Dubai has enacted a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard its archaeological heritage, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum signing Law No. 11 of 2026 on antiquities and archaeological sites across the emirate.
The law covers all existing and newly discovered sites and artefacts spanning Dubai's land, marine, and mountainous areas, including free zones and the Dubai International Financial Centre. It designates the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority as the governing body responsible for overseeing and enforcing all heritage-related activities.
Under the new legislation, all archaeological sites and artefacts in Dubai are classified as emirate property, with limited exceptions for privately documented holdings. Crucially, land ownership does not extend to antiquities found on or beneath it, and no excavation may take place without prior approval from Dubai Culture.
The law introduces strict discovery protocols. Anyone who uncovers an artefact must immediately halt all nearby work and report the find to Dubai Culture or Dubai Police within 48 hours. Marine discoveries carry a seven-day handover deadline. Artefacts whose owners cannot be identified within five years automatically become property of the emirate.
Developers and project owners are also brought under the framework. Any major construction, landscaping, or excavation in areas with archaeological potential requires a no-objection certificate from Dubai Culture before work can begin.
The law further governs the movement of artefacts beyond Dubai's borders. Temporary export is permitted only for exhibition, restoration, or study, and only with explicit authority approval. Dubai also retains intellectual property rights over all images, models, and replicas of its artefacts.
All individuals and entities subject to the law have one year from its publication in the Official Gazette to achieve full compliance.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
