The UAE's Federal National Council has approved a draft cultural heritage law introducing penalties of up to Dhs10 million in fines and 10 years in prison for serious offences, including damaging, stealing or smuggling cultural artefacts. The law also prohibits unauthorised construction, alterations and relocation at heritage sites, aiming to protect the country's heritage and promote cultural tourism.
The proposed law aims to safeguard, document, preserve and promote the UAE's cultural heritage in all its forms while encouraging research, cultural exchange and diversity. It seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation's heritage, pass it on to future generations, and strengthen heritage tourism as part of sustainable development. The legislation also aims to enhance the role of cultural heritage in everyday life for citizens and residents. Covering tangible, intangible, natural and digital heritage, the law will apply across the UAE, including in free zones.
Fines and penalties under the UAE's proposed cultural heritage law:
- Fines of Dhs500,000 to Dhs10 million for:
- Deliberately damaging, stealing or smuggling heritage items
- Unauthorised construction or demolition at heritage sites
- Up to 10 years in prison and fines of Dhs300,000 to Dhs5 million for:
- Illegal archaeological excavations
- Using heritage sites as dumping grounds
Submitting false documents to export antiquities
- Forging artefacts or heritage items
Up to 3 years in prison and fines of Dhs100,000 to Dhs5 million for:
- Removing heritage items without approval
- Trading materials from heritage sites
- Advertising on heritage sites
- Failing to register or maintain heritage items
- Obstructing officials
- Organising heritage-related events without a permit
