Step-by-Step Guide | How to Quickly Recover Lost Items in Dubai?

Dubai, a bustling metropolis known for its impressive architecture, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant tourism industry, is a hub where people worldwide come to visit, work, and live. With the influx of residents and tourists, the possibility of losing personal belongings—be it a wallet, phone, passport, or even a precious piece of jewelry—becomes a concern.

However, the good news is that Dubai has a reputation for its efficient and quick recovery services for lost items, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of the Dubai Police.

In this guide, we will explore how Dubai Police handles lost and found items, the steps you need to follow if you lose something, and how you can increase your chances of recovering your lost belongings quickly.

1. Why Dubai Police is Known for Efficient Lost and Found Services?

Dubai Police has built a reputation for returning lost items to their rightful owners with impressive efficiency. Whether it’s a luxury watch left behind in a shopping mall, a wallet forgotten in a taxi, or a mobile phone misplaced at a hotel, Dubai Police have a proven track record of recovering items, sometimes in a matter of minutes or within a few days.

One of the key reasons behind this success is the advanced technology Dubai Police uses, along with the cooperation between the police force, residents, tourists, and various establishments throughout the city. The Lost and Found department of Dubai Police operates seamlessly, using both traditional methods and digital services to track down lost items.

2. How to Report a Lost Item in Dubai?

If you find yourself in a situation where you have lost an item, it’s important to report it as soon as possible. Dubai Police offer a convenient service through their Dubai Police app, which can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to report a lost item quickly, track the progress of your report, and receive a "Lost Certificate" that can be used for follow-up actions.

Steps to Report a Lost Item:

Step 1: Open the Dubai Police App The first step is to download and open the Dubai Police app on your smartphone. The app is free to download and offers a wide range of services, including the ability to report lost items.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Lost Certificate’ Service Once the app is open, you will need to find the “Lost Certificate” service. This can be done by clicking on the “Services” section at the bottom of your screen and scrolling down until you find the option for the Lost Certificate.

Step 3: Fill Out the Report Form Next, you will be asked to fill out a form with the necessary details about the lost item. The required information includes:

Personal Information: If you are a resident, you will need to provide your Emirates ID number, email address, and other personal details. If you are a visitor, you will need to enter your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and email address.

Item Details: You will have to select the type of item you lost (for example, a wallet, mobile phone, or jewelry). You’ll also need to specify the subcategory (such as ring, necklace, etc.).

Description and Location: You will be asked to provide details about where the item was lost, including the location on a map or a brief description of the place. Additionally, providing the date and time of the loss will help the police pinpoint when the item went missing.

Step 4: Upload Any Photos If you have a photo of the lost item, this is your chance to upload it. Including a photo can help authorities recognize your item more easily and enhance the chances of it being returned.

Step 5: Pay the Service Fee Once the form is completed, you will be prompted to pay a service fee via credit or debit card. The service fee varies depending on the platform you use to file the report.

• Dh50 – standard service fee.
• Dh20 – knowledge and innovation fee.
• Dh100 – additional fee for using Smart Police Stations (SPS).

Step 6: Receive a Transaction Number Once the application is submitted and the payment is processed, you will receive a transaction number. This number can be used to track the status of your report and for follow-up purposes.

Step 7: Receive the Lost Certificate After submitting your report, you will receive a "Lost Certificate" via email, which serves as a formal acknowledgment of your lost item report.

3. What Happens After Reporting the Lost Item?

Once you have submitted your report, the Dubai Police Lost and Found department will start working on locating your item. The response time may vary depending on the situation and the complexity of the case. However, Dubai Police have a reputation for being swift in processing lost item reports.

Follow-up Process:

The police will first check with local businesses, taxis, and public places, as well as conduct a sweep of lost and found items turned in by individuals.

If your item is found, you will be notified through the app or by email.

If no one has turned in the item, the police may track down security footage from cameras around the location where the item was lost, especially if it’s a valuable item like a phone or wallet.

In some cases, items have been returned in as little as 30 minutes, but it may take longer depending on the circumstances.

4. Lost Items Handed in by Public or Found in Taxis:

Many lost items are turned into the Dubai Police by the public or are found by taxi drivers who may turn them in at the nearest police station. In fact, a significant percentage of recovered items come from individuals who have found something and want to return it to the owner.

If you lost something in a taxi, the best course of action is to contact Dubai Police’s non-emergency hotline (901) or report the item directly through the Dubai Police app. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, such as the taxi number, the location where you last saw your item, and the time it was lost. This helps speed up the process.

5. How Long Does It Take to Recover a Lost Item?

The recovery timeline for a lost item can vary, depending on a few factors:

Item Type: High-value items like phones, wallets, or passports may be processed more quickly due to their importance.

Location of Loss: Items lost in high-traffic areas, like shopping malls or airports, may have a higher chance of being found as there is more foot traffic and people willing to help.

Effort from the Public: Items handed in by the public or found by staff in hotels, taxis, or other locations are often returned within hours or days.

While there is no guaranteed timeline for recovery, Dubai Police are known to act quickly, and in many cases, you can expect to receive your lost item within a few days, or even sooner.

6. Additional Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Recovering a Lost Item:

1. Act Fast: The sooner you report your lost item, the better your chances of recovering it. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to track down.
2. Provide Accurate Details: Be sure to provide detailed and accurate information when filling out the lost item form. The more specific you are, the more likely it is that the item will be returned.
3. Check with Local Businesses: If you lost something in a public place like a mall or restaurant, check with the lost and found department of that specific location. Many businesses in Dubai have dedicated staff for handling lost items.
4. Use Technology: Consider using a location-tracking app or device for valuable items (like phones or keys) to help you track them if they go missing.
5. Follow Up: Use the transaction number from your Lost Certificate to track the progress of your case through the app or by contacting Dubai Police.

Conclusion:

Losing an item in a city like Dubai can be a stressful experience, especially if it’s something valuable or important. However, thanks to the advanced services provided by Dubai Police, recovering your lost item is more efficient than ever before. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily report your lost item and increase your chances of getting it back.

With a combination of modern technology, transparency, and a dedicated police force, Dubai remains one of the most effective cities in the world for lost item recovery. So next time you lose something in this amazing city, rest assured that Dubai Police will be working hard to reunite you with your belongings.