Dubai’s new Public Health Law: What travellers need to know

Dubai: As part of a new law aimed at enhancing public health in Dubai, travellers entering the emirate must now follow specific health protocols to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

The new law outlines a wide-ranging framework to improve community health, reduce disease transmission, and align public health practices with international standards.

It introduces strict obligations for travellers, individuals, and healthcare providers, while clarifying the roles of government entities in safeguarding health and the environment.

In a major step to strengthen public health protection, the Government of Dubai has enacted Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health, issued on Wednesday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The new law lays out detailed responsibilities for individuals and authorities, with a particular emphasis on disease prevention, public safety, and international health compliance. Individuals infected with or suspected of having a communicable disease are required to avoid contact that could spread the illness. They must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority. The law also 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. These requirements are part of broader efforts to control disease transmission and ensure early detection and response.

What are the rules for travellers?
All travellers entering Dubai are required to:

Follow official health protocols set by relevant authorities

Provide accurate health information upon arrival at Dubai’s entry points

Report any suspected or confirmed communicable diseases to the authorities

Observe hygiene practices, such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing, in accordance with approved guidelines in case of any illness.

Individual Responsibilities

Anyone infected with, or suspected of carrying, a communicable disease must:

Avoid contact with others to prevent transmission

Refrain from travel or movement, except to healthcare facilities and only with the Dubai Health Authority’s approval

Not conceal infections or knowingly spread disease

Comply with instructions from health authorities and healthcare providers.

Broader framework of the law
The law provides a comprehensive structure for maintaining public health across the emirate.

It focuses on:

Preventive measures against health risks

Coordination among government entities, including the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, and the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority

Public education and awareness, emphasising shared responsibility for health and safety

When does the law take effect?

The new Public Health Law will come into force 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. It overrides any conflicting previous legislation and requires full cooperation between public and private entities to implement its provisions.