Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai's new legal framework for lost and abandoned property, enacted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, updates a decade-old set of guidelines. Law No. (17) of 2025 introduces comprehensive changes that include tighter reporting deadlines, precise definitions, and an innovative electronic tracking system under Dubai Police's supervision.

This legislation distinguishes between lost property—items that are unintentionally misplaced—and abandoned property, which pertains to valuable possessions that owners deliberately relinquish. It is important to note that stray animals do not fall under these classifications.

Per the new framework, Dubai Police will act as the primary authority for receiving reports, securing items, and keeping meticulously detailed digital records—ranging from physical descriptions to storage details. An electronic platform is in development to streamline the management of these cases.

A significant public obligation is now in place: individuals who discover lost property must report it through the Police's electronic system within 24 hours and surrender it within 48 hours. Unauthorized use, retention, or claiming of these items is prohibited, with criminal penalties for violations. Official receipts will be provided upon property handover, promoting transparency throughout the process.

The law delineates the reclaiming process for property owners. They can recover their belongings at any moment prior to disposal or receive compensation within three years if their item has been sold. If property is given away without compensation as mandated by law, the original owner retains the right for recovery from the new possessor. Claims submitted after three years from the public announcement will require valid justification for consideration.

In cases where multiple claims exist, property or its equivalent will be transferred to the individual confirmed by a final court decision. Owners reclaiming their items must also bear any associated storage or announcement costs incurred by the Dubai Police.

The legislation includes motivational elements; police may acknowledge individuals who surrender found items with a certificate of appreciation or a monetary reward of 10% of the item's value, capped at AED 50,000. Furthermore, if no owner claims unclaimed property within one year, finders may request to retain it, but it must be returned if the actual owner surfaces later.

All government and private organizations must work in conjunction with Dubai Police to ensure any found items are registered and reported within the stipulated timeframes. Noncompliance could lead to written warnings or fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 100,000, with penalties doubling for repeat violations within a single year, up to AED 200,000.

Law No. (17) of 2025 officially replaces Law No. (5) of 2015 and becomes effective upon publication in the Official Gazette, representing a pivotal transformation in the management of lost and abandoned property in Dubai.

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