UAE: New Dubai regulations define traveler obligations and health responsibilities

Dubai’s new public health law could affect your next trip — here’s how

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued a new public health law in Dubai.

Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health in Dubai seeks to minimise health risks by stopping the spread of illnesses and putting restrictions on travel for those with confirmed communicable diseases.

Set to come into force 90 days after it is published in the Official Gazette, the new law supersedes any previous legislation that may conflict with its provisions.

The new law states that any travellers must adhere to official health protocols, provide requested information at Dubai’s entry points and report any suspected or confirmed communicable diseases.

Anyone who is infected or suspected of having a communicable disease must avoid contact that could spread their illness. The new law states that you must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority.

If you are travelling while ill, then you must observe hygiene measures such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing in line with approved guidelines.

The law 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.

The new public health law has established a comprehensive framework to promote public health and safeguard community and environmental well-being. It outlines a focus on disease prevention, healthcare, food and product safety and sustainable efforts to improve overall quality of life.

It aims to minimise any health risks affecting individuals and communities in Dubai through precautionary measures and evidence-based practices that align with both local and international health regulations.

The new law promotes greater coordination and collaboration at all levels to strengthen preparedness and response to deal with any public health challenges in the emirate.

It also aims to increase public awareness of health risks and prevention methods by fostering a sustainable environment that attracts investment.

The new public health law has also formally defined the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities in managing communicable diseases.

These authorities include local government entities tasked with overseeing public health in Dubai, such as Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, the Dubai Academic Health Corporation and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

The law has also outlined the responsibilities of relevant authorities in food safety, specified obligations for food-related establishments and set out some rules for consumer product activities.

It has detailed responsibilities in areas such as built environmental health, labour accommodations, pest control and the Dubai Health Authority‘s role in managing health risks, emergencies and crises.