Law
No. (6) of 2026
Concerning
Administrative
Violations, Penalties, and Measures in
the
Emirate of Dubai[1]
ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ
We,
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,
After perusal of:
Law No. (1) of 2016 Concerning the Financial Regulations of
the Government of Dubai, its Implementing Bylaw, and their amendments;
Law No. (32) of 2015 Concerning the Official Gazette of the
Government of Dubai;
Law No. (15) of 2016 Concerning the Regulatory Legislation
Issued by Free Zone and Special Development Zone Authorities in the Emirate of
Dubai;
Law No. (11) of 2023 Concerning the Government of Dubai
Media Office;
Law No. (26) of 2023 Concerning the Executive Council of the
Emirate of Dubai;
Law No. (19) of 2024 Regulating Law Enforcement Capacity in
the Emirate of Dubai;
Decree No. (22) of 2009 Concerning Special Development Zones
in the Emirate of Dubai;
Resolution No. (5) of 2024 Approving the Emirate of Dubai News
Publication Policy; and
The legislation establishing and regulating Free Zones in
the Emirate of Dubai,
Do
hereby issue this Law.
This Law will be cited as "Law No.
(6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in
the Emirate of Dubai".
The following words and expressions,
wherever mentioned in this Law, have the meanings assigned to them respectively
unless the context otherwise implies:
|
Emirate: |
The Emirate of Dubai. |
|
Competent Authority: |
The authority responsible for approving
Administrative Violations, Administrative Penalties, and Administrative
Measures in the Emirate in accordance with applicable Legislation. This
includes His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and the Chairman of the Executive
Council. |
|
Government: |
The Government of Dubai. |
|
Executive Council: |
The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai. |
|
DGMO: |
The Government of Dubai Media Office. |
|
Government Entity: |
Any of the Government departments; public agencies
and corporations; Government councils; public authorities; or other public
entities affiliated to the Government. This includes the authorities
supervising Special Development Zones and Free Zones and private entities vested
with the power to enforce the applicable Legislation in the Emirate. |
|
Director General: |
The head of a Government Entity, including a
director general, executive director/ chief executive officer, secretary
general, or any other Person holding a similar position. |
|
Person: |
A natural person. |
|
Establishment: |
A company, corporation, or any other legal entity
conducting any economic, public-benefit, or other activity that is licensed
or authorised in the Emirate in accordance with the Legislation in force. |
|
Legislation: |
This includes the laws, decrees, and Regulatory
Resolutions issued by the Competent Authorities in the Emirate. |
|
Regulatory Resolutions: |
These include the resolutions, bylaws, instructions,
manuals, and similar regulatory instruments that contain general, abstract,
and binding rules applicable to Persons and Establishments, but excluding
administrative resolutions applicable to specific persons or cases. |
|
Administrative Violation: |
Any act or omission attributable to a Person or an
Establishment that constitutes a breach of the Legislation, or a failure to
comply with a duty imposed thereunder, and that warrants the imposition of an
Administrative Penalty, an Administrative Measure, or both. |
|
Administrative Penalty: |
A penalty imposed by a Government Entity on a Person
or an Establishment, in accordance with the rules and controls prescribed by
this Law, where it is established that an Administrative Violation has been
committed. |
|
Administrative Measure: |
A measure that a Government Entity may take against
a Person or an Establishment, in accordance with the rules and controls
prescribed by this Law, to ensure compliance with the Legislation, maintain
public order, prevent the occurrence or recurrence of an Administrative
Violation, or remedy or mitigate its effects. |
|
Law Enforcement Officer: |
A Person granted law enforcement capacity in
accordance with the provisions of Law No. (19) of 2024 and authorised, as a
Law Enforcement Officer with specific jurisdiction, to record Administrative
Violations. |
This Law aims to:
1.
establish a clear and binding legal framework for Government Entities with
regard to Administrative Violations and the Administrative Penalties and
Administrative Measures to be imposed on violators of the Legislation in force
in the Emirate;
2.
promote the principles of transparency,
justice, accountability, and legality through ensuring compliance with the
Legislation in force in the Emirate;
3.
establish clear safeguards governing
the imposition of Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures, so as
to protect rights and freedoms and to ensure the continuity of public services
and facilities, in a manner that serves the supreme interests of society;
4.
contribute to the achievement of
expeditious justice by ensuring proper governance of the imposition of
Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures, thereby preventing
arbitrariness and abuse of power;
5.
raise awareness of the importance of
compliance with the Legislation in force in the Emirate; and
6.
achieve general deterrence against
acts that threaten the safety of individuals and the security of society.
a.
The provisions of this Law apply to:
1.
the Administrative Violations committed
by Persons and Establishments across the Emirate, including in Special
Development Zones and Free Zones; and
2.
the Administrative Penalties
imposed, and Administrative Measures taken, by Government Entities against
those committing Administrative Violations.
b.
The
provisions
of this Law do not apply to:
1.
the
acts
constituting offences punishable under applicable Legislation, where
jurisdiction to investigate, hear, and determine those offences is exclusively vested
in the competent judicial authorities;
2.
Administrative Violations and
Administrative Penalties relating to human resources matters; and
3.
Administrative Violations governed by
federal legislation.
a.
An
act or omission constitutes an Administrative Violation where it contravenes an
obligation or prohibition prescribed by the
Legislation in force in the Emirate. Administrative Violations will be
determined in accordance with the following rules:
1.
an
Administrative Violation must be provided for in Legislation issued by
the Competent Authority;
2.
an
Administrative Violation must be expressly and accurately described, so
that the Person or Establishment to whom the relevant Legislation applies is
aware of the obligation they are required to comply with and not contravene;
3.
an
Administrative Violation must be classified in a manner that facilitates
the assessment of its severity and gravity in relation to the public interest,
as minor, moderate, or serious, so as to assist in determining the appropriate
Administrative Penalty; and
4. the Legislation prescribing Administrative
Violations must be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai
regulated by the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of 2015, or on the website of the
relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone Authority, in accordance with
the above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016, so as to ensure transparency and enable
Persons and Establishments to comply.
b.
Administrative
Violations may be amended based on the Government Entity’s assessment of their
impact, provided that such an amendment is approved by the Competent Authority pursuant
to Legislation
and published in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(4) of this
Article.
c.
The
determination of Administrative Violations in accordance with the rules set out
in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any procedures for
determining Administrative Violations provided for in
the Legislation in force on the date on which this Law comes into force.
a.
Administrative Penalties will be
determined in a manner that ensures proportionality, fairness, and
transparency, in accordance with the following rules:
1.
an
Administrative Penalty must be prescribed by Legislation issued by the
Competent Authority;
2.
an
Administrative Penalty must correspond to an Administrative Violation prescribed by Legislation;
3.
the
gravity, severity, and impact of the Administrative Violation on the public
interest, the continuity of functioning of public facilities, and the provision
of public services must be taken into account;
4.
gradation
in Administrative Penalties must be applied, unless the Legislation provides
for the imposition of a prescribed penalty for the relevant Administrative
Violation;
5.
an
Administrative Penalty must be doubled where the Administrative Violation is
repeated within a specified period;
6.
consideration
must be given to the mitigating or aggravating factors relevant to the Administrative
Penalty, including intent, negligence, default, the damage resulting from the
Administrative Violation, and any early corrective measures taken by the
violating Person or Establishment; and
7.
the
Legislation
prescribing Administrative Penalties must be published in the Official Gazette
of the Government of Dubai regulated under the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of
2015, or on the website of the relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone
Authority, in accordance with the above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016, so as
to ensure transparency and enable Persons and Establishments to comply.
b.
Administrative
Penalties may be amended based on the Government Entity’s assessment of their
impact, provided that such an amendment is approved by the Competent Authority pursuant
to Legislation
and published in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(7) of this
Article.
c.
The
determination of Administrative Penalties in accordance with the rules set out
in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any procedures for
determining Administrative Penalties provided for in the Legislation in force
on the date on which this Law comes into force.
a.
The
Administrative Penalties that may be imposed in respect of Administrative
Violations must be prescribed by Legislation and are as follows:
1.
written warning;
2.
a
fine of
not less than one hundred dirhams (AED 100) and not more than one million
dirhams (AED 1,000,000);
3.
forfeiture of security deposits;
4.
administrative
freezing of movable and immovable property used in committing the Administrative Violation, provided that
the period of freezing does not exceed six (6) months, renewable once only,
unless the freezing is lifted in accordance with the rules prescribed by the
Legislation in force;
5.
blocking or closing websites, electronic
platforms, and social media accounts through which Administrative Violations
are committed, in coordination with the competent entities; and
6.
any
other
Administrative Penalty prescribed by the Competent Authority pursuant to
Legislation.
b.
The
gradation
of Administrative Penalties referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article is not
mandatory, and the Government Entity may impose any of those Administrative
Penalties in accordance with this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance
hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, unless the applicable
Legislation requires gradation in the imposition of the Administrative Penalty.
c.
Imposing
the Administrative Penalties provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article will
not, where
applicable, prejudice the civil or criminal liability of the violator.
d.
Imposing
the fines provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any
stricter penalty stipulated in the applicable Legislation.
a.
The
fine imposed in respect of an Administrative Violation will be doubled, where
the following conditions are met:
1.
the
violator
repeats the same Administrative Violation;
2.
the
repeated
Administrative Violation is committed after the first Administrative Violation
has been recorded against the violator; and
3.
a
time
interval not
exceeding one (1) year has elapsed between the repeat Administrative Violation and the preceding
Administrative Violation, unless the Legislation provides otherwise.
b.
A
doubled fine must not exceed two million dirhams (AED 2,000,000), unless the
Legislation in force prescribes a different maximum amount for the
doubled fine.
a.
Administrative Measures will be determined
in a manner that ensures proportionality, justice, and transparency, in
accordance with the following rules:
1.
an
Administrative Measure must be provided for by Legislation
issued by the Competent Authority;
2.
an Administrative Measure must be
taken only in respect of an Administrative Violation prescribed by Legislation;
3.
an Administrative Measure must be
determined based on the gravity, seriousness,
and impact of the Administrative Violation on the public interest, the
uninterrupted functioning of public facilities, and the continued provision of
services;
4.
more than one Administrative Measure
may be taken against a violator, unless the Legislation provides for a specific
Administrative Measure for the relevant Administrative Violation;
5.
consideration
must be given to the mitigating or aggravating factors relevant to the
Administrative Measure, including intent, negligence, default, the damage
resulting from the Administrative Violation, and any early corrective measures
taken by the violating Person or Establishment; and
6.
the
Legislation prescribing Administrative Measures must be published in the
Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai regulated by the
above-mentioned Law No. (32) of 2015, or on the website of the relevant Free
Zone or Special Development Zone Authority, in accordance with the
above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016, so as to ensure transparency and enable
Persons and Establishments to comply.
b.
Administrative
Measures may be amended based on the Government Entity’s assessment of their impact, provided that such an
amendment is approved by the Competent Authority through Legislation and
published in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(6) of this
Article.
c.
The
determination of Administrative Measures in accordance with the rules set out
in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any procedures for
determining Administrative Measures provided for in Legislation in force on the
date on which this Law comes into force.
a.
In
addition to Administrative Penalties, and without prejudice to the rules
stipulated in paragraph (a) of Article (9) of this Law, a Government Entity may
take one or more of the following Administrative Measures against a violator:
1.
a warning requiring remedial action,
whether issued prior or subsequent to the imposition of the Administrative
Penalty;
2.
temporary administrative closure of
the violating Establishment for a period not exceeding six (6) months;
3.
permanent administrative closure of
the violating Establishment;
4.
revocation or amendment of the
licences, permits, or approvals issued to the Person or Establishment
committing the Administrative Violation;
5.
permanent or temporary suspension of
all or some projects, activities, or transactions of the violator which are
directly linked to the Administrative Violation; and/ or
6.
any other Administrative Measure
prescribed by the Competent Authority through Legislation.
b.
The
Administrative Measures provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article
apply without prejudice to any other Administrative Measures prescribed by the
Legislation in force.
a. In addition to the Administrative
Penalties and Administrative Measures prescribed by this Law, the resolutions
issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, whoever
commits an Administrative Violation must, wherever possible, remedy the
violation, make good any resulting damage, and restore the situation to its
original state at his own expense, within the time frame prescribed by the
Director General or his authorised representative.
b. Where the violator fails to
remedy the Administrative Violation, make good any resulting damage, and
restore the situation to its original state within the
prescribed time frame, the Government Entity may carry out such measures using
its own resources or through engaging any other entity at the expense of the violator,
and an additional administrative charge equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of
the costs incurred will be payable. The Government Entity's estimate of the
costs will be final.
A
Government Entity must observe the following rules and controls prior to
imposing an Administrative Penalty or taking an Administrative Measure against a violator:
1.
In investigating the Administrative
Violation, objectivity, impartiality, and integrity must be observed, with the
aim of ascertaining the facts.
2.
The act in respect of which the
Administrative Penalty or Measure is to be imposed must be prohibited or
required under the Legislation, and its commission or omission must give rise
to an Administrative Penalty, an Administrative Measure, or both prescribed under
the Legislation.
3.
No Administrative Penalty may be
imposed, and no Administrative Measure may be taken, without first ensuring
that the procedural safeguards provided for in this Law, the resolutions issued
in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate are complied
with; and verifying that the Administrative Violation has been committed and that
the violator has been identified and documented by the Law Enforcement Officer.
4.
Only one Administrative Penalty may
be imposed on the violator in respect of a single Administrative Violation.
5.
Any Administrative Penalty imposed
or Administrative Measure taken must be proportionate to the nature and gravity
of the committed Administrative Violation.
6.
The decision imposing the
Administrative Penalty or the Administrative Measure against a violator must be
reasoned.
7.
No Administrative Penalty may be
imposed, and no Administrative Measure may be taken unless it is provided for
in this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, or other Legislation
in force in the Emirate.
8.
The Legislation governing
Administrative Violations and prescribing Administrative Penalties and
Administrative Measures must be published in the Official Gazette of the
Government of Dubai regulated by the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of 2015, or
on the website of the relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone Authority,
in accordance with the above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016.
9.
Any other rules stipulated in other
Legislation in force in the Emirate must be observed.
For
the purpose of imposing
Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures against a violator, a
Government Entity must take the following into account:
1.
the seriousness and gravity of the
committed Administrative Violation;
2.
the extent of damage resulting from
the Administrative Violation;
3.
the connection between the
Administrative Violation and any criminal offence;
4.
the conduct of the violating Person
or Establishment, including whether the Administrative Violation was committed
with premeditation or negligence, or by omission;
5.
the number of Administrative
Violations committed by, and the Administrative Penalties imposed on, the
Person or Establishment during the preceding year;
6.
the impact of the Administrative
Violation on public health and safety, the environment, the investment climate
in the Emirate, and the supreme interests and reputation of the Emirate;
7.
the nature of the activity conducted
by the violating Person or Establishment and its importance to society; and
8. any other criteria prescribed by the Legislation in force in the
Emirate.
a. In imposing
Administrative Penalties or Administrative Measures, a Government Entity must
observe the following procedural safeguards:
1.
A report
documenting the Administrative Violation must be prepared by a Law Enforcement
Officer, including the information provided for in the above-mentioned Law No.
(19) of 2024 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof.
2.
The Administrative Penalty must be
imposed, and the Administrative Measure must be taken, by the competent
Government Entity in accordance with the Legislation in force, unless such function
has been outsourced to another entity.
3.
The violating Person or
Establishment must be notified of the Administrative Violation committed, of
the Administrative Penalty imposed or the Administrative Measure taken, and of the
Legislation that has been violated.
4.
A written warning must be served on
the violating Person or Establishment prior to imposing an Administrative
Penalty, where the applicable Legislation so requires, to enable the violator
to rectify and remedy the Administrative Violation.
5.
The right of the violating Person or
Establishment to submit a grievance against the Administrative Penalty, the
Administrative Measure, or any other punitive action must be affirmed, and the
opportunity to submit grounds of grievance and supporting documents must be
provided.
6.
Any other procedural safeguards prescribed
by the Legislation in force in the Emirate must be complied with.
b. The provisions of the above-mentioned Law No. (19) of 2024 and the
resolutions issued in pursuance thereof will apply to any grievance submitted against an Administrative
Penalty, an Administrative Measure, or any action taken against the grievant in
accordance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance
hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate.
a. Where it is established to the satisfaction of a Government Entity that
an Administrative Violation constitutes a criminal offence, it must recommend
to the Director General that the violator, together with the relevant investigation report, be referred to the
competent judicial authorities.
b. Referral to the competent judicial authorities in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice the right to impose an
Administrative Penalty against the violator, unless the determination of the
Administrative Violation is contingent upon the outcome of the criminal proceedings;
in which case, the administrative investigation will be stayed pending the
final determination of criminal liability.
c. A definitive judicial decision or judgment convicting or acquitting a
violator or dismissing the criminal proceedings brought against the violator as
unfounded will not preclude holding the violator administratively liable for
the Administrative Violation attributed to him, and imposing the relevant
Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures against him in accordance
with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof,
and other Legislation in force in the Emirate.
a. Liability arising from an Administrative Violation will be extinguished
in any of the following cases:
1. the death of the Person, or the liquidation of the violating
Establishment or revocation of its licence by the Government Entity that issued
it;
2. the
remedy of the violation and the payment of the resulting financial claims and
fines;
3. conciliation,
in cases where Legislation permits conciliation with the party who committed an
Administrative Violation, in accordance with the rules prescribed by such
Legislation;
4. the
repeal of the Legislation that established the Administrative Violation; or
5.
the lapse of one (1) year from the
date of committing the Administrative Violation without any action being taken
in respect thereof by the Government Entity. This limitation period will be
interrupted once an investigation into the Administrative Violation is initiated or upon referral of the violator to the
competent judicial authorities having jurisdiction over any crime resulting
from, or relating
directly or indirectly to, that violation. A new limitation period will
commence from the date of the last action taken in respect of the
Administrative Violation.
b. Liability arising from an Administrative Violation will not be
extinguished in the case provided for in sub-paragraph (a)(5) of this Article
if the Person or Establishment commits any other Administrative Violation during the prescribed limitation period; in which case, a new
limitation period for the liability arising from the previous Administrative
Violation will commence.
c. In the case of multiple violators, any interruption of the limitation
period for any of them will be deemed an interruption of the limitation period for the
others even if no interrupting action is taken against them.
a. The Government Entity within whose mandate the Administrative Violation
was recorded is responsible for
the enforcement of the Administrative Penalty imposed or Administrative Measure
taken against the violator, in accordance with the provisions of this Law, the
resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the
Emirate.
b. A Government Entity may, where necessary, seek the assistance of other
Government Entities in enforcing
Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures. These entities must, upon
request, provide all possible support and assistance to the requesting Government
Entity.
c. A Government Entity subject to the General Budget of the Government must
pay the proceeds of the
fines, security deposits, and other amounts collected as a result of enforcing
Administrative Penalties to the Public Treasury of the Government.
In enforcing any Administrative Penalty
or Administrative Measure, the following procedures will apply:
1. The
Government Entity will notify the violator of any imposed Administrative
Penalty or Administrative Measure within five (5) working days from the date on
which the violation report is prepared by the Law Enforcement Officer.
2. The
enforcement of any imposed Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure
will take effect from the day following the date on which the violator is
notified thereof, unless the notification specifies a different enforcement
date, or a grievance has been filed against the Administrative Penalty or
Administrative Measure; in which case, the enforcement procedures will be
stayed until the grievance has been determined.
3. Where
the violator fails to comply with the Administrative Penalty or Administrative
Measure within the prescribed time frame, or where a final decision has been
made on the grievance, as the case may be, the Government Entity may take the
necessary enforcement action, including:
a.
direct
enforcement and specific performance;
b.
recourse to the competent judicial
authorities; or
c.
any other procedures prescribed by
the Legislation in force.
a.
A
Government Entity may, subject to the approval of the Director General or his
authorised representative and following coordination
with the DGMO in accordance with the provisions of the above-mentioned
Resolution No. (5) of 2024, publish and publicly announce Administrative
Violations. This includes publishing and publicly announcing the names of the
violating Persons and Establishments through any of the channels determined by
the DGMO, subject to the following conditions and rules:
1.
The publication or public announcement
of the Administrative Violation or Administrative Penalty must not adversely
affect the Emirate’s reputation or standing.
2.
The publication or public announcement
must not include any confidential data or information that is prohibited from
being published or circulated in the media.
3.
The publication or public announcement
must not cause harm, defamation, or damage to third parties acting in good
faith.
4.
The period prescribed for submitting
a grievance against the decision imposing the Administrative Penalty or
Administrative Measure must have expired without a grievance being filed, or a
decision rendered dismissing the grievance in accordance with the Legislation
in force.
5.
The
subject matter of the Administrative Violation must not involve a criminal
offence that has been referred to the competent judicial authority,
unless a final and definitive judgment has established the offence and imposed
a penalty on the violator.
6.
The
approval of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the
Emirate of Dubai must be obtained for the purposes of ensuring the legality and
validity of the procedures for recording Administrative Violations and imposing
Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures; and for protecting the
reputation of the Government and Government Entities.
b.
Prior
to issuing the approval pursuant to the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(6) of
this Article, the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in
the Emirate of Dubai must coordinate with the General Secretariat of the
Executive Council to obtain its approval for the publication of the
Administrative Violation and the Administrative Penalties and the Administrative
Measures imposed in respect thereof, as well as the public announcement of the
names of the violating Persons and Establishments.
c.
Subject
to the conditions and rules stipulated in paragraph (a) of this Article, the
publication or public announcement must include a clear description of
the committed Administrative Violation, the identity of the violator, and the
imposed Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure.
Neither the Government, nor the
Government Entities, nor the DGMO will be liable to any violating Person,
Establishment, or third party, for any damage arising from the publication or public
announcement of the name of the violator or information relating to the
Administrative Violation or the imposed Administrative Penalties or
Administrative Measures, provided that such publication or public announcement
is made in accordance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued
in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate.
The Chairman of the Executive Council will issue the
resolutions required for the implementation of this Law, including those
relating to the procedures that must be followed for the publication and public
announcement of Administrative Violations in accordance with Article (19) of
this Law.
Any provision in any other Legislation
is hereby repealed to the extent that it conflicts with the provisions of this
Law.
This Law will be published in the
Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum
Ruler of Dubai
Issued in
Dubai on 27 February 2026
Corresponding
to 10 Ramadan 1447 A.H.
©2026 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the
Emirate of Dubai
[1]Every effort has been made to produce an
accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the
purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the
original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.