Dubai: In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, has issued Law No. 11 of 2026 concerning antiquities and archaeological sites in the Emirate of Dubai. This newly enacted legislation applies to both existing and newly discovered archaeological sites and artefacts across all land, marine, and mountainous areas of Dubai, including special development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Law aims to identify, register, classify, and preserve Dubai's antiquities and archaeological sites, recognising them as key national assets of the emirate. It seeks to raise awareness of these sites' historical, cultural, and architectural significance, while strengthening their protection and regulating archaeological activities across the emirate. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is designated as the entity responsible for overseeing antiquities and archaeological sites in the emirate.
Under this Law, antiquities and archaeological sites in Dubai are deemed the property of the emirate, with exceptions for privately owned movable or immovable artefacts and sites proven through possession, official documentation, or registration in the official register. The Law specifies that land ownership does not include rights over any antiquities found on or beneath it, nor does it authorise excavation or related works. Artefacts owned by the emirate of Dubai cannot be gifted, except with approval from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and may only be temporarily moved abroad for exhibition, restoration, or study with its permission.
Additionally, the Law permits the loan of artefacts owned by the emirate to official, scientific, or museum institutions inside or outside the country by decision of the Director-General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The executive regulations of this Law set criteria for gifting, temporary export, or loan of such artefacts, as well as rules governing privately owned artefacts taken outside the emirate.
The Law also places a requirement on anyone who discovers an artefact that meets the legal definition of an antiquity to leave it undisturbed and immediately halt any work, including construction, that could affect it or any surrounding remains. The finder is mandated to notify Dubai Culture or Dubai Police within 48 hours of the discovery.
Furthermore, the Law states that any artefact found by chance becomes the property of the Emirate of Dubai if its owner is not identified within five years of discovery. A dedicated register at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will be established for all antiquities and archaeological sites, including privately owned ones, that meet the legal criteria.
The new legislation prohibits damaging, altering, relocating, or defacing any antiquity or archaeological site, including its surroundings, and bans dumping waste or placing signs except for approved guidance. It also restricts entering closed sites without approval from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority or using sites and surrounding areas for activities that might be damaging, such as dumping, storage, quarrying, or industrial, military, or hazardous uses.
Under the Law, any excavation, construction, landscaping, or similar work requires approval from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in coordination with relevant authorities. Additionally, prior approval is necessary for exhibitions, auctions, and online trading of antiquities, as well as for importing artefacts without proof of lawful ownership and for the temporary or permanent export of artefacts for display, restoration, or analysis.
The Law mandates that no person may conduct archaeological activities in Dubai without a permit from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The Executive Council of Dubai is tasked with issuing decisions regulating such activities, including conditions and procedures for obtaining permits and the rights of licensed entities.
All persons and entities subject to this Law must comply with its provisions within one year from its effective date, with the possibility of an extension if deemed necessary. Any conflicting provisions or legislation stand annulled, and the Law is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.