Ajman Ruler issues law on lost and abandoned property

Definitions under the law

The legislation defines lost property as movable items of value that are lost without the owner’s intention to abandon them and are found within the emirate. Stray animals are excluded from this definition.

Abandoned property is defined as movable items of value that the owner or lawful possessor has intentionally relinquished, whether explicitly or implicitly. Stray animals are also excluded from this category.

Powers and responsibilities of Ajman Police

Ajman Police are tasked with receiving reports of lost, found and abandoned property, taking custody of such items, preserving them appropriately and announcing found items through suitable means. The force will also assess storage, announcement and disposal costs and maintain detailed records documenting each case.

Police will oversee the disposal of property in accordance with the law and may cooperate with government or private entities for storage, sale or other disposal procedures.

Obligations of the finder

Anyone who finds lost property must hand it over to Ajman Police within 48 hours, unless an acceptable excuse is provided. The finder is prohibited from disposing of or claiming ownership of the item and must cooperate with authorities. A formal receipt report will document the item’s details and circumstances of discovery.

Rights of the owner

The owner has the right to reclaim lost property before it is disposed of and may claim its value within five years if it has been sold. If disposed of without compensation in accordance with the law, the owner retains the right to trace and recover the item or its value. Ownership disputes will be resolved by final court rulings.

Claims submitted after 15 years from the date of discovery will not be heard without valid justification. Any recovered property or sale proceeds will be returned to the owner after deducting related costs.

Incentives and implementation

The law allows Ajman Police to honour honest finders with certificates of appreciation or grant financial or in-kind rewards. Government entities and private legal persons are required to cooperate with the police and hand over any lost or abandoned property in their possession.

The Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police will issue implementing regulations. The law takes effect upon issuance, will be published in the Official Gazette, and supersedes any conflicting provisions in other legislation.