Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a new law regulating antiquities and archaeological sites in Dubai, as the emirate seeks to enhance the protection, preservation, and management of its cultural heritage.
The law covers both existing and newly discovered archaeological sites and artefacts across all areas of Dubai, including land, marine, and mountainous zones, as well as special development zones, free zones, and the Dubai International Financial Centre.
It aims to preserve, document, and classify antiquities found in Dubai to support conservation and restoration efforts, while promoting awareness of their historical, cultural, and architectural value.
The legislation also sets out regulations governing archaeological activities in the emirate and establishes an institutional framework for their supervision and optimal use.
Under the law, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has been designated as the lead body responsible for overseeing antiquities and archaeological sites across Dubai.
Officials said the measure is part of wider efforts to safeguard Dubai’s cultural identity and protect archaeological assets amid ongoing rapid urban development.
