Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid issues law on lost property

According to the law, the person who finds lost or abandoned property is entitled to receive a 10 per cent reward from the total value of the items submitted, limited to Dh50,000.

DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a law on lost and abandoned property.

The law says those who find lost property or money must hand the items to police within 48 hours for a reward, state news agency Wam reports.

The person who finds lost or abandoned property is entitled to receive a 10 per cent reward from the total value of the items submitted, limited to Dh50,000.

The reward is payable whether the original owner claims the property or otherwise. But if it is not claimed, the finder is entitled to claim it within a year of giving it to police.

Police should issue a report including detailed descriptions and any other relevant information.

The law also detailed the responsibilities of Dubai Police in implementing the regulations of the law, as they are the responsible for lost property.

The law aims to regulate the procedures applied regarding lost or abandoned property, and encourage the public to return it to its lawful owners.

Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzeina, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, supported the new law and said it would encourage people to return lost items to their owners.