Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2026, establishing a comprehensive framework for the use of cameras by enforcement officers in documenting violations and executing judicial judgments across the emirate.
The resolution sets clear boundaries on what officers may record and where, prohibiting camera use in highly private settings such as homes, places of worship, and changing rooms. Officers are also required to inform individuals when recording is taking place, reinforcing the emirate's commitment to transparency and individual rights.
On data security, the resolution mandates that all recordings be stored electronically using encrypted systems, protected from unauthorised access or tampering, and managed in line with Dubai laws and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre's requirements. Government entities must maintain a database of authorised users and enforce strict privacy protection standards across all personnel.
Enforcement officers are restricted to using cameras solely for official purposes, and are prohibited from copying, storing, or transferring recordings to personal devices or unauthorised systems. Recordings may only be shared with written approval and for specified purposes.
The resolution further requires government entities to provide training to officers before granting them judicial enforcement powers. This training must cover legal and ethical duties, secure handling of recordings, and privacy obligations tied to body camera use.
Private companies contracted by government entities or assigned statutory functions are also bound by the resolution's obligations.
The framework reflects Dubai's broader effort to embed accountability and legal compliance into enforcement operations through the structured use of technology. The resolution takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
