Found Something in Dubai? Understanding Your Legal Duty Under UAE Law

Dubai is known for its safety, order, and efficient legal systems—principles that extend even to something as simple as finding a lost item. Whether it is a mobile phone, wallet, jewellery, or any valuable object discovered in a public space, residents and visitors must follow specific legal procedures set by Dubai Police and UAE law.

The process is designed to protect rightful owners while ensuring transparency, accountability, and community responsibility. Failing to follow these steps is considered a legal violation and can result in penalties.

This article explains what you are legally required to do in the first 48 hours, what happens after the item is submitted to the authorities, and the reward system available under UAE law.

Your Legal Duty: The First 48 Hours

When you find any lost item in Dubai, UAE law requires swift action. The process is intentionally simple, but time-bound.

Register the Item Online Within 24 Hours

The first step is to report the discovery on the official Dubai Police system.
This ensures the item is logged, tracked, and connected to any missing-property reports filed by its rightful owner.

Not registering the item—whether intentionally or due to delay—is considered a breach of legal requirements.

Hand It Over to the Police Within 48 Hours

Once you have registered the item, you must physically surrender it at a Dubai Police station within 48 hours.

You cannot keep the item, use it, or hold it “for safekeeping” without handing it over.
Doing so is treated as wrongful possession under UAE regulations.

Non-Compliance Can Lead to Penalties

If you do not register or surrender the item within the prescribed timelines, it is counted as a violation of the law.
Penalties may vary depending on the nature of the item and the circumstances of the case.

The goal of these rules is to ensure that lost property is managed responsibly, fairly, and with full legal transparency.

What Happens Next: Dubai Police Procedure After Submission

Once you have submitted the item to Dubai Police, the process enters the official recovery phase.

A One-Year Holding Period

Dubai Police maintains custody of the item for up to one year while attempting to contact and locate its owner.
This includes matching police reports, public enquiries, and other investigative steps.

If the rightful owner comes forward at any time during this period, the property is returned without delay.

If Unclaimed After One Year, You May Request Ownership

If the owner does not appear within 12 months, the individual who reported and surrendered the item may legally request to keep it.

This rule encourages responsible reporting while maintaining fairness and transparency.

A Potential Reward of 10%

UAE law provides that the person who finds and reports the item may receive up to 10% of the item’s value as a reward, offered at the discretion of the authorities.

This reward is issued whether or not the owner eventually claims the item.

Maximum Reward Amount: AED 50,000

Even though the reward can be calculated as 10% of the item’s value, the UAE caps the maximum payable reward at AED 50,000.

This ensures consistency, fairness, and responsible governance over high-value recoveries.

Why These Rules Matter

The UAE’s lost-and-found regulations reflect several core principles:

• Integrity and transparency in public dealings

• Protection of community property and personal rights

• Discouragement of misuse, concealment, or wrongful possession

• Promotion of accountability and timely reporting

By enforcing clear steps and responsibilities, the system ensures that valuable items are handled ethically and fairly while offering incentives for responsible behaviour.

Conclusion

Finding a lost item in Dubai comes with clear legal responsibilities, and the UAE treats these matters with the same seriousness and structure that define its wider legal framework.
By registering the item within 24 hours, handing it over within 48 hours, and cooperating with authorities, residents contribute to a secure and trustworthy community.

And with the possibility of a reward—and even legal ownership if unclaimed after one year—the system recognises the good faith of those who act responsibly.

If you have questions about property rights, compliance obligations, or reporting procedures in the UAE, our team at Malhotra Legal Consultancy is here to assist.