New UAE heritage law imposes up to Dh10m fines and jail for damaging antiquities
The Federal National Council (FNC) has approved a new federal draft law on cultural heritage, introducing strict penalties of up to Dh10 million in fines and imprisonment for anyone who deliberately damages, steals or smuggles the country's material heritage and antiquities.
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Corporate · UAE
- What to do
- Individuals and entities must comply with the new heritage protection requirements, including the mandatory 48-hour reporting obligation for any discovery of material heritage or antiquities to the Ministry of Culture or nearest police station. Property owners and developers must ensure no unpermitted work occurs at heritage sites.
The Federal National Council has approved a new federal draft law on cultural heritage with strict penalties for damaging, stealing or smuggling UAE material heritage and antiquities. The law covers tangible and intangible heritage, as well as natural and digital heritage, and applies across the country including free zones.
Penalties include temporary imprisonment and fines of no less than Dh500,000 and up to Dh10 million for deliberately damaging heritage, stealing items, conducting unpermitted construction at heritage sites, or smuggling antiquities. Up to 10 years imprisonment and Dh300,000 to Dh5 million fines apply for excavating without permits, using sites as dumping grounds, submitting false documents, or forging artefacts.
Anyone who discovers heritage or antiquities must refrain from touching them and notify the Ministry of Culture or nearest police station within 48 hours. The authority may grant a reward to those who report within the specified period. Courts will order confiscation of heritage items involved in crimes, along with tools and equipment used to commit them.
Source
Reported by: Khaleej Times 8 Jul 2026 Read the original ↗ More from Khaleej Times →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
Individuals and entities must comply with the new heritage protection requirements, including the mandatory 48-hour reporting obligation for any discovery of material heritage or antiquities to the Ministry of Culture or nearest police station. Property owners and developers must ensure no unpermitted work occurs at heritage sites.
Who reported this?
Khaleej Times (UAE).
When was it announced?
8 Jul 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at Khaleej Times: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-draft-law-dh10-million-fine-jail-for-damaging-digital-natural-heritage
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