Dubai’s ruler has issued a new law establishing a legal framework governing administrative violations, penalties and enforcement measures across government entities in the emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (6) of 2026 regulating violations, penalties and administrative measures in the Emirate of Dubai, according to the state-run Emirates News Agency.
The law aims to create a clear and binding legal framework for government entities responsible for handling administrative violations and penalties related to Dubai’s legislation.
Officials said the law is intended to promote transparency, fairness, accountability and legality while setting clear rules for imposing administrative penalties and measures.
Authorities said the framework is designed to protect rights and freedoms, ensure the continuity of public services and serve the broader interests of society.
The law also seeks to support timely justice by regulating how administrative penalties and measures are imposed. It aims to prevent abuse or misuse of authority, raise awareness about compliance with Dubai’s laws and strengthen deterrence against acts that threaten safety and security.
Under the legislation, administrative violations must be defined in laws or regulations issued by the competent authority.
Each violation must be clearly described so individuals and institutions understand their legal obligations. The law also requires that violations be categorized as minor, moderate or serious.
Authorities said this classification is intended to help determine the appropriate administrative penalty in each case.
The law further sets rules governing administrative measures to ensure proportionality, fairness and transparency.
Each administrative measure must be defined by legislation issued by the competent authority and linked to a specific administrative violation.
The severity of the measure will depend on several factors, including the seriousness of the violation, its impact on public services and the public interest.
Authorities will also consider aggravating or mitigating circumstances such as repeated violations, intent, negligence, harm caused and any corrective steps taken early by the offender.
Government entities may impose one or more administrative measures under the law.
These measures include issuing a warning to correct a violation, either before or after a penalty is imposed.
Authorities may also order the temporary closure of a violating establishment for up to six months.
In more serious cases, establishments may face permanent closure.
The law also allows authorities to cancel or modify licenses, permits or approvals issued to individuals or establishments involved in violations.
Officials may also suspend, temporarily or permanently, all or part of projects, activities or transactions directly related to the violation.
The legislation outlines procedures that government entities must follow when imposing and enforcing administrative penalties and measures.
Authorities said these procedures are designed to ensure fairness and consistency in enforcement.
Before any administrative violation is publicly announced, the competent authority must obtain approval from its Director-General.
Authorities must also coordinate in advance with the Government of Dubai Media Office before publishing details of violations.
The law states that the chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai will issue the necessary decisions to implement the provisions of the legislation.
These decisions will include procedures governing the publication and announcement of administrative violations.
Any provisions in other laws that conflict with the new legislation will be annulled, according to the announcement.
The law will take effect from the date it is published in the Official Gazette.
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