The UAE has taken another step towards protecting its history and cultural identity after approving a new draft law that introduces penalties for damaging or illegally handling heritage sites and artefacts

If passed into law, the new legislation would protect the country’s cultural heritage while encouraging greater awareness, preservation and cultural tourism across the UAE.

What is the new law about?

The legislation is designed to safeguard the UAE’s heritage in all its forms, from historic buildings and archaeological sites to traditions, digital archives and natural heritage. It will apply across all seven emirates, including free zones.

Among its main goals are preserving important cultural assets, supporting research, promoting cultural diversity and ensuring that the UAE’s heritage is protected for future generations. The law also aims to strengthen heritage tourism and encourage organisations to include cultural preservation in long-term development plans.

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What is protected?

The draft law covers a wide range of heritage, including:

  • Historic buildings constructed before 1960
  • Modern architectural landmarks built after 1960, such as schools, hospitals, museums and industrial buildings
  • Archaeological sites
  • Shipwrecks and submerged aircraft located within UAE waters
  • Intangible, natural and digital heritage

Digital heritage refers to culturally or historically important material that was either created in digital format or later converted into digital records.

Reporting historical discoveries

Anyone who unexpectedly discovers an archaeological object or another item of cultural importance must report it within 48 hours. Reports can be made to the relevant authority, the Ministry of Culture or the nearest police station.

People who report discoveries within the required timeframe may also be eligible for a reward.

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What are the penalties?

The proposed law includes some of the toughest penalties yet for offences involving cultural heritage.

The most serious violations could result in fines ranging from Dhs500,000 to Dhs10 million. These include:

  • Intentionally damaging or destroying heritage sites or artefacts
  • Theft or illegal possession of heritage items
  • Carrying out construction, demolition or infrastructure work at protected sites without approval
  • Smuggling cultural heritage into or out of the UAE

Other offences could lead to up to 10 years in prison, along with fines between Dhs300,000 and Dhs5 million. These include:

  • Excavating archaeological sites without a permit
  • Using heritage sites as dumping grounds
  • Providing false documents to remove antiquities from the UAE
  • Creating fake artefacts or falsifying heritage items

Additional penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of between Dhs100,000 and Dhs5 million may apply for offences such as:

  • Removing heritage items without permission
  • Selling materials taken from protected sites
  • Displaying advertisements on heritage locations
  • Failing to register or properly maintain heritage items in your possession
  • Obstructing authorised inspectors
  • Hosting heritage-related events without the necessary permits