Dubai has enacted a new law on the handling of lost and abandoned property. Law No. (17) of 2025 establishes the rules for dealing with such items. The owner has the right to reclaim their property before it is disposed of by the police or claim its monetary value within three years if it is sold. 'Lost Property' is defined as money or movable items that were lost by their owner without the intention of giving them up. 'Abandoned Property' refers to items for which the owner has intentionally or implicitly relinquished ownership. Dubai Police is required to register found items, ensure their safekeeping, and maintain records. Anyone who finds property must register it in Dubai Police's electronic system within 24 hours and hand it over within 48 hours. The found property cannot be used or claimed by the finder. Violations of the law are punishable by fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 100,000. Dubai Police may honor the finder with a certificate or a financial reward of up to 10% of the property's value, not exceeding AED 50,000. If the owner does not come forward within a year, the finder may request the right to keep the property, subject to rules set by the police. This law replaces the previous Law No. (5) of 2015 and is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Quote: "If the owner later claims the property, the finder must return it."
