General UAE Legal Questions LawLaw No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai

Article (2) The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Law, have the meanings assigned to them respectively unless the context otherwise implies: Emirate: The Emirate of Dubai. Competent Authority: The authority responsible for approving Administrative Violations, Administrative Penalties, and Administrative Measures in the Emirate in accordance with applicable Legislation. This includes His Highness the Ruler of Dubai and the Chairman of the Executive Council. Government: The Government of Dubai. Executive Council: The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai. DGMO: The Government of Dubai Media Office. Government Entity: Any of the Government departments; public agencies and corporations; Government councils; public authorities; or other public entities affiliated to the Government. This includes the authorities supervising Special Development Zones and Free Zones and private entities vested with the power to enforce the applicable Legislation in the Emirate. Director General: The head of a Government Entity, including a director general, executive director/ chief executive officer, secretary general, or any other Person holding a similar position. Person: A natural person. Establishment: A company, corporation, or any other legal entity conducting any economic, public-benefit, or other activity that is licensed or authorised in the Emirate in accordance with the Legislation in force. Legislation: This includes the laws, decrees, and Regulatory Resolutions issued by the Competent Authorities in the Emirate. Regulatory Resolutions: These include the resolutions, bylaws, instructions, manuals, and similar regulatory instruments that contain general, abstract, and binding rules applicable to Persons and Establishments, but excluding administrative resolutions applicable to specific persons or cases. Administrative Violation: Any act or omission attributable to a Person or an Establishment that constitutes a breach of the Legislation, or a failure to comply with a

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 3 of 15 duty imposed thereunder, and that warrants the imposition of an Administrative Penalty, an Administrative Measure, or both. Administrative Penalty: A penalty imposed by a Government Entity on a Person or an Establishment, in accordance with the rules and controls prescribed by this Law, where it is established that an Administrative Violation has been committed. Administrative Measure: A measure that a Government Entity may take against a Person or an Establishment, in accordance with the rules and controls prescribed by this Law, to ensure compliance with the Legislation, maintain public order, prevent the occurrence or recurrence of an Administrative Violation, or remedy or mitigate its effects. Law Enforcement Officer: A Person granted law enforcement capacity in accordance with the provisions of Law No. (19) of 2024 and authorised, as a Law Enforcement Officer with specific jurisdiction, to record Administrative Violations. Objectives of the Law

Article (3) This Law aims to: 1. establish a clear and binding legal framework for Government Entities with regard to Administrative Violations and the Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures to be imposed on violators of the Legislation in force in the Emirate; 2. promote the principles of transparency, justice, accountability, and legality through ensuring compliance with the Legislation in force in the Emirate; 3. establish clear safeguards governing the imposition of Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures, so as to protect rights and freedoms and to ensure the continuity of public services and facilities, in a manner that serves the supreme interests of society; 4. contribute to the achievement of expeditious justice by ensuring proper governance of the imposition of Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures, thereby preventing arbitrariness and abuse of power; 5. raise awareness of the importance of compliance with the Legislation in force in the Emirate; and 6. achieve general deterrence against acts that threaten the safety of individuals and the security of society.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 4 of 15 Scope of Application

Article (4) a. The provisions of this Law apply to: 1. the Administrative Violations committed by Persons and Establishments across the Emirate, including in Special Development Zones and Free Zones; and 2. the Administrative Penalties imposed, and Administrative Measures taken, by Government Entities against those committing Administrative Violations. b. The provisions of this Law do not apply to: 1. the acts constituting offences punishable under applicable Legislation, where jurisdiction to investigate, hear, and determine those offences is exclusively vested in the competent judicial authorities; 2. Administrative Violations and Administrative Penalties relating to human resources matters; and 3. Administrative Violations governed by federal legislation. Rules for Determining Administrative Violations

Article (5) a. An act or omission constitutes an Administrative Violation where it contravenes an obligation or prohibition prescribed by the Legislation in force in the Emirate. Administrative Violations will be determined in accordance with the following rules: 1. an Administrative Violation must be provided for in Legislation issued by the Competent Authority; 2. an Administrative Violation must be expressly and accurately described, so that the Person or Establishment to whom the relevant Legislation applies is aware of the obligation they are required to comply with and not contravene; 3. an Administrative Violation must be classified in a manner that facilitates the assessment of its severity and gravity in relation to the public interest, as minor, moderate, or serious, so as to assist in determining the appropriate Administrative Penalty; and 4. the Legislation prescribing Administrative Violations must be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai regulated by the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of 2015, or on the website of the relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone Authority, in accordance with the above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016, so as to ensure transparency and enable Persons and Establishments to comply.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 5 of 15 b. Administrative Violations may be amended based on the Government Entity’s assessment of their impact, provided that such an amendment is approved by the Competent Authority pursuant to Legislation and published in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(4) of this Article. c. The determination of Administrative Violations in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any procedures for determining Administrative Violations provided for in the Legislation in force on the date on which this Law comes into force. Rules for Determining Administrative Penalties

Article (6) a. Administrative Penalties will be determined in a manner that ensures proportionality, fairness, and transparency, in accordance with the following rules: 1. an Administrative Penalty must be prescribed by Legislation issued by the Competent Authority; 2. an Administrative Penalty must correspond to an Administrative Violation prescribed by Legislation; 3. the gravity, severity, and impact of the Administrative Violation on the public interest, the continuity of functioning of public facilities, and the provision of public services must be taken into account; 4. gradation in Administrative Penalties must be applied, unless the Legislation provides for the imposition of a prescribed penalty for the relevant Administrative Violation; 5. an Administrative Penalty must be doubled where the Administrative Violation is repeated within a specified period; 6. consideration must be given to the mitigating or aggravating factors relevant to the Administrative Penalty, including intent, negligence, default, the damage resulting from the Administrative Violation, and any early corrective measures taken by the violating Person or Establishment; and 7. the Legislation prescribing Administrative Penalties must be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai regulated under the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of 2015, or on the website of the relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone Authority, in accordance with the above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016, so as to ensure transparency and enable Persons and Establishments to comply. b. Administrative Penalties may be amended based on the Government Entity’s assessment of their impact, provided that such an amendment is approved by the Competent Authority

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 6 of 15 pursuant to Legislation and published in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(7) of this Article. c. The determination of Administrative Penalties in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any procedures for determining Administrative Penalties provided for in the Legislation in force on the date on which this Law comes into force. Types of Administrative Penalties

Article (7) a. The Administrative Penalties that may be imposed in respect of Administrative Violations must be prescribed by Legislation and are as follows: 1. written warning; 2. a fine of not less than one hundred dirhams (AED 100) and not more than one million dirhams (AED 1,000,000); 3. forfeiture of security deposits; 4. administrative freezing of movable and immovable property used in committing the Administrative Violation, provided that the period of freezing does not exceed six (6) months, renewable once only, unless the freezing is lifted in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Legislation in force; 5. blocking or closing websites, electronic platforms, and social media accounts through which Administrative Violations are committed, in coordination with the competent entities; and 6. any other Administrative Penalty prescribed by the Competent Authority pursuant to Legislation. b. The gradation of Administrative Penalties referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article is not mandatory, and the Government Entity may impose any of those Administrative Penalties in accordance with this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, unless the applicable Legislation requires gradation in the imposition of the Administrative Penalty. c. Imposing the Administrative Penalties provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article will not, where applicable, prejudice the civil or criminal liability of the violator. d. Imposing the fines provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any stricter penalty stipulated in the applicable Legislation.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 7 of 15 Doubling of Fines

Article (8) a. The fine imposed in respect of an Administrative Violation will be doubled, where the following conditions are met: 1. the violator repeats the same Administrative Violation; 2. the repeated Administrative Violation is committed after the first Administrative Violation has been recorded against the violator; and 3. a time interval not exceeding one (1) year has elapsed between the repeat Administrative Violation and the preceding Administrative Violation, unless the Legislation provides otherwise. b. A doubled fine must not exceed two million dirhams (AED 2,000,000), unless the Legislation in force prescribes a different maximum amount for the doubled fine. Rules for Determining Administrative Measures

Article (9) a. Administrative Measures will be determined in a manner that ensures proportionality, justice, and transparency, in accordance with the following rules: 1. an Administrative Measure must be provided for by Legislation issued by the Competent Authority; 2. an Administrative Measure must be taken only in respect of an Administrative Violation prescribed by Legislation; 3. an Administrative Measure must be determined based on the gravity, seriousness, and impact of the Administrative Violation on the public interest, the uninterrupted functioning of public facilities, and the continued provision of services; 4. more than one Administrative Measure may be taken against a violator, unless the Legislation provides for a specific Administrative Measure for the relevant Administrative Violation; 5. consideration must be given to the mitigating or aggravating factors relevant to the Administrative Measure, including intent, negligence, default, the damage resulting from the Administrative Violation, and any early corrective measures taken by the violating Person or Establishment; and 6. the Legislation prescribing Administrative Measures must be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai regulated by the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 8 of 15 2015, or on the website of the relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone Authority, in accordance with the above-mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016, so as to ensure transparency and enable Persons and Establishments to comply. b. Administrative Measures may be amended based on the Government Entity’s assessment of their impact, provided that such an amendment is approved by the Competent Authority through Legislation and published in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(6) of this Article. c. The determination of Administrative Measures in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice any procedures for determining Administrative Measures provided for in Legislation in force on the date on which this Law comes into force. Types of Administrative Measures

Article (10) a. In addition to Administrative Penalties, and without prejudice to the rules stipulated in paragraph (a) of Article (9) of this Law, a Government Entity may take one or more of the following Administrative Measures against a violator: 1. a warning requiring remedial action, whether issued prior or subsequent to the imposition of the Administrative Penalty; 2. temporary administrative closure of the violating Establishment for a period not exceeding six (6) months; 3. permanent administrative closure of the violating Establishment; 4. revocation or amendment of the licences, permits, or approvals issued to the Person or Establishment committing the Administrative Violation; 5. permanent or temporary suspension of all or some projects, activities, or transactions of the violator which are directly linked to the Administrative Violation; and/ or 6. any other Administrative Measure prescribed by the Competent Authority through Legislation. b. The Administrative Measures provided for in paragraph (a) of this Article apply without prejudice to any other Administrative Measures prescribed by the Legislation in force.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 9 of 15 Remedy of Administrative Violations

Article (11) a. In addition to the Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures prescribed by this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, whoever commits an Administrative Violation must, wherever possible, remedy the violation, make good any resulting damage, and restore the situation to its original state at his own expense, within the time frame prescribed by the Director General or his authorised representative. b. Where the violator fails to remedy the Administrative Violation, make good any resulting damage, and restore the situation to its original state within the prescribed time frame, the Government Entity may carry out such measures using its own resources or through engaging any other entity at the expense of the violator, and an additional administrative charge equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the costs incurred will be payable. The Government Entity's estimate of the costs will be final. Rules for Imposing Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures

Article (12) A Government Entity must observe the following rules and controls prior to imposing an Administrative Penalty or taking an Administrative Measure against a violator: 1. In investigating the Administrative Violation, objectivity, impartiality, and integrity must be observed, with the aim of ascertaining the facts. 2. The act in respect of which the Administrative Penalty or Measure is to be imposed must be prohibited or required under the Legislation, and its commission or omission must give rise to an Administrative Penalty, an Administrative Measure, or both prescribed under the Legislation. 3. No Administrative Penalty may be imposed, and no Administrative Measure may be taken, without first ensuring that the procedural safeguards provided for in this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate are complied with; and verifying that the Administrative Violation has been committed and that the violator has been identified and documented by the Law Enforcement Officer. 4. Only one Administrative Penalty may be imposed on the violator in respect of a single Administrative Violation. 5. Any Administrative Penalty imposed or Administrative Measure taken must be proportionate to the nature and gravity of the committed Administrative Violation.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 10 of 15 6. The decision imposing the Administrative Penalty or the Administrative Measure against a violator must be reasoned. 7. No Administrative Penalty may be imposed, and no Administrative Measure may be taken unless it is provided for in this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, or other Legislation in force in the Emirate. 8. The Legislation governing Administrative Violations and prescribing Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures must be published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai regulated by the above-mentioned Law No. (32) of 2015, or on the website of the relevant Free Zone or Special Development Zone Authority, in accordance with the above- mentioned Law No. (15) of 2016. 9. Any other rules stipulated in other Legislation in force in the Emirate must be observed. Determination of Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures

Article (13) For the purpose of imposing Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures against a violator, a Government Entity must take the following into account: 1. the seriousness and gravity of the committed Administrative Violation; 2. the extent of damage resulting from the Administrative Violation; 3. the connection between the Administrative Violation and any criminal offence; 4. the conduct of the violating Person or Establishment, including whether the Administrative Violation was committed with premeditation or negligence, or by omission; 5. the number of Administrative Violations committed by, and the Administrative Penalties imposed on, the Person or Establishment during the preceding year; 6. the impact of the Administrative Violation on public health and safety, the environment, the investment climate in the Emirate, and the supreme interests and reputation of the Emirate; 7. the nature of the activity conducted by the violating Person or Establishment and its importance to society; and 8. any other criteria prescribed by the Legislation in force in the Emirate.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 11 of 15 Procedural Safeguards

Article (14) a. In imposing Administrative Penalties or Administrative Measures, a Government Entity must observe the following procedural safeguards: 1. A report documenting the Administrative Violation must be prepared by a Law Enforcement Officer, including the information provided for in the above-mentioned Law No. (19) of 2024 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof. 2. The Administrative Penalty must be imposed, and the Administrative Measure must be taken, by the competent Government Entity in accordance with the Legislation in force, unless such function has been outsourced to another entity. 3. The violating Person or Establishment must be notified of the Administrative Violation committed, of the Administrative Penalty imposed or the Administrative Measure taken, and of the Legislation that has been violated. 4. A written warning must be served on the violating Person or Establishment prior to imposing an Administrative Penalty, where the applicable Legislation so requires, to enable the violator to rectify and remedy the Administrative Violation. 5. The right of the violating Person or Establishment to submit a grievance against the Administrative Penalty, the Administrative Measure, or any other punitive action must be affirmed, and the opportunity to submit grounds of grievance and supporting documents must be provided. 6. Any other procedural safeguards prescribed by the Legislation in force in the Emirate must be complied with. b. The provisions of the above-mentioned Law No. (19) of 2024 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof will apply to any grievance submitted against an Administrative Penalty, an Administrative Measure, or any action taken against the grievant in accordance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. Relationship between Administrative and Criminal Liability

Article (15) a. Where it is established to the satisfaction of a Government Entity that an Administrative Violation constitutes a criminal offence, it must recommend to the Director General that the violator, together with the relevant investigation report, be referred to the competent judicial authorities.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 12 of 15 b. Referral to the competent judicial authorities in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Article will not prejudice the right to impose an Administrative Penalty against the violator, unless the determination of the Administrative Violation is contingent upon the outcome of the criminal proceedings; in which case, the administrative investigation will be stayed pending the final determination of criminal liability. c. A definitive judicial decision or judgment convicting or acquitting a violator or dismissing the criminal proceedings brought against the violator as unfounded will not preclude holding the violator administratively liable for the Administrative Violation attributed to him, and imposing the relevant Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures against him in accordance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. Extinguishment of Administrative Liability Arising from Administrative Violations

Article (16) a. Liability arising from an Administrative Violation will be extinguished in any of the following cases: 1. the death of the Person, or the liquidation of the violating Establishment or revocation of its licence by the Government Entity that issued it; 2. the remedy of the violation and the payment of the resulting financial claims and fines; 3. conciliation, in cases where Legislation permits conciliation with the party who committed an Administrative Violation, in accordance with the rules prescribed by such Legislation; 4. the repeal of the Legislation that established the Administrative Violation; or 5. the lapse of one (1) year from the date of committing the Administrative Violation without any action being taken in respect thereof by the Government Entity. This limitation period will be interrupted once an investigation into the Administrative Violation is initiated or upon referral of the violator to the competent judicial authorities having jurisdiction over any crime resulting from, or relating directly or indirectly to, that violation. A new limitation period will commence from the date of the last action taken in respect of the Administrative Violation. b. Liability arising from an Administrative Violation will not be extinguished in the case provided for in sub-paragraph (a)(5) of this Article if the Person or Establishment commits any other Administrative Violation during the prescribed limitation period; in which case, a new limitation period for the liability arising from the previous Administrative Violation will commence.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 13 of 15 c. In the case of multiple violators, any interruption of the limitation period for any of them will be deemed an interruption of the limitation period for the others even if no interrupting action is taken against them. Enforcement of Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures

Article (17) a. The Government Entity within whose mandate the Administrative Violation was recorded is responsible for the enforcement of the Administrative Penalty imposed or Administrative Measure taken against the violator, in accordance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. b. A Government Entity may, where necessary, seek the assistance of other Government Entities in enforcing Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures. These entities must, upon request, provide all possible support and assistance to the requesting Government Entity. c. A Government Entity subject to the General Budget of the Government must pay the proceeds of the fines, security deposits, and other amounts collected as a result of enforcing Administrative Penalties to the Public Treasury of the Government. Enforcement Proceedings of Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures

Article (18) In enforcing any Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure, the following procedures will apply: 1. The Government Entity will notify the violator of any imposed Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure within five (5) working days from the date on which the violation report is prepared by the Law Enforcement Officer. 2. The enforcement of any imposed Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure will take effect from the day following the date on which the violator is notified thereof, unless the notification specifies a different enforcement date, or a grievance has been filed against the Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure; in which case, the enforcement procedures will be stayed until the grievance has been determined. 3. Where the violator fails to comply with the Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure within the prescribed time frame, or where a final decision has been made on the grievance, as the case may be, the Government Entity may take the necessary enforcement action, including: a. direct enforcement and specific performance; b. recourse to the competent judicial authorities; or

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 14 of 15 c. any other procedures prescribed by the Legislation in force. Publication and Public Announcement of Administrative Violations

Article (19) a. A Government Entity may, subject to the approval of the Director General or his authorised representative and following coordination with the DGMO in accordance with the provisions of the above-mentioned Resolution No. (5) of 2024, publish and publicly announce Administrative Violations. This includes publishing and publicly announcing the names of the violating Persons and Establishments through any of the channels determined by the DGMO, subject to the following conditions and rules: 1. The publication or public announcement of the Administrative Violation or Administrative Penalty must not adversely affect the Emirate’s reputation or standing. 2. The publication or public announcement must not include any confidential data or information that is prohibited from being published or circulated in the media. 3. The publication or public announcement must not cause harm, defamation, or damage to third parties acting in good faith. 4. The period prescribed for submitting a grievance against the decision imposing the Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure must have expired without a grievance being filed, or a decision rendered dismissing the grievance in accordance with the Legislation in force. 5. The subject matter of the Administrative Violation must not involve a criminal offence that has been referred to the competent judicial authority, unless a final and definitive judgment has established the offence and imposed a penalty on the violator. 6. The approval of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai must be obtained for the purposes of ensuring the legality and validity of the procedures for recording Administrative Violations and imposing Administrative Penalties and Administrative Measures; and for protecting the reputation of the Government and Government Entities. b. Prior to issuing the approval pursuant to the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(6) of this Article, the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai must coordinate with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council to obtain its approval for the publication of the Administrative Violation and the Administrative Penalties and the Administrative Measures imposed in respect thereof, as well as the public announcement of the names of the violating Persons and Establishments.

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Law No. (6) of 2026 Concerning Administrative Violations, Penalties, and Measures in the Emirate of Dubai Page 15 of 15 c. Subject to the conditions and rules stipulated in paragraph (a) of this Article, the publication or public announcement must include a clear description of the committed Administrative Violation, the identity of the violator, and the imposed Administrative Penalty or Administrative Measure. Exemption from Liability