Introduction
The government of Dubai enacted the new public health law, Dubai Law No. 5 of 2025, to promote public health in the emirate. The primary object of this law is public health and community well-being. The new health law addresses and promotes quality healthcare, food safety, disease prevention, a healthy environment, and emergency awareness. The law also lays down guidelines for the travelers entering the UAE through its various ports and the monitoring of such travelers by the relevant authorities.
Although the law provides detailed guidelines and provisions for the adequate management of public health under various categories, in the article, we will focus on the management of communicable diseases under this law. The public health law aims to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and outlines procedures for managing them. Article 2 of the public health law defines a communicable disease as an infectious disease that results in illness when a disease substance, its harmful byproducts, or bodily fluids are spread to another person either directly or indirectly.
What are the duties and responsibilities of the government during communicable diseases?
Article 6 of the public health law outlines an elaborate list of the roles and responsibilities of the relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Health Authority, in the event of the spread of communicable diseases. These responsibilities include creating communicable disease management and prevention policies and protocols. The authorities also establish operational methods for disease management and prevention, including investigation, monitoring, and preventive requirements, while granting permits for prevention and treatment activities. These authorities are also responsible for managing vaccinations, organising immunisation programs, and coordinating with relevant bodies to prepare for emergency plans. The authority monitors the general public health situation, continuously assesses health risks, and ensures the implementation of health regulations.
What are the specific duties and responsibilities of healthcare providers during outbreaks of communicable diseases?
Article 7 of the law establishes a number of duties and obligations for healthcare providers, individuals, and travellers. Healthcare providers and staff must notify the authority of diseases, manage suspected cases, interact with involved entities, provide test results, and report deaths under Article 7. They must also comply with circulars, guidelines, and protocols; apply standards; conduct diagnostic tests; and provide medical treatment. They must also ensure that all relevant steps are taken if a member of their staff become infected with the disease.
What are the obligations of individuals and travellers during outbreaks of communicable diseases?
Article 8 states that individuals who are infected or suspected of being infected should avoid community contact, travel, and hiding the disease; they must also avoid transmission; comply with preventive and therapeutic measures; and fulfil other authority-specified obligations. Liability penalties may apply to these obligations, which require adherence to applicable law and protocols.
Additionally, travellers entering the emirate of Dubai must comply with specific health requirements, such as providing information about their health status and adhering to hygiene measures. The new health law prohibits concealing or intentionally spreading infections, highlighting the importance of transparency and responsible behaviour.
Penalties under the new health law:
Article 49 of the new health law stipulates that anyone who commits an act in violation of the provisions of this law may be subject to a fine of AED 500 to AED 1,000,000. Repeating the same act within a year doubles the fine, up to a maximum of AED 2,000,000.
Conclusion
The new health law in Dubai encourages public awareness and applies international standards and precautionary principles to promote public health. It also ensures and promotes a healthy environment for its residents, as well as building a stable and attractive destination for investment and business activities.