New Legal Framework for Lost and Abandoned Property in Dubai

In a significant move aimed at streamlining the handling of lost and abandoned property, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has enacted Law No. (17) of 2025. This law outlines clear definitions and protocols regarding how lost items and abandoned property are managed in Dubai.

Understanding Lost and Abandoned Property

Definition of Lost Property

Under the new legislation, “Lost Property” refers to money or movable items that hold legal ownership and value but have been misplaced by their owners without any intent to relinquish them. Notably, the law explicitly states that stray animals are excluded from this classification.

Definition of Abandoned Property

Conversely, “Abandoned Property” encapsulates money or movable items that can also be legally owned but have been intentionally surrendered or implicitly abandoned by their owners. Similar to lost property, stray animals are not included in this definition.

Role of Dubai Police

One of the key features of this law is the empowerment of Dubai Police in managing lost and abandoned property. The authorities are authorized to receive reports, take possession of relevant items, and ensure their safe storage. Moreover, they are responsible for maintaining comprehensive records, which include descriptions of the items, the locations and dates of their recovery, and information about the individual who found them.

Electronic Recording System

An innovative aspect of the law mandates Dubai Police to establish an electronic system for recording lost and abandoned property. This system will aid in efficiently tracking these items as well as in managing their announcement and storage costs.

Responsibilities of Finders

Reporting Lost Property

Individuals who find lost items, other than public employees performing their official duties, are legally obliged to report the discovery in the Dubai Police electronic system within a 24-hour window. They must also surrender the item to the police within 48 hours. Using, keeping, or claiming ownership of the property is prohibited and may result in criminal penalties.

Official Receipts

When handing over found property, finders will receive an official receipt documenting essential details, including the item’s condition, a description, and the date and place it was discovered.

Rights of Property Owners

The new law protects the rights of owners of lost property, allowing them to reclaim their items before Dubai Police dispose of them. If the property is sold, owners can claim its value within three years. Similarly, if any property is distributed or disposed of without proper compensation, the original owner retains rights to reclaim it from whoever currently possesses it.

Claims and Legal Rulings

In cases where multiple parties claim ownership, the law stipulates that ownership will be awarded based on a final court ruling. Importantly, any claims made without valid reason after a three-year period from the date of the announcement that the property was found will not be considered. Furthermore, owners are responsible for any costs associated with storage and announcements needed to reclaim their property.

Finder’s Reward

In recognition of the efforts made by those who report found property, Dubai Police may award a finder with a certificate of appreciation or a monetary reward amounting to 10% of the item’s value, capped at AED 50,000. This reward will be deducted post-sale of the item, regardless of whether the owner comes forward.

Long-Term Property Retention

If the owner does not claim the property within a year of its discovery, the finder may request to keep it, following specific regulations set by the Dubai Police. However, if the original owner later asserts their claim, the property must be returned to them.

Collaboration with Government Entities

All government and private organizations are required to work in conjunction with Dubai Police regarding this law. They must register found or abandoned property in the police’s electronic system and ensure timely handover within the established deadlines.

Enforcement and Penalties

Dubai Police are equipped to issue written warnings to individuals who violate the provisions of this law, granting a timeframe for corrective actions. Fines for non-compliance range from AED 500 to AED 100,000, with the potential for doubling in repeated cases within the same year.

Transition from Previous Legislation

This law supersedes Law No. (5) of 2015 concerning the disposal of lost and abandoned property and nullifies any conflicting legislative provisions. Regulations and decisions that were effective under the previous law will continue to apply until new changes are introduced.

The implementation of Law No. (17) of 2025 marks a proactive step in organized property management in Dubai, ensuring that both property owners and finders have a clear framework to navigate this critical issue.