Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (6) of 2026 on violations, penalties, and administrative measures in the Emirate of Dubai.
The Law establishes a legal framework for government entities covering administrative violations, penalties, and measures imposed for violations of Dubai’s laws.
It sets rules for the imposition of administrative penalties and measures to promote transparency, fairness, accountability, and legality, while protecting rights and freedoms, ensuring the continuity of public services, and serving society’s interests.
Dubai’s new administrative violations law: What you need to know
The Law also seeks to support the delivery of justice by regulating the imposition of administrative penalties and measures to prevent abuse or misuse of authority, raise awareness of compliance with legislation in Dubai, and enhance deterrence against acts that threaten safety and security.
The Law sets out rules for defining administrative violations. Each violation must be specified in legislation issued by the competent authority and described so that individuals understand their obligations. Violations are classified as minor, moderate, or serious to guide the selection of the appropriate administrative penalty.
The Law also sets rules for administrative measures to ensure proportionality, fairness, and transparency. Each measure must be specified by legislation from the competent authority and linked to a defined administrative violation.
The severity of the measure depends on the seriousness of the violation, its impact on public services and the public interest, aggravating or mitigating factors – including repetition, intent, negligence, and harm caused – and any corrective actions taken by the offender.
Under the Law, a government entity may impose one or more of the following administrative measures on an offender: a warning to correct the situation, either before or after imposing a penalty; closure of the violating establishment for up to six months; permanent closure of the establishment; cancellation or modification of licences, permits, or approvals issued to the person or establishment; or suspension of all or part of projects, activities, or transactions directly related to the violation.
The Law sets rules for imposing and enforcing administrative penalties and measures, including the procedures government entities must follow to ensure fairness. Before publishing any administrative violation, the competent authority must obtain approval from its Director General and coordinate in advance with the Government of Dubai Media Office.
The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue the decisions necessary to implement the provisions of the Law, including procedures for publishing and announcing administrative violations. Any provisions of other laws that conflict with the new Law are annulled.
The Law is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
