Dubai streamlines lost and abandoned property rules with new law
Sheikh Mohammed launches reward system for honest finders
DUBAI – Dubai has introduced a new law to regulate lost and abandoned property, making the process simpler, fairer, and more transparent.
Law No. (17) of 2025, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, requires Dubai Police to receive, safeguard, and manage lost items.
Mohammed bin Rashid issues Law on the handling of lost and abandoned property in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/RPoA5tQVfC
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 25, 2025
The law also mandates the creation of an electronic system to record lost and abandoned property, helping authorities track, announce, and return items efficiently. Violations can result in fines from Dh500 to Dh200,000, depending on severity and repetition.
What counts as lost property?
The law defines lost property as money or movable items of legal ownership and value, unintentionally misplaced by the owner. Abandoned property refers to items deliberately or implicitly relinquished. Stray animals are excluded from both categories. The precise definitions aim to eliminate ambiguity in ownership disputes.
How finders must report
Finders are required to register lost property in the Dubai Police electronic system within 24 hours and hand it over within 48 hours. Using, keeping, or claiming the property as one’s own is prohibited and may lead to criminal penalties.
If the owner does not claim the property within one year, finders may request to keep it, subject to Dubai Police rules. Should the owner later reclaim the item, it must be returned.
How owners can reclaim
Property owners have the right to reclaim lost items before disposal or claim their value within three years if sold. Multiple ownership claims are resolved through final court rulings, and claims without valid reasons cannot be made after three years. Owners must cover storage and announcement costs when reclaiming property or its value.
The law safeguards owners’ rights and provides clear procedures for dispute resolution.
What rewards are available?
To encourage honesty, Dubai Police may award finders a certificate of appreciation or a financial reward of 10% of the property’s value, up to Dh50,000, deducted after disposal. The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police sets the conditions and procedures for these rewards.
This system incentivises individuals to report and hand over lost items, promoting civic responsibility and public trust.
How enforcement works
All government and private entities are required to cooperate with Dubai Police, register found property in the electronic system, and hand it over within the prescribed deadlines. Dubai Police may issue warnings for violations, requiring correction within a set timeframe. Fines range from Dh500 to Dh100,000, doubling for repeated offences up to Dh200,000.
Law No. (17) of 2025 replaces Law No. (5) of 2015 on the Disposal of Lost and Abandoned Property, annulling conflicting provisions in other legislation. Existing regulations under Law No. (5) remain effective if they do not contradict the new law. The law is effective from the day of its publication in the Official Gazette.