Dubai recently issued a new law on public health, outlining key protocols visitors must follow to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health in Dubai establishes a comprehensive framework to promote public health and safeguard community and environmental well-being by focusing on disease prevention, healthcare, food and product safety, and sustainable efforts to improve overall quality of life.
It also seeks to minimize health risks affecting individuals and communities in Dubai through precautionary measures and evidence-based practices that align with both local and international health regulations. Moreover, it promotes greater coordination and collaboration at all levels to strengthen preparedness and response to deal with public health challenges across the emirate.
Rules visitors must follow
Dubai’s new public health law outlines several rules visitors must follow, including:Â
- Adhering to official health protocols.
- Providing requested information at Dubai’s entry points.
- Reporting any suspected or confirmed communicable diseases.
- Observing hygiene measures such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing, in line with approved guidelines.
Individuals infected with or suspected of having a communicable disease are required to avoid contact that could spread the illness. They must also refrain from traveling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority.
The law also prohibits concealing infections or spreading them, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and mandates individuals to comply with measures to prevent the spread of disease, following guidelines issued by relevant authorities and healthcare providers.
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Dubai raises prevention efforts
Dubai’s latest public health law aims to increase public awareness of health risks and prevention methods, encourage shared responsibility for well-being, and foster a sustainable environment that attracts investment. It further seeks to enhance the UAE’s global standing in public health competitiveness.
The law defines the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities in managing communicable diseases. It also outlines the duties of healthcare providers in Dubai, including public and private facilities licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of relevant authorities in food safety, specifies obligations for food-related establishments, and sets rules for consumer product activities. It also details responsibilities in areas such as built environment health, environmental health, labor accommodations, tobacco control (under Dubai Municipality), pest control, and the Dubai Health Authority’s role in managing health risks, emergencies, and crises.
This law supersedes any previous legislation that may conflict with its provisions. It comes into force 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
