Hamdan bin Mohammed issues resolution regulating camera use in enforcement procedures

Dubai: In his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2026 regulating the use of cameras in documenting violations and the execution of judicial judgments, decisions and orders, in line with applicable legislation and under the supervision of the competent judge. The Resolution aims to strengthen professional conduct among enforcement officers in Dubai, enhance transparency and integrity, protect individual rights, ensure legal compliance, and support the use of technology to verify procedures. It sets out clear rules for the use of cameras to record enforcement activities, including the handling of violations and execution procedures, and specifies what can be recorded and where. Recordings must be securely stored using encrypted systems, protected against unauthorised access or tampering, and managed in compliance with Dubai laws and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre’s requirements for retention and handling. The Resolution also mandates compliance with the Dubai Electronic Security Centre’s information security and business continuity policies, as well as procedures for handling and transferring recordings. Government entities must maintain a database of authorised users and their access levels, ensuring that all staff and authorised personnel adhere to privacy protection standards. It further defines the responsibilities of enforcement officers, requiring cameras to be used strictly for official purposes and in accordance with organisational guidelines. Recording is prohibited in highly private locations such as homes, places of worship and changing rooms, and individuals must be informed when recording is taking place. Officers are required to maintain the confidentiality of recordings and may only share them with the government entity they represent or authorised individuals. The Resolution prohibits copying, storing or transferring recordings on personal devices or unauthorised systems, and forbids any personal or unlawful use. Government entities are also required to provide training to officers before granting them judicial enforcement powers. This training must cover the application of the Resolution, documentation procedures, secure handling and transfer of recordings, and the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the use of body cameras, particularly in relation to privacy protection. Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2026 also outlines the obligations of private companies contracted by government entities or assigned statutory functions. All recordings must be stored electronically by the relevant government entity, remain confidential under Dubai Electronic Security Centre regulations, and may only be accessed, used or shared with written approval and for specific purposes in accordance with Dubai laws. Except for decisions issued by the Chairman of the Supreme Committee of Legislation in Dubai, the head of the relevant government entity may issue decisions necessary to implement the Resolution within their area of authority. Any provisions that conflict with other resolutions are repealed. The Resolution comes into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.