News

Found a wallet in Dubai? Here’s what the new law says you must do

Published

9 months ago

November 25, 2025

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If you come across a lost item in Dubai, whether it’s a wallet, jewellery, electronics, or anything valuable, there’s now a new set of rules on what you must do next.

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No. (17) of 2025 regulating how lost and abandoned property should be handled in the emirate.

What counts as lost or abandoned property?

Under the new law:

Lost Property = items or money that someone accidentally lost, without intending to give them up (not including stray animals).
Abandoned Property = items or money intentionally left behind by the owner (also excluding animals).

What you must do if you find something

If you find a valuable item in Dubai:
Register it with Dubai Police through their electronic system within 24 hours
Hand it over within 48 hours
You cannot use it or keep it unless officially approved later

Failing to follow the rules may lead to criminal penalties and fines.

Dubai Police will record all details, description, condition, where it was found, who found it, date and time, and store the item safely.

Can the finder receive a reward?

The Dubai Police may:

Give a certificate of appreciation, or reward 10 per cent of the item’s value (up to Dh50,000)
The reward can be granted whether or not the owner comes forward.

Can the finder eventually keep the item?

Possibly. If the owner does not come forward within one year, the finder may request to keep it — under conditions set by Dubai Police.

Rights of the original owner

The original owner can:

Claim their property before Dubai Police dispose of it
Claim its value within three years if it was sold
Recover it even if it was handed to someone else, provided the law was followed

If multiple people claim the item, it will be awarded based on a final court ruling.

Penalties

Violations may result in:
Dh500 – Dh100,000 fines (doubling up to Dh200,000 for repeated offences)
Written warnings and mandatory correction deadlines

All public and private organisations must cooperate and hand in lost or abandoned items within the legal timelines.

When does the law take effect?

The law is effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette and replaces Law No. (5) of 2015.

Related Topics:Dubai dubainews dubaipolice Governance law LegalUpdate PublicSafety uae UAEUpdates

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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4 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

News

UAE public holiday announced: 3-day weekend coming up on August 28

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4 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Planning your next long weekend? The UAE has confirmed Friday, August 28, as a public holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors.

The holiday commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, an occasion included among the UAE’s official public holidays. As the date follows the Islamic calendar, the timing changes from year to year.

A three-day break for many residents

With the holiday falling on a Friday, employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can enjoy three days off:

Friday, August 28: Public holiday
Saturday, August 29: Weekend
Sunday, August 30: Weekend

That means residents can make the most of the break with a short trip, a staycation or a relaxed weekend at home.

Another UAE holiday is coming

The next major public holiday on the UAE calendar will be Eid Al Etihad, with celebrations and the official holiday scheduled for December 2 and 3.

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What the UAE’s new vape excise price means for consumers and retailers

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4 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a new rule that sets a minimum excise price for liquids used in electronic smoking devices.

Beginning September 1, vaping liquids will be subject to a minimum excise price of AED 1 per millilitre.

The ministry confirmed that the existing minimum excise prices for cigarettes, water pipe tobacco (shisha), and other tobacco products will remain unchanged.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to improve tax compliance, respond to developments in the tobacco and vaping industry, and create a more consistent pricing framework across tobacco and electronic smoking products.

The UAE will also continue applying its 100% excise tax on all tobacco products covered under the country’s excise tax regulations.