Dubai Issues New Rules Regulating Body Cameras in Enforcement Operations to Boost Transparency and Protect Privacy

In a move aimed at strengthening accountability, professional conduct and public trust in enforcement procedures, Dubai has introduced a comprehensive legal framework governing the use of body-worn and other cameras in documenting violations and the execution of judicial judgments, decisions and orders.

The Executive Council Resolution No. (13) of 2026 was issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and lays down detailed rules on how enforcement-related recordings are captured, stored, accessed and used across government entities.

The resolution is designed to reinforce transparency and integrity in enforcement operations while ensuring strict protection of individual privacy rights. It also seeks to enhance the use of technology in verifying procedures and documenting official actions in a secure and legally compliant manner.

Under the new framework, cameras may be used to record enforcement officers only within defined legal and operational limits. The resolution clearly specifies the conditions under which recording is permitted, as well as the types of locations and situations where recording is strictly prohibited.

Among the key restrictions, recording is not allowed in highly private spaces such as homes, places of worship, and changing rooms. The resolution also requires that individuals be informed when recording is taking place, ensuring awareness and procedural transparency during enforcement actions.

To safeguard sensitive information, all recordings must be stored using secure encrypted systems and protected against unauthorised access, alteration or misuse. Government entities are required to comply with the Dubai Electronic Security Centre’s standards for information security, business continuity, and data management, including procedures for retention, transfer and handling of recordings.

The resolution also mandates that each government entity maintain a database of authorised personnel, clearly defining access levels to ensure that only designated individuals can view or handle enforcement footage. Access and usage must comply strictly with approved privacy protection standards.

Clear responsibilities have been placed on enforcement officers, who are permitted to use cameras solely for official purposes and strictly in line with the instructions of their respective authorities. Officers are prohibited from copying, storing or transferring recordings onto personal devices or any unauthorised systems. The use of such recordings for personal gain or any unlawful purpose is expressly forbidden.

In addition, enforcement personnel are required to maintain confidentiality of all recorded material and may share footage only with the government entity they represent or with authorised individuals as permitted under law.

The resolution also introduces mandatory training requirements for officers before they are granted judicial enforcement powers. This training must cover the proper application of the resolution, procedures for documenting violations and enforcement actions, secure handling and transfer of recordings, and the legal and ethical obligations associated with the use of body cameras, particularly in relation to privacy protection.

Private companies contracted by government entities or entrusted with statutory functions are also brought under the scope of the resolution. Such entities must ensure that recordings are stored electronically under strict confidentiality rules and accessed or used only with written approval and for specified legal purposes under Dubai law.

The resolution further clarifies implementation authority, allowing heads of relevant government entities to issue necessary decisions within their jurisdiction to enforce the provisions. It also repeals any provisions that conflict with the new resolution, ensuring regulatory consistency across enforcement systems.

Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2026 will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, marking a significant step in standardising the use of surveillance technology in enforcement while balancing transparency with privacy protection.

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