In a legislative step reflecting the accelerated trend towards enhancing public safety in the Emirate of Dubai, Law No. (2) of 2026 on Public Safety was issued to establish a unified legal framework focusing on risk prevention before occurrence, rather than merely addressing its consequences. This law comes amid a growing urban environment that attracts millions of visitors annually, where safety management in public spaces has become a core element in protecting lives and property, as well as supporting sustainable economic growth.
From this perspective, the law adopts an approach that obliges the relevant authorities to integrate safety standards into their daily operations, considering them an integral part of corporate governance and risk management.
Scope of Application and Key Features
The scope of the law extends to various public environments with high human density, such as commercial buildings, event sites, and recreational areas, aiming to standardise safety measures and ensure a minimum level of protection. The law imposes clear operational obligations on the operating and organising entities, including crowd management according to capacity, provision of safe infrastructure, effective fire-fighting systems, well-planned evacuation procedures, and availability of first aid and qualified personnel to handle emergencies. The law also enhances preventive oversight in organising high-risk activities, requiring prior permits to carry them out.
It also distinguishes itself by expanding the scope of responsibility to include the senior management of operating and organising entities, thereby reinforcing their role in strategic oversight of compliance and risk management systems, and promoting principles of corporate governance. In contrast, the law relies on a strict and graduated penalty system, ranging from financial fines to the potential suspension of activities or closure of violating facilities, within an integrated legislative system coordinated with Civil Defence regulations and municipal laws. This requires companies to adopt a comprehensive and integrated compliance approach.
Clear Legal Obligations: From Operation to Prevention
The law imposes precise obligations on the relevant entities, extending beyond written provisions to effective practical implementation. Key obligations include:
- Managing entry and exit in accordance with capacity
- Providing safe infrastructure, including lighting and surveillance systems
- Equipping work sites with fire-fighting systems
- Developing and implementing effective evacuation plans
- Providing first aid facilities
- Assigning trained personnel to handle emergencies
These requirements reflect a clear shift towards embedding a culture of safety as part of daily operations.
Regulation of High-Risk Activities: Strict Preventive Oversight
The law pays special attention to activities involving high risks, prohibiting their practice—such as the use of fireworks or hazardous materials—without obtaining prior permits from the competent authorities. The law emphasises an approach based on:
- Risk prevention before occurrence
- Proactive oversight of sensitive activities
- Public protection in events and open spaces
Senior Management Responsibility: From Implementation to Accountability
A prominent feature of this law is the expansion of responsibility to include senior management within facilities. Compliance is no longer merely an operational responsibility but requires direct oversight, including:
- Adoption of effective risk management policies
- Activation of internal compliance systems
- Ensuring integration between legal and operational aspects
In cases of gross violation, responsibility may extend to decision-makers, thereby enhancing corporate governance and limiting unregulated practices.
Strict Penalty System: Zero Tolerance for Violations
The law relies on a progressive penalty system reflecting the legislator’s seriousness in enforcing compliance, including:
- Financial fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,000,000
- Up to AED 2,000,000 for repeated violations within one year
The competent authorities also enjoy additional powers, such as:
- Suspending activities
- Closing violating facilities
This reflects a policy of zero tolerance towards any breach of public safety requirements.
Legislative Integration: An Interconnected Regulatory System
The Public Safety Law does not operate in isolation but is integrated with a set of related regulations, including:
- Civil Defence legislation
- Municipal regulations
- Licensing requirements
This obliges companies to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers all relevant regulatory frameworks.
Impact on the Business Environment: Compliance Beyond Legal Obligation
The law requires companies to reassess their operational systems and internal policies, including:
- Reviewing health and safety policies
- Conducting periodic risk assessments
- Updating contracts to ensure clarity of responsibilities
- Investing in training and qualification
Non-compliance may lead to significant legal and financial risks, in addition to reputational impact and business continuity challenges.
Entry into Force
The law is scheduled to enter into force on 1 June 2026, with limited transitional periods granted to certain entities. Nevertheless, early compliance measures are essential to avoid regulatory risks.
Within this advanced regulatory framework, early preparedness and effective compliance become increasingly important. Adopting a practical legal and advisory approach is essential to assist the relevant entities in adapting to the requirements of the Public Safety Law by focusing on risk management and strengthening corporate governance through:
- Assessing current compliance and identifying regulatory gaps
- Updating safety policies, procedures, and emergency plans
- Enhancing governance frameworks and risk management systems
- Reviewing contracts and clearly defining and allocating legal responsibilities
- Coordinating with competent regulatory authorities
- Providing practical training and awareness programmes for relevant personnel
This approach aims to enable entities to achieve compliance confidently, reduce legal and operational risks, and ensure business continuity in a complex and evolving regulatory environment.
Perspective
This law represents a qualitative step towards building a safer and more sustainable environment in the Emirate of Dubai. Concerned entities must reassess their operational policies and enhance risk management and training systems. With its entry into force on 1 June 2026, early preparedness and effective compliance become a practical necessity to avoid legal and financial risks and ensure business continuity in an evolving regulatory environment.
If you have any questions or need further advice on related matters, please feel free to contact Hussam Alghofari: hussam.alghofari@sat-law.com
Written by Hussam Alghofari
Reviewed by Abubaker Karmustaji
May 21st, 2026
