Sheik Mohammed Sets New Rules for Dubai Government Emblems

Dubai’s new emblems law imposes hefty fines up to AED 500,000 or jail terms extending to 5 years for unauthorized use of official emblems. This detailed legislation brings a fundamental change to protect the emirate’s official symbols from misuse.

His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum enacted Law No. (1) of 2025 that regulates Dubai and its government’s emblem usage. The law strictly prohibits these emblems’ use in commercial activities, including advertising and product promotions. The Dubai emblem remains Dubai’s exclusive property, while the Government emblem belongs to Dubai’s Government. Both symbols now receive reliable legal protection under this law.

Sheik Mohammed Unveils Comprehensive Emblem Protection Law

Dubai’s new Law No. (1) of 2025 provides detailed protection for the city’s official symbols. The Dubai Emblem and Government Emblem are now legally recognized as properties belonging to the Emirate and Government of Dubai.

Law introduces strict penalties up to Dh500,000

Violators of this law face tough consequences. They could spend three months to five years in prison and pay fines between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000, or deal with both punishments. The law requires anyone who spots violations to report them to proper authorities.

New regulations target unauthorized commercial use

The law sets clear rules about who can use these emblems. Only government departments, public agencies, corporations, and authorized entities have the right to use Dubai’s emblem. Private organizations need to get permission from Dubai’s Ruler’s Court Chairman or an authorized representative before displaying the emblem.

The legislation strictly forbids:

• Using emblems to advertise or promote products
• Distorting or damaging the emblem’s value
• Displaying the emblem in ways that go against Dubai’s values
• Using the emblem without proper approval in any form or medium

The law gives unauthorized users 30 days to stop using the emblem unless they get official approval. These regulations are the foundations of a system that protects these official symbols from misuse.

Dubai Government Launches Digital Verification System

Dubai has implemented a state-of-the-art digital verification system to enforce new emblem regulations. This platform lets users authenticate official emblems quickly in both government and private sector documents.

Blockchain technology ensures emblem authenticity

The system runs on blockchain technology and creates an unchangeable digital record that tracks emblem usage. Government and private entities can now verify digital documents instantly without examining physical copies. UAE Pass integration adds high-level security features that provide secure digital signatures and identity verification.

AI-powered monitoring detects violations

Advanced artificial intelligence capabilities help the monitoring system detect unauthorized emblem usage. The AI studies visual data to spot potential violations and connects any unusual findings with relevant events. The system focuses on three key areas:

• Automatic detection when unauthorized changes occur
• Recognition of patterns that show misuse
• Live analysis of digital content

Live reporting platform streamlines enforcement

Users can report and respond to violations instantly through one combined platform. The system spots issues automatically by studying submitted evidence and creates detailed violation reports. Users can turn their documents into authenticated digital formats with better privacy protection through the UAE Verify platform.

This verification system lines up with Dubai’s broader strategy to change its services to digital formats. The government has already converted more than 90% of its services. This detailed approach will give reliable protection of official emblems through state-of-the-art technology and systematic monitoring.

Businesses Must Navigate New Compliance Requirements

Dubai businesses must now line up their operations with tough emblem usage regulations. The Department of Economic Development (DED) recently created detailed guidelines about proper use of Dubai’s official symbols.

30-day transition period begins for unauthorized users

The law requires all unauthorized users to stop using the Dubai emblem within 30 days from the effective date. This rule applies to everyone currently displaying the emblem without proper authorization. We focused on businesses that use the emblem for commercial purposes, advertising, or product promotion.

How to get official permission

Businesses need prior approval to use the Dubai emblem through a clear process. They must submit applications to the Chairman of Dubai’s Ruler’s Court or an authorized representative. Getting permission depends on several conditions:

• The emblem must appear only in designated locations and events
• Usage must comply with prescribed controls in the granted permission
• Organizations must follow guidelines set by the General Secretariat of The Executive Council

DED inspectors check emirate stores regularly to verify brand usage compliance. Businesses need proper documentation of their authorization. Their emblem usage should match official specifications.

Rules become stricter when it comes to merchandising and commercial use. No one can use emblems on t-shirts, mugs, souvenirs, or manufactured goods without written consent. Businesses should check their marketing materials and product designs to avoid penalties.

Government Establishes Special Task Force

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) now has exclusive rights to enforce Dubai’s new emblem protection law. DET owns all rights to Dubai’s logo and associated marks.

Department of Economy guides enforcement

DET oversees all emblem usage in Dubai’s mainland. The department’s Business Protection unit handles violations and resolves disputes through well-established channels. The enforcement framework covers:

• Monitoring commercial compliance
• Investigating reported violations
• Coordinating with judicial authorities
• Managing the brand usage permission system

DET has the authority to inspect emblem usage and can demand immediate changes or removal if used without permission.

Free zones implement specialized protocols

Dubai’s free zones have created their own mechanisms to enforce emblem protection. Free zone authorities cooperate with federal and local entities in a systematic way.

The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and other free zones use specialized IP dispute resolution systems. These zones work with customs offices to stop unauthorized emblem usage. The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) conducts inspections and seizes counterfeit materials regularly.

The enforcement system works beyond traditional boundaries through inter-agency cooperation. Dubai Customs and other enforcement bodies monitor potential violations constantly. This unified approach protects emblems effectively in mainland Dubai and specialized economic areas.

Trademark owners can take legal action through local courts or use arbitration centers in free zones if they detect violations. This layered enforcement structure protects Dubai’s official emblems strongly across all jurisdictions.

Dubai has taken a most important step to protect its official symbols through a complete emblem protection law. The law creates clear guidelines about authorized usage and imposes strict penalties for violations. The blockchain-based digital verification system builds a resilient technological foundation to monitor and enforce these rules.

A specialized team from the Department of Economy and Tourism works with free zone authorities to oversee compliance through dedicated protocols and agency partnerships. Dubai businesses must get proper authorization before they display official emblems. They have a 30-day transition period to make the needed changes.

This new framework shows Dubai’s steadfast dedication to protect its official symbols while preserving their prestige and proper usage. Dubai pioneers governmental brand protection through its structured system, backed by cutting-edge digital solutions and dedicated enforcement teams. These emblems continue to serve as powerful symbols of authority and authenticity in official communications and authorized uses.