Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2026. The resolution regulates the use of cameras in documenting violations and executing judicial judgments in Dubai. It applies to enforcement officers operating under the supervision of a competent judge.
Scope and Goals
The new rules aim to strengthen professional conduct among enforcement officers. They also seek to improve transparency and integrity while protecting individual rights. The resolution mandates the use of technology to verify procedures during enforcement actions.
Data Security and Storage
Recordings must be stored securely using encrypted systems. The rules prohibit unauthorised access or tampering. Government entities must comply with the Dubai Electronic Security Centre’s requirements for data retention and handling. They must also follow the centre’s information security and business continuity policies.
Entities are required to maintain a database of authorised users and their access levels. All staff must follow established privacy protection standards.
Privacy Protections
The resolution explicitly prohibits recording in highly private places. These include homes, places of worship, and changing rooms. People must be informed when recording is taking place.
Officers are required to keep recordings confidential. They may share them only with their government entity or authorised persons. Copying, storing, or transferring recordings on personal devices or unauthorised systems is banned. Using recordings for personal or unlawful purposes is also prohibited.
Training and Compliance
Government entities must provide training before granting officers judicial enforcement powers. The training covers the application of the resolution, documentation of violations, and secure handling of recordings. It also addresses legal and ethical duties related to privacy protection.
Private Sector Obligations
Private companies contracted by government entities must also comply. Recordings must be stored electronically by the government entity. Access, sharing, or use of recordings requires written approval and must be for specified purposes under Dubai laws.
Implementation Timeline
The head of the relevant government entity may issue decisions to implement the resolution. The resolution becomes effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The announcement did not specify the exact publication date.
Frequently asked questions
What are Dubai's new camera rules for enforcement?
Dubai's Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2026 mandates encryption, privacy protections, and secure storage for camera recordings by enforcement officers, prohibiting unauthorized access or personal use.
Where is camera recording banned under Dubai's 2026 rules?
Recordings are prohibited in private areas like homes, places of worship, and changing rooms to protect individual privacy under the new regulations.
How does Dubai ensure data security for enforcement recordings?
Recordings must be stored using encrypted systems compliant with Dubai Electronic Security Centre standards, with restricted access to authorized users only.
What training do Dubai enforcement officers need?
Officers must complete training on the resolution’s requirements, including privacy protection, documentation protocols, and secure handling of recordings before receiving judicial enforcement powers.
Can private companies use enforcement recordings in Dubai?
Private companies must store recordings electronically via government entities and require written approval for access, sharing, or use under Dubai laws.
