Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Enacts New Law to Strengthen Administrative Justice in Dubai

Dubai, The Gul Observer: In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, has issued Law No. (6) of 2026 concerning violations, penalties, and administrative measures in the Emirate of Dubai.

The new law establishes a comprehensive and binding legal framework for government entities in handling administrative violations, penalties, and related measures under Dubai’s legislation. It aims to enhance transparency, fairness, accountability, and legality while ensuring that administrative penalties are applied in a manner that protects rights and freedoms, guarantees the continuity of public services, and serves the interests of society.

The legislation also seeks to support the timely delivery of justice by regulating the imposition of administrative penalties and measures, preventing the abuse or misuse of authority, raising awareness about compliance with laws and regulations in Dubai, and strengthening deterrence against acts that threaten safety and security.

Under the law, administrative violations must be clearly defined in legislation issued by the competent authority to ensure individuals and entities fully understand their obligations. Violations are categorized into minor, moderate, and serious levels to help determine the appropriate administrative penalties.

The law also outlines rules governing administrative measures to ensure proportionality, fairness, and transparency. Each measure must be linked to a clearly defined violation and stipulated in legislation issued by the relevant authority. The severity of any measure will depend on factors such as the seriousness of the violation, its impact on public services and public interest, as well as aggravating or mitigating circumstances, including repetition of the offence, intent, negligence, harm caused, and any corrective actions taken by the offender.

According to the law, government entities may impose several administrative measures, including issuing warnings to rectify violations, temporarily closing violating establishments for up to six months, permanently shutting down establishments, cancelling or amending licences, permits or approvals, and temporarily or permanently suspending projects, activities, or transactions directly related to the violation.

The legislation also specifies procedures for imposing and enforcing administrative penalties and measures 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 necessary decisions to implement the provisions of the law, including procedures for publishing and announcing administrative violations. Any provisions in other laws that conflict with this legislation will be annulled.

The law will come into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.