In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (1) of 2025 Regulating the Use of Emblems of the Emirate of Dubai and the Government of Dubai.
The Law stipulates that the Emirate of Dubai shall have its own distinct emblem, reflecting its identity, heritage, values, principles, and vision. The Law prescribes the design of Dubai’s Emblem as set in Models (1) and (2) attached to the Law. It further states that the Government of Dubai shall have its own emblem- illustrated in models (3) and (4) attached to the Law- which shares some design elements of the Dubai Emblem.
Ownership and Protection:
The Law states that Dubai Emblem is the property of the Emirate of Dubai, while the Government Emblem is the property of the Government of Dubai, and both emblems are protected under the new Law and other legislation in force in the Emirate. This protection extends to the emblem attached to Law No. (17) of 2023 Concerning the Emblem of the Emirate of Dubai, and it is prohibited for any person to use it as it is the property of the Emirate.
Use of Dubai Emblem
The law further stipulates that Dubai Emblem can only be used in designated locations, events, documents, and seals of the entities authorized by the Chairman of Dubai’s Ruler’s Court. The Law prohibits the use of Dubai Emblem by other than the Dubai Government Departments, public agencies and corporations, Government councils and authorities, and any other entities affiliated to the Government of Dubai. Any other use of the Dubai Emblem requires special permission from the Chairman of Dubai’s Ruler’s Court or his authorized representative, and must comply with the controls prescribed in said permission.
Emblem Use Manual:
The Law also requires the emblems to be used in accordance with the guidelines and specifications set out in a manual developed by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and approved by His Highness the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
Prohibited Acts:
The law strictly prohibits the unauthorized use of the emblem in any form or by any means by any individual or entity, other than government entities and other authorized entities, before obtaining the permission specified in the Law. It is also prohibited to use the emblem for commercial purposes or for advertising products, goods, materials, or tools, as well as misusing the emblem in any way, or using it in a manner that distorts or undermines its value or status. Using the emblem in any activity or event that contradicts the values and principles of the Emirate of Dubai, or conflicts with public order and morals, is also prohibited.
Moreover, the new Law also stipulates that any person who becomes aware of the commission of any of the acts prohibited under the new Law must report such violations to the competent authorities. These authorities include the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, the authorities supervising the Special Development Zones and Free Zones (including the Dubai International Financial Centre), and the relevant judicial authorities. These entities are then responsible for taking the necessary legal measures against the violators.
Criminal Penalties and Fines:
The Law stipulates that any person who commits any of the acts prohibited thereunder will face imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine ranging between AED100,000 and AED500,000, or both, without prejudice to any stricter penalty prescribed by other applicable legislation. The fines and penalties prescribed by the new Law will also apply to those who commit any of the prohibited acts in using the emblem attached to law No. (17) of 2023.
Compliance
Furthermore, the Law requires all unauthorized users of the Emblem, including the emblem attached to Law No. (17) of 2023, to desist from using it and remove it within 30 days unless they have obtained the permission required by the new Law.
The new Law supersedes Law No. (17) of 2023 Concerning the Emblem of the Emirate of Dubai and repeals any provision in any other legislation that conflicts with its provisions.
Law No. (1) of 2025 will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published. The Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai will issue the resolutions required for the implementation of the new Law.