In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has enacted Law No. (5) of 2025 concerning Public Health in Dubai. This pivotal law establishes a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing public health and safeguarding community and environmental well-being. The focus is on disease prevention, healthcare, food and product safety, and sustainable initiatives designed to improve overall quality of life.
Comprehensive framework for public health
The law is designed to minimize health risks that impact individuals and communities in Dubai. It achieves this through precautionary measures and evidence-based practices that are in alignment with both local and international health regulations. By promoting greater coordination and collaboration across all levels, the law strengthens preparedness and response mechanisms to tackle public health challenges throughout the emirate, Dubai Media Office reported.
Raising awareness and encouraging responsibility
Another key objective of the law is to elevate public awareness regarding health risks and prevention strategies. It encourages a shared responsibility for well-being and aims to cultivate a sustainable environment that can attract investment. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance the UAE’s global standing in terms of public health competitiveness.
Defining roles and responsibilities
The law meticulously outlines the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities in managing communicable diseases. This includes local government entities, such as the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, and the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, which are tasked with overseeing public health in Dubai and enforcing the law. Additionally, it details the obligations of healthcare providers, encompassing both public and private facilities licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
Guidelines for individuals and travelers
Individuals who are infected with or suspected of having a communicable disease are mandated to avoid any contact that could facilitate the spread of illness. They must refrain from traveling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, unless they have received approval from the Dubai Health Authority. The law strictly prohibits the concealment of infections or the intentional or unintentional spread of diseases, requiring individuals to comply with measures aimed at preventing disease transmission, following guidelines issued by relevant authorities and healthcare providers.
Travelers are also required to adhere to official health protocols, provide necessary information at Dubai’s entry points, and report any suspected or confirmed communicable diseases. They must observe hygiene measures, including wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing, as stipulated by approved guidelines.
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Ensuring food safety and environmental health
Moreover, the law delineates the responsibilities of relevant authorities in food safety, specifying obligations for food-related establishments and setting forth rules for consumer product activities. It also details responsibilities concerning 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.
Promoting cooperation among entities
The law emphasizes the necessity for full cooperation between public and private entities in Dubai and the relevant authorities to facilitate the fulfillment of their responsibilities. This includes the sharing of data and statistics related to public health matters as addressed by the law.
This law supersedes any previous legislation that may conflict with its provisions and will come into effect 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. Through these comprehensive measures, the Public Health Law in Dubai sets a new standard for health and safety in the emirate.
