Lost an item in Dubai? Request a Lost Certificate and increase your chances of recovering it

Dubai: In most places around the world, if you lose your wallet or phone in a public space or a taxi, you’re likely never to see it again. Not in Dubai, though – the Dubai Police has a dedicated Lost and Found service. What is Dubai Police’s Lost and Found service? The Lost and Found service allows individuals – both tourists and residents – to report the loss of their belongings or personal items, and ensures the owner is immediately notified if the item is found. A range of items can be declared as lost, from documents and vehicle number plates to jewellery, smartphones and other valuables and electronic devices. The service includes the option to request a Lost Certificate (subject to fees), which records details of the item, and the date it went missing. The certificate is useful as proof of loss, if required, when the item is later recovered. It can also serve as an official document, if you need to replace your lost item, such as a work ID card, and need to show proof that it is truly lost. Things to note Before applying for the service, note the following two points of consideration: The lost item must be within the geographical boundaries of the emirate of Dubai. The Lost Certificate is valid for one month from the issuance date. The service duration is three working days. How to report a lost item Follow these steps to report a lost item online: Visit Dubai Police’s website, dubaipolice.gov.ae, or download the Dubai Police app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Select ‘Services’, then click on ‘Report Lost Item’ or the ‘Request Lost Certificate’ option, based on your requirements. The certificate is optional, and has an added charge. Fill in your personal details, such as Emirates ID (if you are a resident), as well as your email address. Visitors must provide additional details, such as their passport number, date of birth, and nationality. Next, select the type of item you have lost from the drop-down menu. Choose a category, such as electronics, and then a subcategory, such as smartphone. If you have an image of the missing item, you can upload it at this stage. Enter the date and time the item was lost, and provide the location. You can either type in the address, or drop a pin on the provided map. Enter the Captcha information and select ‘Submit’. Pay the service fee (if you requested a Lost Certificate), or just the knowledge and innovation fees (if you only reported the missing item), using a credit or debit card. Once payment is complete, you will receive a transaction number, which you can use to follow up on the issue. Both the Lost Certificate and the receipt will be sent to the email address provided in the form. If you would like to report a lost item in person, you can do so at any Dubai Police location. However, additional charges apply. How much does the service cost? According to the Dubai Police website, the following charges apply: Knowledge and innovation fees: Dh20 Service fee (for Lost Certificate): Dh50 Additional fee if the application is submitted in person at a police station: Dh100