Dubai has introduced a new legislative framework governing public safety across the Emirate.
Law No. (2) of 2026 on Public Safety came into force on 1 June 2026, replacing Local Order No. (11) of 2003 concerning Public Health and Community Safety, together with its amendments.
The new legislation establishes a broader and more integrated framework covering public venues and events, buildings and properties, products, hazardous materials and activities that may create risks to public safety.
Its objective is to protect people, property and the environment from risks arising from accidents and unsafe practices, while promoting safety standards consistent with international best practices.
What Does Dubai’s New Public Safety Law Cover?
Law No. (2) of 2026 brings several areas of public safety under a consolidated legal framework.
Among other matters, the law addresses:
- Safety requirements for public venues and events.
- Equipment, lighting and ventilation requirements.
- Entry and exit arrangements at venues and events.
- Safety requirements relating to buildings and properties.
- Maintenance works and electrical equipment.
- Swimming pools and related safety arrangements.
- Handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Safety requirements for products intended for human use, entertainment or education.
- Activities that may pose a risk to public safety and require prior authorisation.
The wider scope means that public safety compliance is relevant to a broad range of businesses, property owners, operators and individuals in Dubai.
Tougher Public Safety Enforcement
The new law provides competent authorities and authorised personnel with powers to monitor compliance and document violations.
Authorised enforcement personnel may prepare violation reports and coordinate with relevant authorities, including the police, where necessary.
This means businesses should not treat public safety requirements as limited to occasional inspections. Compliance may need to be incorporated into day-to-day operations, facility management, event planning, product handling and risk-management procedures.
Who Is Responsible for Compliance?
A significant feature of the framework is the responsibility placed on persons and entities that own, operate, organise or control activities and premises falling within its scope.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Venue owners and operators;
- Event organisers;
- Building and property owners;
- Businesses responsible for facilities and equipment;
- Businesses placing regulated products on the Dubai market; and
- Persons or entities handling hazardous materials.
Where an activity requires prior authorisation because it may endanger public safety, the required approval should be obtained before the activity takes place.
The law also provides that competent authorities are not responsible for damage resulting from failure to comply with the applicable safety requirements.
Dubai Public Safety Law Penalties
The law provides for significant administrative fines.
| Matter | Position under the law |
|---|---|
| General administrative fine | AED 500 to AED 1,000,000 |
| Repeat violation within one year | Fine may be doubled, subject to a maximum of AED 2,000,000 |
| Enforcement | Competent authorities and authorised personnel may document and report violations |
| Right to appeal | Written appeal within 10 working days from notification of the violation |
| Compliance period | Two years from the law coming into force |
| Possible extension | One additional extension may be granted, subject to applicable approval requirements |
It is important to note that the statutory fine range does not mean that every violation automatically attracts a fine of a particular amount.
The Executive Council of Dubai is responsible for issuing the detailed schedule identifying specific violations and the corresponding penalties. The applicable penalty will therefore depend on the nature and circumstances of the violation.
Repeat Violations and Fines Up to AED 2 Million
The law provides for increased penalties where a violation is repeated within one year.
In such circumstances, the applicable fine may be doubled, subject to a maximum of AED 2 million.
Businesses should therefore take violation notices seriously and address identified compliance deficiencies promptly rather than treating them as isolated administrative matters.
Hazardous Materials and Waste
The new public safety framework places particular emphasis on activities involving hazardous materials.
It regulates the handling of materials including:
- Explosives;
- Fireworks;
- Toxic substances; and
- Flammable materials.
The law prohibits the handling of regulated hazardous materials without the required authorisation.
It also addresses matters relating to improper disposal of hazardous waste, interference with waste-collection vehicles and interference with infrastructure such as manholes, sewerage systems and stormwater drainage facilities.
Businesses involved in activities involving hazardous materials should therefore verify that they have the appropriate approvals, safety procedures, storage arrangements, handling systems and disposal processes in place.
Product Safety Requirements
Law No. (2) of 2026 also extends to products intended for human use, entertainment or education.
Products falling within the scope of the law must comply with applicable safety requirements, including requirements concerning safe use and instructions.
Where required, safety information must be made available in Arabic and English.
For businesses placing regulated products on the Dubai market, compliance should therefore be considered throughout the relevant supply and use process and not merely at the point of sale.
Public Venues and Event Safety
Venue owners, operators and event organisers should pay particular attention to the safety requirements applicable to public venues and events.
Depending on the activity and premises, this may involve reviewing:
- Equipment and installations;
- Lighting systems;
- Ventilation;
- Entry and exit arrangements;
- Emergency procedures;
- Safety procedures; and
- Authorisations required for activities that may affect public safety.
Event organisers should ensure that required approvals are obtained before conducting activities that may create public safety risks.
Buildings and Property Safety
Property owners and businesses responsible for buildings and facilities should review their existing safety arrangements.
Areas that may require attention include:
- Maintenance works;
- Electrical equipment;
- Swimming pools;
- Building facilities;
- Safety systems; and
- Other facilities falling within the applicable requirements.
A compliance review can help identify deficiencies before they result in an inspection, violation notice or financial penalty.
Two-Year Compliance Period
The law provides a two-year period for compliance from the date it came into force.
This transition period gives affected businesses, property owners and operators an opportunity to review their operations and align them with the new requirements.
Where applicable, an additional extension may be granted, subject to the relevant approval requirements.
Businesses should nevertheless avoid waiting until the end of the compliance period. Early assessment can help identify operational changes, approvals, safety measures and documentation that may be required.
What Businesses Should Do Now
Businesses and property owners should consider conducting a structured public safety compliance review.
1. Event organisers and venue operators
Review:
- Equipment and installations;
- Lighting and ventilation;
- Entry and exit arrangements;
- Emergency and safety procedures;
- Required permits and approvals; and
- Existing risk-management procedures.
2. Building and property owners
Review:
- Maintenance arrangements;
- Electrical systems and equipment;
- Swimming pools;
- Building facilities;
- Safety systems; and
- Contractor and facility-management procedures.
3. Businesses selling regulated products
Businesses should verify that:
- Products comply with applicable safety requirements;
- Required safety information is available;
- Instructions for safe use are provided where required; and
- Required Arabic and English information is available where applicable.
4. Businesses handling hazardous materials
Businesses dealing with hazardous substances, waste or other regulated materials should verify:
- Required authorisations;
- Storage procedures;
- Handling procedures;
- Transportation arrangements;
- Disposal procedures; and
- Relevant safety documentation.
What Happens If You Receive a Violation Notice?
The law provides a right to appeal against a violation.
An appeal must be submitted in writing within 10 working days from the date of notification of the violation, in accordance with the applicable procedures.
Because the appeal period is limited, businesses and individuals who receive a violation notice should review the notice promptly and obtain appropriate legal advice where necessary.
A timely review can help determine the nature of the alleged violation, applicable requirements, available evidence and the appropriate response.
Why Public Safety Compliance Matters for Dubai Businesses
The introduction of Law No. (2) of 2026 reflects a broader regulatory framework for public safety in Dubai.
The legislation brings together requirements relating to premises, events, products, hazardous materials and potentially hazardous activities within a consolidated framework.
For businesses, property owners, venue operators and event organisers, compliance should therefore be treated as an ongoing operational responsibility.
A proactive compliance review can help organisations:
- Identify potential regulatory gaps;
- Determine whether additional approvals are required;
- Review safety procedures;
- Reduce the risk of violations;
- Prepare appropriate documentation; and
- Address potential issues before they escalate into disputes or penalties.
Conclusion
Law No. (2) of 2026 on Public Safety represents an important development in Dubai's public safety regulatory framework.
With the law in force from 1 June 2026, businesses, property owners, venue operators and other affected parties should review how the new requirements apply to their activities.
The combination of broader regulatory coverage, enforcement powers and substantial administrative penalties means that public safety compliance should be incorporated into routine business and property-management practices.
Businesses should use the available compliance period proactively by identifying applicable requirements, obtaining necessary approvals and updating their safety procedures and documentation.
Need Help Assessing Your Compliance?
Concept Advocates advises businesses, property owners, venue operators and other organisations in Dubai on regulatory compliance, public safety requirements and related legal matters.
If you are unsure whether your business or property is affected by Law No. (2) of 2026, our legal team can assist with reviewing your obligations and identifying potential areas of regulatory exposure.
📞 +971 56 889 7000 | +971 52 835 2702
✉️ support@conceptadvocates.com
📍 Dubai, UAE
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The application of Law No. (2) of 2026 depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Penalties, regulations and implementing requirements may be subject to further legislation or amendments. Professional legal advice should be obtained for specific circumstances.
