The Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates has approved a draft federal law aimed at strengthening the protection of the country’s cultural heritage, imposing strict penalties that include fines of up to 10 million dirhams and prison sentences for crimes such as damage, theft, and smuggling of heritage assets.This measure was approved during the Council’s 13th session of its third regular session in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi. This legislation aims to ensure that the country’s heritage is preserved, documented and enhanced while preserving it for future generations.The law applies nationally, including free zones, and covers a wide range of heritage categories, including tangible, intangible, natural and digital forms.
It also promotes the integration of heritage into tourism initiatives and sustainable development strategies.Strict penalties are set for serious violations. Individuals who intentionally damage, demolish, deface or remove heritage sites or monuments, conduct unauthorized construction in protected areas, or smuggle heritage items may face temporary imprisonment and fines ranging from 500,000 dirhams to 10 million dirhams.
Penalties may be increased if the offender is the owner of the heritage property.Those involved in illegal excavations, falsifying artefacts, submitting false documents to transfer heritage items, misusing heritage sites as waste dumps, or deliberately disrespecting cultural heritage may face prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines ranging from 300,000 dirhams to 5 million dirhams.Less serious violations, such as transferring heritage items without approval, not registering privately owned heritage objects, neglecting their maintenance, placing advertisements on protected sites or organizing heritage-related activities without permission, may result in prison sentences of up to three years and fines ranging from 100,000 dirhams to 5 million dirhams, or either penalty.The legislation also requires anyone who discovers an antiquity or tangible heritage to avoid harming it, and to report the discovery within 48 hours to the Ministry of Culture, the competent authorities, or the nearest police station. Authorities may offer rewards for timely reporting.New definitions have been introduced under the law, including “digital heritage”, which refers to digital materials of cultural or historical value, and “archaeological survey”, which involves exploring and documenting heritage sites across land, subterranean areas and territorial waters.The law distinguishes between historical architectural heritage, which is defined as buildings built between 1700 and 1960, and modern architectural heritage, which includes buildings of cultural importance constructed after 1960, such as schools, hospitals, museums, and industrial facilities. It also expands protection to include underwater heritage, including shipwrecks, submerged aircraft and archaeological remains.The courts will have the power to confiscate heritage items and any tools used to commit crimes, while ensuring that the rights of third parties acting in good faith are preserved.Officials say the legislation will enhance coordination between the Ministry of Culture and other entities, support research and awareness initiatives, enhance conservation efforts, and facilitate the nomination of UAE heritage sites for regional and international registries.
