Drawing on or tampering with roads, buildings and other public property is illegal in Dubai. Authorities say it damages infrastructure and can endanger road users, residents and visitors. Unauthorised graffiti is treated as vandalism under the UAE Penal Code, with reported fines of AED 500 to AED 10,000 and up to one year in prison, and up to five years for aggravated cases such as vandalism by a group.
Penalties at a glance
| Case | Reported penalty |
|---|---|
| Marking, painting, scratching, defacing or interfering with public assets | Fine of AED 500 to AED 10,000 and up to one year in prison |
| Aggravated cases, such as vandalism by a group | Up to five years |
These are reported ranges, and a court decides the actual penalty. This is general information, not legal advice.
What counts
The warning covers roads, road surfaces, bridges, walls, signage and other municipal property. Even a temporary mark counts if it is not authorised. It applies to residents, tourists and businesses, including staff, contractors and promoters working in public areas such as outdoor promotions, filming and events.
Example Scenario: The Chalk Promotion
This business is made up. A cafe plans a launch and sends a promoter to chalk arrows on the pavement and spray a stencilled logo on a wall nearby. Chalk washes off, but the warning says even a temporary mark counts if it is not authorised, and a stencil on a wall is a mark on someone’s property. The safe route is a permitted promotion space or printed material that stays on the cafe’s own premises.
Where street art is allowed
Approved outlets exist for artists, including Dubai Canvas, the Sikka Art Festival and community murals approved by Dubai Culture. Dubai Municipality also runs a repainting programme: more than 200 walls had been repainted by September 2025, with colour samples taken from the original walls so the repaint matches.
If you see damage
- Note the exact location and, where it is safe and lawful, take a photo.
- Report it through Dubai’s official channels for municipal or police matters.
- Do not confront the person responsible.
Frequently asked questions
Is chalk or washable paint allowed?
Not without authorisation. The warning says even a temporary mark counts.
Where can an artist paint legally?
Through approved outlets such as Dubai Canvas, the Sikka Art Festival and community murals approved by Dubai Culture.
Where to go next
Related guide: Dubai public safety law.
Related guides
- UAE Emergency Number Day: When to Call 999 or 901
- UAE Digital Visa Processing: Online Applications and the Unified Number
- Sudden Lane Changes in Dubai: Fines, Risks and How to Avoid Them
- UAE Emergency Alerts: The official channels to trust, what to do during regional escalations, and the rumors to ignore
- UAE Emergency Alerts: Why you got the warning, and your friend didn’t
