Dubai has officially declared a big new law regarding lost and abandoned property. The new rule has huge rewards for those found to be honest and huge fines for those found to be violating the rule. The legislation will establish a more transparent, equal, and easy system for all in the emirate.

Law No. (17) of 2025 on November 25, 2025, was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This is a replacement of an older law that was enacted in 2015. It is also very clear on how individuals should proceed whenever they trace lost things.

What Finders Must Do

The new legislation creates distinct obligations for any person who comes across lost property. A finder should not retain and make use of the property. Violation of this rule might result in severe punishment.

The key steps that a finder needs to follow include:

Report within 24 hours: An individual who discovers lost property has to register it within the Dubai Police electronic system within 24 hours.
Delivery within 48 hours: The finder will have to deliver the item physically to the Dubai Police within 48 hours after its discovery.

After receiving the item, the police will give the finder an official receipt. The information on the receipt includes such details as the description of the item, state and place and date of finding.

Big Rewards for Honesty

The law is also encouraging honesty, whereby anyone who finds lost property will receive a certificate of appreciation or money. This incentive is 10 per cent of the property value and will be limited to Dh50,000. In case the owner fails to take possession of the item within a year, the finder may demand to retain the same as per the Dubai Police laws.

Heavy Fines for Violators

The violation of the new law may attract fines ranging between Dh500 and Dh100,000 as a first-time offender, which may increase to Dh200,000 as a second or subsequent offender in a year. The law addresses both lost property, which has been misplaced not on purpose, and abandoned property, which is disposed of purposefully.

Rights of Property Owners

The owners have the opportunity to regain their lost property until the police destroy it. When it is being sold, the owners can get to claim the value of the item within three years, though they have to pay the storage and announcement expenses. The Dubai Police will adopt an e-management system when handling the lost and found property reports and announcements. There is a need to work together with the police in implementing this law by all the concerned parties.