Law No. (14) of 2024 Concerning the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai

المادة 1

This Law will be cited as "Law No. (14) of 2024 Concerning the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai".

المادة 2

The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Law, will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise: UAE: The United Arab Emirates. Emirate: The Emirate of Dubai. Ruler: His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. Government: The Government of Dubai. Executive Council: The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai. SLC: The Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate regulated pursuant to this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof. Chairman: The chairman of the SLC. Secretary General: The secretary general of the SLC. General Secretariat: The general secretariat of the SLC. Government Entity: Any of the Government departments; public agencies and corporations; Government councils; public authorities, including the authorities supervising special development zones and free zones; other public entities affiliated to the Government; or private entities in charge of implementing the Legislation in force in the Emirate. Legislation: This includes the laws, decrees, resolutions, bylaws, and instructions issued by the competent authority in the Emirate, which set forth general, impersonal rules that are binding on those to whom they apply. Legislative Compliance: The systems and procedures established by the SLC to ensure effective oversight for the proper implementation of Legislation; support the development of the Legislation in force in the Emirate; verify the adequacy of legislative provisions in achieving the desired goals and objectives of Legislation; and ensure that Government Entities have taken all the regulatory actions and developed the measures required for the implementation and enforcement of the Legislation. This is done in a manner that establishes accountability for the implementation of Legislation, ensures the Legislation in force carries valid evidentiary value, and minimises instances of non-compliance and the legal claims arising in relation thereto.

المادة 3

The provisions of this Law apply to the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai established pursuant the above-mentioned Decree No. (23) of 2014 as a Government Entity having legal personality and the legal capacity required to achieve its objectives and perform its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. The SLC is affiliated to the Chairman of the Executive Council.

المادة 4

The head office of the SLC will be located in the Emirate.

المادة 5

The SLC will have the following objectives: 1. to regulate Legislation-making process in the Emirate through establishing enabling frameworks, principles, methodologies, procedures, and guidelines that align with its stages, ensuring its success, effectiveness, and the achievement of its objectives; 2. to develop a participatory, integrated, and coherent legislative ecosystem that keeps pace with ongoing changes and developments, while anticipating future needs; 3. to develop balanced and enduring Legislation that supports the Emirate’s vision and sustainable development plans; and contributes to the implementation of the Government’s strategic plans, policies, initiatives, and programmes across all sectors; 4. to contribute to achieving consistency and coherence between federal legislation and local Legislation, as well as alignment with the Emirate’s strategic plans and strategic directions; 5. to standardise the proper implementation of the Legislation in force in the Emirate to ensure the achievement of its intended objectives and purposes; 6. to enhance the legal awareness of those responsible for implementing the Legislation in force in the Emirate, as well as among those to whom it applies; and 7. to develop a transparent and reliable platform for publishing the Legislation in force in the Emirate, along with the explanatory notes, and legal advice and opinions issued by the SLC through its General Secretariat.

المادة 6

a. The SLC is the official entity in the Emirate vested with jurisdiction over all matters related to Legislation and international treaties and conventions, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation agreements that the Government or Government Entities intend to conclude with external entities. Its responsibilities also encompass issuing explanatory notes on the Legislation in force, providing legal advice and opinions, ensuring Legislative Compliance, and representing the Government and Government Entities in all matters concerning federal legislation as well as international treaties and conventions. b. For the purpose of achieving its objectives, the SLC has the duties and powers to: 1. approve the legislative policies and strategies conducive to achieving the vision and strategic plans of the Emirate, and submit the same to the Executive Council for final approval; 2. approve the general policy and strategic plans of the SLC, along with the initiatives, programmes, and projects relevant to achieving its objectives; and supervise their implementation by the General Secretariat; 3. approve the annual legislative plan of the Emirate, including its performance indicators; and oversee the plan’s implementation; 4. approve the final version of draft legislation prior to its final approval by the competent issuing authority; 5. determine, in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and other concerned entities, the disputes that may arise among Government Entities regarding proposed draft legislation. The decisions issued by the SLC in respect of these disputes will be final and binding on all parties; 6. determine, from a legal perspective and in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and other concerned entities, the disputes that may arise among Government Entities in respect of the functions legally vested in them under applicable Legislation. The decisions issued by the SLC in respect of these disputes will be final and binding on all parties; 7. review the Terms of Reference of the SLC and General Secretariat, and submit proposals and recommendations for their update and development to the Chairman to issue the relevant directives as he deems appropriate; 8. form technical committees comprising members of legal officers and experts from amongst the SLC Members, the employees of the General Secretariat or other Government Entities, or other experts to assist the SLC in performing its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate; 9. conduct technical supervision of the work of the General Secretariat and monitor its performance of the functions assigned to it under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate; 10. submit periodic reports on its duties to the Chairman to issue the relevant directives as he deems appropriate; 11. approve the procedures required to establish effective communication and consultation channels with Government Entities concerned with reviewing Legislation, and with various individual stakeholders and segments of society; and 12. exercise any other duties or powers assigned to it by the Ruler, the Chairman of the Executive Council, or the Chairman. c. The SLC may delegate any of its functions under this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof to the Chairman, a committee comprising SLC Members, or the Secretary General, provided that such delegation is specific and in writing.

المادة 7

The work of the SLC and the General Secretariat will be governed by the Terms of Reference approved pursuant to a resolution of the Chairman. These Terms of Reference will regulate all matters related to the SLC functions, including local Legislation, federal legislation, international treaties and conventions, memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements that the Government or Government Entities intend to conclude with external entities, explanatory notes on the Legislation in force, legal advice and opinions, Legislative Compliance, and all other functions assigned to the SLC and the General Secretariat under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. The Terms of Reference must specify the roles, responsibilities, requirements, and procedures necessary to enable the SLC and the General Secretariat to effectively and efficiently perform their functions.

المادة 8

a. The General Secretariat serves as the executive body of the SLC and is responsible to the Chairman for the performance of its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. The functions of the General Secretariat specifically encompass all matters related to local Legislation and federal legislation; memoranda of understanding; external cooperation agreements; international treaties and conventions; the issuance of explanatory notes on the Legislation in force; legal advice and opinions; and Legislative Compliance. b. For the purpose of achieving the SLC's objectives, the General Secretariat will have the duties, powers, and responsibilities to: 1. consider and review, in terms of form and content, the draft legislation proposed by the Government and Government Entities to ensure compliance with the UAE Constitution, consistency with applicable federal legislation and local Legislation, clarity of provisions, enforceability, and alignment with the Emirate's strategic plan; provide opinion and advice regarding such a draft; review legal comments received on the same; and prepare and approve the final version of the draft legislation; 2. propose and recommend amendments and updates to be made from time to time to the Legislation in force in the Emirate, as needed to ensure alignment with future developments and changes, with a view to fulfilling the requirements of the comprehensive and sustainable development plans approved by the Ruler or the Executive Council; 3. represent the Emirate in the committees and work teams formed to review and draft proposed federal legislation; and give opinion on the same, in coordination with the concerned entities in the Emirate; 4. issue and publish explanatory notes on the local Legislation in force in the Emirate in accordance with the legislative interpretation rules and conditions adopted by the SLC. These explanatory notes, inclusive of the interpretation of the provisions of such Legislation, will be binding on all persons and will have the same force of law as the Legislation being interpreted; 5. provide legal opinion and advice with respect to the inquiries submitted to the General Secretariat by the Government or Government Entities. These opinions and advice, inclusive of the cases, measures, and procedures stated therein, will be binding strictly to the extent of the facts presented; 6. verify proper implementation by the concerned entities of the Legislation in force in the Emirate under their mandate; monitor their implementation of such Legislation in coordination with other concerned entities; verify the achievement of the intended objectives of such Legislation; prepare periodic reports on Legislative Compliance; and

المادة 9

The SLC and the General Secretariat will perform their technical functions within the areas falling under their mandate pursuant to this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, with full independence, and in a manner that promotes collaboration and synergy with other Government Entities to achieve their intended objectives. No entity may interfere with the work of the SLC or the General Secretariat, or in the performance of their functions, in any manner whatsoever.

المادة 10

In performing their functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, the SLC and the General Secretariat must comply with the following rules: 1. striking a balance between considerations of justice and equality, on the one hand, and the exigencies of public interest, on the other; 2. adhering to the principles of legality, impartiality, justice, equality, inclusiveness, clarity, and appropriateness; 3. creating an optimal legislative and legal framework to regulate various aspects of life and empower the Government apparatus of the Emirate to perform its mandated functions across all sectors; 4. safeguarding the higher interests of the community; protecting public funds; precluding abuse of power; and preventing the evasion of public obligations; 5. ensuring that, in performing their functions, they have a positive impact, adhere to the standards of transparency and integrity, work in synergy with others, and minimise conflict and duplication; 6. supporting, representing, and protecting the interests of the Emirate, the Government, and Government Entities during the review of draft federal legislation, cooperation agreements, memoranda of understanding, and international treaties and conventions, all with the aim of preserving secured accomplishments; 7. engaging the concerned Government Entities, non-government entities, and community members in the review of draft federal legislation and draft local legislation, in line with approved policies and at the discretion of the SLC and the General Secretariat, to enable the SLC to achieve its objectives and perform its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate; 8. responding with agility to current and future variables; and 9. complying with any other rules prescribed pursuant to the relevant resolutions issued by the Chairman, upon the recommendation of the SLC or the Secretary General.

المادة 11

a. For the purpose of enabling the SLC to achieve its objectives, while ensuring its operational independence, and supporting the General Secretariat in performing its duties and functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate, a Government Entity must: 1. present to the General Secretariat draft legislation that imposes obligations on persons to whom it applies, for review in terms of form and substance, prior to its approval by the Competent Authority; 2. provide the General Secretariat with all the Legislation issued by the Government Entity, within no later than ten (10) working days of its issuance, for review and audit of its provisions prior to publication in the Official Gazette, documentation, and archiving; 3. fully cooperate with the General Secretariat and provide it, within the time frame it prescribes, with the documents, data, information, statistics, and studies it requests and deems necessary for the performance of its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate; 4. provide the General Secretariat, within the time frame it prescribes, with its comments, suggestions, and feedback on the drafts of local legislation and federal legislation, cooperation agreements, memoranda of understanding, international treaties and conventions, Legislative Compliance reports, and any other matters on which the comments, suggestions, and feedback of Government Entities are solicited; 5. comply with and implement all instruments issued by the SLC and the General Secretariat, in particular explanatory notes on the Legislation in force; legal advice and opinions; and Legislative Compliance reports; and 6. fulfil any other obligations determined pursuant to the relevant resolution of the Chairman. b. Where a Government Entity fails to fulfil the obligations prescribed by paragraph (a) of this Article, the General Secretariat will, in coordination with the concerned entities, take any of the following actions: 1. prepare a report specifying that the Government Entity has failed to meet the Legislative Compliance indicator set out in the key performance indicators adopted across the Government, and submit the same to the Chairman to issue the relevant directives as he deems appropriate; 2. complete the procedures related to the draft federal legislation or draft local legislation on which the Government Entity has failed to provide its comments or suggestions, after the expiry of the specified time frame; 3. submit a report to the Chairman and the SLC on the non-compliant Government Entity, to issue the relevant directives; and/ or 4. take any other action approved by the relevant resolution of the Chairman.

المادة 12

The SLC will have the following organisational levels: 1. the Chairman; 2. the SLC; and 3. the General Secretariat.

المادة 13

a. A Chairman will be appointed to the SLC pursuant to a decree of the Ruler. b. The Chairman will be directly responsible to the Ruler for performing the duties and functions assigned to him under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. The Chairman will undertake the general supervision of the SLC and ensure the achievement of its objectives and the performance of its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. In particular, the Chairman will have the duties and powers to: 1. assume leadership and provide guidance, with a view to ensuring the efficient and effective performance of the functions assigned to the SLC; 2. preside over and manage the meetings of the SLC in a manner that ensures effective contribution of the SLC Members through providing their opinions, suggestions, and recommendations on the matters referred to them; 3. approve the general policy and strategic plans of the SLC, along with the initiatives, programmes, and projects that are relevant to achieving its objectives; 4. approve the draft annual budget and Financial Statements of the SLC prior to submission by the General Secretariat to the competent entities in the Emirate for final approval; 5. approve the organisational structure of the General Secretariat; 6. approve the resolutions and bylaws regulating the administrative, financial, and technical work of the SLC and the General Secretariat, including the human resources regulations of the General Secretariat; and 7. exercise any other duties or powers assigned to the Chairman under the Legislation in force in the Emirate or related to achieving the objectives of the SLC, as assigned to the Chairman by the Ruler or the Chairman of the Executive Council. c. The vice chairman will exercise the duties and powers assigned to him by the Chairman, and will perform all the functions of the Chairman where the Chairman is absent or his position falls vacant for any reason whatsoever. d. The Chairman may delegate any of his powers under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate to the vice chairman, the SLC, or the Secretary General, provided that such delegation is specific and in writing.

المادة 14

a. The SLC will be comprised of a Chairman, vice chairman, and a number of experienced, competent, and specialised Members. The number of the SLC Members, including the Chairman, vice chairman, and Secretary General, may not be less than five (5). Members of the SLC will be appointed pursuant to a decree of the Ruler for a renewable term of three (3) years. b. The SLC Members will be directly responsible to the Chairman for achieving the SLC's objectives, and for enabling it to exercise its duties and powers under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate.

المادة 15

a. The SLC will be convened at the invitation of the Chairman, or the vice chairman where the Chairman is absent, at least once every two (2) months or where necessary, at the time and place determined by the chair of the meeting. b. Meetings of the SLC will be valid if attended by the majority of its Members, provided that the Chairman or vice chairman is in attendance. c. The SLC will pass its resolutions and recommendations by majority vote of the attending Members; and in the event of a tie, the chair of the meeting will have a casting vote. d. SLC resolutions and recommendations will be recorded in minutes of meetings signed by the chair of the meeting and attending Members. e. For the purpose of performing its duties under this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, the SLC may, as it deems appropriate, seek the assistance of experts and specialists, provided that they do not have a vote in its deliberations. f. A Rapporteur will be appointed to the SLC by the Secretary General from amongst the General Secretariat employees. The Rapporteur will: 1. prepare the SLC agendas in coordination with the Chairman and Secretary General; 2. send invitations to SLC Members to attend SLC meetings, as well as to the experts and specialists whose attendance is deemed appropriate; 3. record minutes of meetings, and submit the same to the attending Members in preparation for final approval by the chair of the meeting; 4. follow up on the implementation of the resolutions and recommendations of the SLC; and 5. perform any other duties assigned to him by the Chairman or the Secretary General.

المادة 16

أ- يلتزم أعضاء اللجنة العليا، واألمين العام و ُمساعديه، وسائر ُموظفي األمانة العامة، سواء خالل ُمدّة ُعضويّتهم في اللجنة العليا أو عملهم في األمانة العامة أو بعدها، بعدم اإلفصاح أو الكشف عن أي معلومات خطية أو شفهية، سرية كانت بطبيعتها أو بحكم التشريعات السارية، ما لم يحصل أي منهم على إذن ُمسبق بذلك من الرئيس أو من يُفوضه، ويمتنع عليهم على وجه الخصوص إتيان أي م ّما يلي: 1. نسخ أو استخراج أو إحالة أو الكشف عن أي معلومات أو وقائع أو وثائق أو ُمستندات تم االطالع عليها أثناء أدائهم لمهامهم. 2. استعمال المعلومات التي يطلعون عليها نتيجة لقيامهم بمهامهم في غير األغراض ال ُمحدّدة لها. 3. إساءة استخدام المعلومات التي يحصلون عليها نتيجة ُعضويّتهم في اللجنة العليا أو عملهم في األمانة العامة. 4. السماح ألي شخص غير ُمخول باالطالع على المعلومات أو الوثائق المتعلقة بعملهم. ب- يلتزم أعضاء اللجنة العليا واألمين العام و ُمساعديه و ُموظفي األمانة العامة، عند انتهاء مدة عضويتهم في اللجنة العليا أو عملهم لدى األمانة العامة، بإعادة كل ما يكون بحوزتهم من الوثائق أو األوراق أو الملفات أو المواد أو األشرطة أو األقراص أو البرامج أو أي ممتلكات أخرى تخص الحكومة أو الجهات الحكومية أو اللجنة العليا أو األمانة العامة، سواء كانت تتضمن معلومات سرية أم ال. ج- لغايات تطبيق هذه المادة، يجب على أعضاء اللجنة العليا واألمين العام ومساعديه وموظفي األمانة العامة، التوقيع على "تع ُّهد ضمان السرية وعدم اإلفصاح عن المعلومات" وفقاً للنموذج المعتمد لدى اللجنة العليا في هذا الشأن.

المادة 17

Subject to the provisions of Articles (7), (14), (15), and (16) of this Law, the provisions of the above-mentioned Decree No. (1) of 2023 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof apply to all matters related to the governance of the SLC; the procedures for managing its meetings; the duties of its Chairman and Members; and other matters related to its governance.

المادة 18

a. The SLC will have a General Secretariat comprised of the Secretary General, one or more assistant secretaries general, and an adequate number of legal advisors, and legal and administrative employees. b. The above-mentioned Law No. (8) of 2021 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof will apply to the assistant secretaries general. c. The employment rights and obligations of the employees of the General Secretariat will be determined by the human resources regulation approved by the Chairman for this purpose.

المادة 19

a. The Secretary General will be appointed pursuant to a decree issued by the Ruler, upon the recommendation of the Chairman. b. The above-mentioned Law No. (8) of 2013 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof will apply to the Secretary General. c. The Secretary General will be directly responsible to the Chairman for exercising the duties and powers assigned to him under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. The Secretary General will undertake general supervision of the General Secretariat and ensure that it performs its duties and functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate. In particular, the Secretary General will have the duties and powers to: 1. develop the general policy and strategic plans of the SLC, along with the initiatives, programmes, and projects that are relevant to achieving its objectives; and submit the same to the SLC for approval in preparation for final approval by the Chairman; 2. follow up on the implementation of the resolutions and recommendations issued by the SLC; prepare the relevant reports; and present these reports to the SLC, where required; 3. supervise the documentation of the resolutions and recommendations issued by the SLC, in accordance with the procedures he approves in this respect; 4. prepare the draft annual budget and Financial Statements of the SLC, and submit the same to the Chairman for approval; 5. prepare the organisational structure of the General Secretariat, and submit it to the Chairman for approval; 6. draft the resolutions, bylaws and regulations governing the administrative, financial, and technical work of the General Secretariat, including human resources regulations; and submit the same to the Chairman for approval; 7. draft the Terms of Reference of the SLC governing the matters related to its functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate; and submit the same to the SLC for approval in preparation for final approval by the Chairman; 8. approve the methodologies and guidelines for the legislation-making process and legislative impact assessment; for issuing explanatory notes on the Legislation in force and legal advice and opinion memoranda; for optimising the legislative audit of Government Entities; and for issuing Legislative Compliance reports; 9. represent the SLC and General Secretariat before third parties and conclude with the entities concerned with the work of the SLC and General Secretariat the contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation agreements that are conducive to the achievement of the objectives of the SLC and that enable it to perform its legal functions; 10. supervise the work of the General Secretariat and appoint competent and specialised employees; 11. prepare periodic reports on the achievements of the General Secretariat, and present the same to the Chairman and the SLC Members to issue directives in respect thereof; 12. form committees and work teams specialised in any of the fields relevant to the functions of the General Secretariat, and supervise and evaluate the performance of these committees and work teams; 13. exercise the functions and powers vested in the Directors General in the Government under the Legislation in force in the Emirate; and 14. exercise any other duties or powers stipulated in the Legislation in force in the Emirate or required for the achievement of the objectives of the SLC, as assigned to the Secretary General by the Ruler, the Chairman of the Executive Council, or the Chairman; or delegated to him by the Chairman or SLC Members. d. The Secretary General may delegate any of his functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other Legislation in force in the Emirate to any of his assistants or to any of the General Secretariat employees, provided that such delegation is specific and in writing.

المادة 20

The financial resources of the SLC will consist of: 1. the financial appropriations allocated to the SLC in the General Budget of the Government; 2. the fees and charges for the services provided by the General Secretariat; and 3. any other resources approved by the Chairman.

المادة 21

a. In managing its accounts and records, the SLC will apply the rules and principles of government accounting in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards. b. The Financial Year of the SLC will commence on 1 January and will end on 31 December of each year.

المادة 22

The Chairman will submit to the Chairman of the Executive Council periodic reports on the outcomes of the work, activities, and accomplishments of the SLC; the obstacles it encounters; and the solutions and proposals recommended by the Chairman.

المادة 23

The Chairman or his authorised representative will issue the resolutions required for the implementation of the provisions of this Law.

المادة 24

a. This Law supersedes the above-mentioned Decree No. (23) of 2014 and Executive Council Resolution No. (12) of 2014. b. Any provision in any other Legislation is hereby repealed to the extent that it contradicts the provisions of this Law. c. The above-mentioned Executive Council Resolution No. (110) of 2023 will continue in force until the SLC is formed pursuant to a decree of the Ruler as stipulated in Article (14) hereof. d. The resolutions, regulations, bylaws, and guidelines issued in implementation of the abovementioned Decree No. (23) of 2014 and Executive Council Resolution No. (12) of 2014 will continue in force to the extent that they do not contradict the provisions of this Law, until new superseding resolutions, regulations, bylaws, and guidelines are issued.

المادة 25

This Law will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published.