Dubai Introduces Tougher Penalties for Lost-Property Offences: Fines Up to AED 200,000

Dubai has announced a stricter legal framework for dealing with lost and abandoned property, introducing fines of up to AED 200,000 for offence violations related to unreported or misappropriated items. The move is part of a broader effort by the emirate to tighten accountability, discourage misuse of found goods, and reinforce trust in public-safety mechanisms.

Under the new legislative provisions, individuals who come into possession of lost property without handing it over to the authorities can face especially steep penalties. The aim is clear: to deter people from withholding found items and to ensure rightful return or safe custody under police supervision.

What the New Penalties Mean

• Individuals who take possession of lost property with the intent to appropriate it may now face ‌fines up to AED 200,000 — a marked escalation compared to previous enforcement levels.
• The law underscores the duty of finders to report discovered items, avoiding misuse or illegal possession. Under older regulations, the requirement to hand over found items existed, but the new penalty range introduces a significantly heavier financial risk.
• The revised legal regime also works in tandem with earlier frameworks: the foundational Law No. 5 of 2015 on lost and abandoned property already requires finders to submit items within 48 hours to Dubai Police. 
• Dubai Police, which maintains a dedicated system for lost and found property, is tasked with documenting, storing, and disposing of reported items in compliance with the renewed regulations. 

Incentives for Honesty

Besides the punitive measures, Dubai’s law continues to offer incentives to encourage citizens to act responsibly when they find lost items. According to the earlier 2015 law:

• Finders who hand in lost property are eligible for a reward equal to 10% of the item’s value, capped at AED 50,000. 
• If the original owner does not reclaim the item within one year of its handover to police, the finder may apply to claim it — provided they meet certain legal conditions. 
• A Certificate of Appreciation may also be awarded to honest finders who comply with reporting requirements and assist law enforcement in returning property. 

Administrative Safeguards and Process

To manage lost-property cases more effectively under the stricter regime, Dubai Police operates under an administrative resolution that provides detailed procedures:

• Found items are logged into an electronic “Programme for Lost and Abandoned Property,” wherein police record descriptions, the identity of the finder, and other relevant information. 
• Property must be securely stored by the police for at least one year. During this time, the rightful owner has a window to claim it. 
• If items remain unclaimed after this period, and depending on their value and legal criteria, the finder can apply to take possession — subject to terms that include secure storage and sometimes providing a guarantor. 
• The police also estimate the cost of safekeeping, announcements and disposal, and may require these costs to be covered when transferring the item back to the finder or owner. 

Why the Crackdown?

Officials argue that the tougher penalties are necessary to close loopholes and curb cases where lost goods are misused, held for ransom, or illegally resold. By raising the stakes, the government hopes to strengthen public trust in the lost-and-found system, ensuring that items remain in safe custody and can be returned legitimately.

In addition, the heightened fines send a strong signal that ethical responsibility — returning someone else’s property — is not merely encouraged, but legally mandatory and enforceable. The system also balances punitive measures with rewards to promote honesty and cooperation.

Potential Challenges and Concerns

• Public Awareness: Individuals may not be fully aware of the new severe penalties. Information campaigns will be critical for ensuring that finders understand their legal obligations.
• Administrative Load: Managing lost property with tighter rules and longer storage may increase responsibilities for Dubai Police, including record-keeping, inspections, and secure facility management.
• Finder Disincentives: While the reward remains, some might be discouraged from handing over high-value items for fear of lengthy legal or administrative procedures.
• Legal Disputes: Ownership claims or disputes over value may arise, especially when items are claimed by finders after the one-year window.

Implications for Dubai Residents

For residents, this change means that finding lost property comes with more formal responsibility. Turning in lost items is no longer only a moral duty — it is now backed by serious legal and financial consequences. At the same time, ethical finders stand to benefit from clear legal rewards and recognition for doing the right thing.

For the broader community, the shift could make lost-and-found systems more effective, transparent and trustworthy. With stronger deterrents in place, there is a reduced risk that high-value lost items will be misappropriated, making it more likely that rightful owners will be reunited with their belongings.