict requirements for individuals who discover artefacts, whether intentionally or by chance. Anyone who finds an item meeting the legal definition of an antiquity must leave it undisturbed and immediately stop any work, including construction, that could affect it or surrounding remains.
This includes areas considered natural, environmental, aesthetic, visual or legal extensions of the site, which are defined and mapped by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in coordination with relevant authorities. The finder must notify Dubai Culture or Dubai Police within 48 hours of discovery.
In marine zones of the Emirate of Dubai, any accidental discovery of an artefact must be reported immediately to the authority and handed over within seven days. These provisions are designed to ensure rapid protection of underwater cultural heritage.
Subject to the rights of bona fide third parties, an artefact found by chance becomes property of the emirate if its owner is not identified within five years of discovery. During this period, the authority is required to take steps to trace the owner, preserve the artefact and register it under the law.
The law also establishes a dedicated register at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority for all antiquities and archaeological sites, including privately owned ones that meet legal criteria. Existing registered sites are recognised as compliant under the new framework.
Owners of eligible private artefacts or sites must apply for inspection and registration. The system also defines classification criteria, outlines owners’ obligations and regulates conservation and restoration procedures, along with rules governing the entry of foreign artefacts into Dubai.
Permits, prohibitions and enforcement measures
The law sets out a series of strict prohibitions to protect archaeological heritage. It bans damaging, altering, relocating or defacing any antiquity or archaeological site, including surrounding areas. Dumping waste or placing signs is prohibited unless officially approved for guidance purposes.
Entry into closed sites without approval from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is also prohibited, as is the use of sites and surrounding areas for activities that may cause damage, including dumping, storage, quarrying, industrial, military or hazardous uses.
Any excavation, construction, landscaping or similar work requires prior approval from the authority in coordination with relevant entities. The law also requires official approval for exhibitions, auctions and online trading of antiquities, as well as for importing artefacts without proof of lawful ownership.
Temporary or permanent export of artefacts for display, restoration or analysis is also subject to prior authorisation. In addition, no person may carry out archaeological activities in Dubai without a permit issued by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The Executive Council of Dubai will issue decisions regulating archaeological activities, including conditions and procedures for obtaining permits and defining the rights of licensed entities. This ensures that only qualified and authorised organisations may conduct excavation or related research.
The law further requires individuals and entities to obtain a no-objection certificate from the authority before undertaking major projects in areas that may contain archaeological sites. The certificate is issued after confirming the absence of antiquities and in coordination with relevant entities to determine which projects require approval.
All persons and entities subject to the law must comply within one year from its effective date, with the possibility of extension for a similar period if necessary, as determined by the Director General of the authority. Any conflicting legislation is annulled upon the law’s publication in the Official Gazette, marking a unified regulatory framework for heritage protection across Dubai.