Law No. (2) of 2026 on Public Safety
Introduction
Dubai has announced a new legislative initiative aimed at strengthening public safety across the Emirate with the issuance of Law No. (2) of 2026 on Public Safety. The law was issued on 6 March 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
While the full legislative text has not yet been published in the Official Gazette, information released through official media channels indicates that the law is intended to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to enhance safety standards across public spaces, facilities, services and products within the Emirate. The law is expected to enter into force on 1 June 2026.
Strengthening the Regulatory Framework for Public Safety
Based on the information currently available, the new law appears to adopt a broad and integrated approach to public safety. Rather than addressing isolated risks, it seeks to regulate multiple environments that may affect the safety of individuals and property, including public venues, events, buildings and certain recreational facilities.
The objective is to minimise accidents and unsafe practices while ensuring that activities involving public access are conducted in accordance with recognised safety standards.
Safety Obligations for Businesses and Event Organisers
One of the key aspects highlighted in early reports is the introduction of clearer safety obligations for operators of public venues and organisers of events.
Businesses operating public venues may be required to ensure that their premises comply with approved safety standards, including appropriate lighting and ventilation, safe entry and exit arrangements, and adherence to capacity limits intended to prevent overcrowding.
Operators may also be required to implement safety measures such as emergency evacuation procedures, fire-fighting equipment, alarm systems, first aid facilities and visible safety signage. In some cases, businesses may need to prepare safety management plans and designate trained personnel responsible for supervising compliance.
These requirements are likely to be particularly relevant for sectors that regularly interact with large numbers of people, such as hospitality, entertainment, retail and event management.
Safety Standards for Facilities, Equipment and Products
Initial reports also suggest that the law extends beyond venues and events to address safety considerations in a number of other areas. These may include maintenance activities in inhabited buildings, electrical equipment and devices, and public facilities such as swimming pools and beaches.
The law is also expected to address the safety of certain products offered in the market, with the aim of ensuring that goods available to consumers meet public safety requirements.
Responsibilities of Individuals
Public safety under the new framework does not appear to be limited to businesses and operators. Individuals may also be required to comply with safety instructions issued in public places.
Reports indicate that the law may prohibit activities that could endanger public safety, including the unauthorised handling or use of hazardous materials such as explosives, fireworks or toxic substances.
Enforcement and Administrative Penalties
According to the information currently available, the law introduces administrative penalties for violations. Fines may range from AED 500 to AED 1,000,000, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, with higher penalties for repeat offences.
Oversight of the law is expected to fall under the Environment, Health and Safety Agency of Dubai Municipality, which will coordinate with relevant authorities to monitor compliance.
What This Means for Businesses
Although the full legislative text is still awaited, the new law signals Dubai’s continued emphasis on strengthening compliance frameworks in areas affecting public safety.
Businesses operating venues accessible to the public, organising events, or providing services in high-traffic environments may wish to monitor the publication of the law and any implementing regulations that may follow. In practice, this may involve reviewing existing safety procedures, operational protocols and risk management frameworks to ensure alignment with the upcoming regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Law No. (2) of 2026 reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to maintaining high safety standards while supporting the Emirate’s position as a global hub for tourism, events and commercial activity. Once the official text is published, further clarity is expected regarding the detailed obligations and compliance requirements introduced by the new framework
For further information or assistance in assessing the potential impact of this development, please contact Suneer Kumar at suneer@alsuwaidi.ae, Vida Grace Serrano at vida@alsuwaidi.ae or Mamdouh Tawfik at m.tawfik@alsuwaidi.ae