Supreme Legislation Committee to explore new realities based on innovative vision at GITEX Technology Week 2016

SLC to throw spotlight on latest achievements & upcoming projects that meet smart government’s requirements


UAE, October 13, 2016 - The Supreme Legislation Committee has announced that it will showcase its new and comprehensive portfolio of creative projects especially designed to meet the requirement of Dubai’s shift towards smart governance during its participation at the 36th edition of GITEX Technology Week taking place in Dubai from October 16 to 20, 2016. This is in line with its commitment to support the national efforts to promote the smart transformation, making Dubai the world’s smartest and happiest city by 2021.


The Supreme Legislation Committee participation at the largest information and communications technology (ICT) event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia will focus on highlighting the achievements of ‘Official Gazette’ Portal and ‘Official Gazette App.’ ‘Official Gazette’ Portal is a unified knowledge portal that plays a vital role in promoting public awareness about legal rights and obligations while ‘Official Gazette App’ is a significant contributor in translating the ambitious vision to create a smart and innovative government.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Meshar, Secretary General of Supreme Legislation Committee, said: “Our presence at GITEX Technology Week 2016 reiterates our commitment to fulfil our national responsibilities towards Dubai’s transformation into a smart city in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to build a ‘Smart, Integrated and Connected City.’ By joining the leading government entities at the 36th edition of GITEX, we look forward to maintain the momentum achieved by us during the previous editions of this world-class event. It will also offer an ideal opportunity to identify the latest emerging trends related to smart transformation and highlight our achievements in keeping pace with the rapid technological development in order to create favorable legal environment that reflects current developments and reaches out for the future.”


“The current edition is significant as it will focus on re-imagining realities based on innovative visions and complements our keenness to instill culture of innovation and creativity to build an integrated legal system that supports the sustainable development plans of Dubai and the UAE through up-to-date legislation and sound and effective legal opinions. We are confident that GITEX 2016 will be an important platform for us to shed light on our projects scheduled for 2017 that are aligned with the requirements of Dubai’s Smart Government as well as meet the needs to concerned parties, including legal and legislative entities, local and federal government authorities, and society.  Moreover, they support our strategic objectives to develop the legislative process, ensure the effective enforcement of legislation, and build a legal system that can support the ambitious goals of Dubai Plan 2021,” concluded H.E. Bin Meshar.

The Supreme Legislation Committee was established pursuant to Decree No. (23) of 2014 in line with the strategic plans of the Government of Dubai. The committee is tasked with the regulation and review of all issued legislation in Dubai by adopting a clear and effective procedure and methodology; developing the legislative process and improving legislation quality and efficiency; creating a legal system that can fulfill the aspirations and visions of the emirate, and ensuring that legislative provisions are in compliance with the Constitution and applicable with both federal and local legislation

Read More »

Supreme Legislation Committee successfully concludes ‘The Legislative Process in Dubai: Principles and Practices’ training

20 legal experts from 20 government entities participate in the program 

UAE, October 8, 2016 - The Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC), the government entity responsible for issuing and reviewing legislations in Dubai, has successfully concluded the first session of its training program themed ‘The Legislative Process in Dubai: Principles and Practices’. The training is dedicated for legal experts who work in government entities in Dubai responsible in formulating legislations. The Committee has focused to train in the current session 20 legal experts from 20 government entities in Dubai as part of its efforts to establish the legislation process concept for these entities and to be able to understand the creation of Dubai’s policies and strategies. 

The program was organized in coordination with the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government. It covers various subjects related with the drafting of legislations in Dubai, the preparation procedures and practical process in drafting legislations, including understanding the historical methods in legislation and the principles behind its terminologies. The training program focuses on the planning and implementation of an integrated platform that will help government entities in creating legislations in Dubai. By establishing a unified standard following the principles and general rules in the formulation of an efficient legislation, the program can help achieve the emirate’s goals of having legislations that are consistent with Dubai’s policies and strategies. 

H.E. Ahmed bin Meshar, Secretary General of the SLC, said: “We are working to develop an efficient legislation process and raise the legal experts’ ability by organizing programs where they can learn the best practices in the legislations industry. We have formulated ‘The Legislative Process in Dubai: Principles and Practices’ to provide legal experts who are working in government entities in Dubai with the technical and appropriate methods to prepare and formulate legislations that are aligned with Dubai’s policies and strategies and strengthen collaboration among all government entities. This is in line with our efforts to develop the legislation process in Dubai. The subjects which are fundamental to promote the legislation work in government entities in Dubai have been discussed, including communicating with the responsible legal experts in developing a legislation.”

H.E. Dr. Ali Bin Saba, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, commented: “We are happy with our collaboration efforts with SLC in organizing legal programs, seminars, lectures and workshops especially those that are related to the development of a legislation process in Dubai. This is in line with our efforts to further advance the legislation and legal work in government entities in Dubai to keep pace with the global developments in this sector. Such initiatives have a huge impact in government activities and their outcomes. The positive results of such initiatives can be visible in the achievement of the UAE Government’s vision for the country’s sustainable development.” 

 Participants in the programs have learned new professional skills and were satisfied with the overall results of the program as well as the topics discussed during the training sessions, apart from the subjects that directly concern their tasks in terms of the legalization process.

Various topics tackled during the program include legislation requirements in Dubai; technical backgrounds in formulating legislations in Dubai in both theoretical and practical framework. Legal consultant Mohammed Al Atewi, Head of the Technical Office of the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee, explained concept behind legislation, its importance and how it is related with the government’s strategies. Forming a legislation include identifying the elements, parts and types and how to build a legislative draft. 

Dr. Yahya Adwan, a legal consultant has presented the ‘Legislation Preparation Procedures’ where he described the procedures of issuing local legislations including how it should be presented. He also discussed the drafts in federal legislations and the unified work models. The terminologies in creating legislations were provided by Mr. Salim Al Ahmed, Head of Research and Publications Department, SLC where he focused in the language use and dictation standards in drafting the correct legislation and noted on the most common errors in drafting laws and bills through practical examples. He highlighted that the most important vocabularies should be used when drafting a legislation. The session concluded with practical applications in the preparation of legislations presented by the attendees and reviewed by the lecturers. 

Organizing this program falls in line with SLC’s strategic goals through coordination with other the government entities. The training was held in collaboration with Mohammed bin Rashid School for Government as a strategic partner to develop the legislation process in Dubai; and work together towards establishing legislation and role of a legal framework in the general performance of government entities in Dubai.

Read More »

A new training programme targeting 100 legal professionals from 50 Government entities

SLC and MBRSG launch “Legislative Process in Dubai”

UAE, October 3, 2016 - In coordination with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC), the entity regulating the drafting and review of legislation in the Emirate of Dubai, will conduct a training programme entitled ‘The Legislative Process in Dubai: Principles and Practices.’ The programme aims to develop the legislative process at the level of Dubai Government entities; ensure sound understanding by local Government entities of the Dubai laws and other legislation and how they promote the strategies and policies of the Emirate, and raise awareness of the SLC’s role in this regard. The programme, which will be conducted four times over two years, starting this year, is particularly designed for legal professionals involved in preparing and drafting legislation at 50 local Government entities. 

The first edition of the programme will be held from October 4 to 6, 2016 at the MBRSG headquarters under the supervision of the SLC legal experts and advisors. This programme is in implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the MBRSG and the SLC. The objective of the MoU is to provide integrated training programmes with a view of achieving the SLC’s ultimate goal of increasing awareness of the importance of the rule of law in the development of nations.

The objectives of the SLC training programme include the preparation and implementation of integrated workshops to assist Government entities in drafting more efficient and effective local legislation through standardising the legislation-drafting processes, based on research and best practices, that further the Emirate’s development policies and strategies. The programme covers a wide range of topics, from the requirements of filing legislation proposals to the actual drafting processes, including principles of legal drafting and practical drafting exercises. 

To help drive Dubai’s development process through adopting the international legislative best practices, the programme, based on a comprehensive study, has been designed to introduce participants to the recognised methods and techniques for preparing and drafting legislation in line with the Emirate’s policies and strategies. The programme will also cover topics related to the actual legislative practices in Dubai focusing on ways of developing the legislative processes and standardising legislation-drafting rules and procedures with a view to issuing legislation that is consistent with the Dubai development plans. 

H.E. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC’s Secretary General, said: “This training programme is part of a series of training programmes designed to establish the rule of law as a pillar of our nation’s development. Such programmes are aimed to enhance the capabilities of the Dubai Government employees involved in the legislative processes. This programme underscores our role as an active partner and contributor to the development plans of the Emirate. We aim to reach 100 legal professionals from 50 local Government entities, making sure that all relevant topics, including the standards, principles, and rules for drafting legislation are aligned with the Government’s development strategies and policies. We are happy to be collaborating with the MBRSG to develop the Dubai’s legislative process.”  

On his part, H.E. Dr. Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of the MBRSG’s, said: “We, at the MBRSG, consistently strive to forge new strategic partnerships with various public and private entities in support of the UAE’s shift to knowledge-based economy and efforts to modernise government services. Based on our achievements in terms of human capacity building with our partner institutions, we are confident that our alliance with the SLC will positively affect all participants in the new training program, especially with regard to promoting the basic concepts of leadership and how to implement such concepts in their respective entities.”  

“Our MoU with SLC aims to further improve government sector performance and public administration in the UAE and the rest of the Arab World. The MBRSG seeks to prepare the country’s future leaders in line with our commitment to governance and public policy to achieve the UAE’s vision for sustainable development,” H.E. Al Marri added.  

The programme participants are expected to obtain the relevant professional skills and competencies, including effective legislation drafting strategies, avoiding common mistakes in the preparation of legislation proposals, as well as in-depth understanding of the role of legislation in promoting Government strategies and policies. 

Read More »

Supreme Legislation Committee and National Archives discuss archiving best standards

Move aimed to compile, chronicle and maintain ‘legislative legacy’ of Dubai

UAE, August 8, 2016 - The Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) received recently a delegation from the National Archives (NA) to explore the standards adopted by the NA to maintain documents and implement them to archive legislative documents in Dubai. The visit is in line with the SLC’s keenness to preserve the historical documents related to Dubai’s legislative legacy in accordance with the highest international standards and in line with the best practices of the National Archives. 

Supreme Legislation Committee and National Archives discuss archiving best standards   

The visit was in implementation of the directives of H.E. Ahmed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC Secretary General, who confirmed the SLC commitment to cooperating with the NA with a view to documenting the rich legal and legislative legacy of Dubai for future generations. The visiting NA delegation met with the competent team of the Archiving Project, headed by Legal Advisor Mohammed Al Suwaidi, SLC Assistant Secretary-General, to discuss various aspects of cooperation between the SLC and the NA and set a framework for cooperation between the two sides.

H.E. Bin Meshar pointed out that the SLC is committed to learn the techniques of handling and preserving historical documents to implement them to preserving the legislative legacy of Dubai in line with its tireless efforts to make the ‘Legislative Museum’ initiative a success. Bin Meshar asserted that the joint cooperation with the National Archives, which is the biggest documentation center in the GCC, will help in achieving the objectives of the ‘Legislative Museum’ initiative, namely, to document and preserve the original copies of the legislation issued by H.H. the Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council; chronicle the most prominent landmarks in the march to develop the solid legislative framework of Dubai, which has been an important pillar of the development efforts outstandingly spearheaded by Dubai for nearly five decades. 

“We seek through our cooperation with the National Archives to develop the process of maintaining the historical documents related to the Dubai legislation and make them accessible to decision-makers, researchers, academics and other interested parties. Today’s visit by the NA delegation has given the SLC documentation team the opportunity to learn more about  documentation, including document management, archiving, and the related technical procedures. The SLC is keen to join efforts with the NA to serve the common goals. We thank the NA for granting the SLC request to be part of the NA campaign to document the national registries, and commend its patriotic role in collecting and archiving the documents relating to all aspects of the UAE life to preserve the glorious memory of the UAE,” added H.E. Bin Meshar.

Mr. Al Suwaidi elaborated the efforts exerted by the SLC to establish the ‘Legislative Museum,’ which represents an important milestone in archiving the UAE’s legal excellence, led by the Founders of the Union since its establishment. Al Suwaidi pointed out that compiling, archiving, and translating the documents and information related to the legislation of Dubai is a highly important task for SLC and a part of the joint cooperation with the National Archives to preserve the UAE’s past based on the highest international standards in documentation and accessibility.

Mr. Al Suwaidi expressed admiration for the National Archives’ policy in the field of compiling and maintaining documents. He explained that they follow an integrated policy for document management using the latest software and applications for documentation, electronic archiving, information management, and paper documents handling. He reiterated the SLC’s commitment to capitalize on all the technical and human potential available at the National Archives to complete the process of collecting and archiving the documents and information related to the legislative history of the UAE in accordance with the highest archiving standards, given the critical importance of such documents and their outstanding value to the UAE.

Read More »

‘Supreme Legislation Committee’ and ‘Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia & Law’ sign MoU to promote research and legal excellence

Joint efforts to enrich legal knowledge and invest in innovation, research and training  

UAE, July 27, 2016 - The Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law to promote efforts to enrich, transfer, and share knowledge and expertise in line with mutual objectives aiming at raising legal, legislative, and research performance, as well as consolidating the role of law in building a knowledge-based society. The two parties emphasized concerted efforts to establish Dubai as a leading center of legal excellence, through enhancing legal training and encouraging research to keep pace with ongoing positive developments at the legal, research, and academic levels in the UAE. 

The MoU was signed by H.E. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC Secretary General, and by Prof. Issa bin Mani al Humairi, CEO of Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law, in the presence of a number of high-level officials from both parties. 

Pursuant to the MoU, both parties have agreed on closer cooperation in the field of legal training with a focus on reviewing and drafting legislation in line with the ambitious vision of the SLC to create an integrated legal system that supports the sustainable development plans of Dubai. Innovation has been a focal point for both parties who reiterated their commitment to invest in creative ideas and support creative programs and development projects in the legal and paralegal field, in order to consolidate the rule of law and the principle of legality in accordance with the UAE Vision 2021 to make the UAE’s judicial system among the most efficient in the world. 

H.E. Al Muhairi pointed out that the new partnership is of great significance as it paves the way for further cooperation and coordination to promote legal research. He stressed that it was an important step towards encouraging innovation as a vital tool to promote the development of the legislative process in order to lay the grounds for pioneering legislation that reflects current developments, and reaches out for the future in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

Al Muhairi said: “The MoU lays the foundation stone for investment in research, training, and innovation which represent the main pillars to develop up-to-date legislation and sound and effective legal opinions that lead to an integrated legal system that keeps pace with the sustainable development plans of Dubai. We are confident that our collaboration with Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law will boost our efforts aiming at enriching legal knowledge and further developing legislative work, benefiting from the advanced research capabilities of Imam Malik College for Islamic Sharia and Law, which in one of the leading modern colleges of Islamic Sharia, law, and legal sciences that meets the requirements of the 21st century and the rapid development in Dubai and the UAE.”

Prof. Issa bin Mani al Humairi applauded the efforts of the SLC in laying solid grounds to develop the legislative process and strengthening the legal system in line with the forward-looking vision of Dubai as a pioneer in the legislative and legal filed at the international level. He added: “The importance of cooperation with the SLC lies in its significant role in supporting our objectives aiming at promoting legal and legislative research and enhancing the outcomes of legal training in order to build a new generation of legal professionals that can contributes in ushering the Arab and Islamic worlds into an even more prosperous future.”

“We are keen to strengthen our joint and fruitful cooperation with the SLC to achieve our shared vision to enrich the legal knowledge and further enhance the legal and research capabilities of the young generation to be able to develop the legislative structure and legal system to support the rapid development in Dubai and the UAE. We are committed to promote human development; and develop, share, and transfer legal knowledge in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, through investing in research in various legal fields that better serve the UAE community and humanity as a whole,” al Humairi concluded.

The MoU covers cooperation in drafting and issuing legal research and institutional studies, in addition to organizing conferences, seminars, lectures, and workshops focusing on matters related to drafting and reviewing legislation. Both parties also agreed to exchange visits and participate in joint meetings to discuss and examine the best ways to develop new projects and plans that achieve the common objectives and visions.

Read More »

Supreme Legislation Committee announces support for ‘Reading Nation’ campaign

The committee celebrates the Holy Month of Ramadan with charitable and humanitarian initiatives  

UAE, June 29, 2016 - The General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) is celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan with a series of interactive charitable and humanitarian activities reflecting the values of affability, compassion, and deep sympathy as taught by the virtuous Islam. The SLC, represented by the Innovation and Creativity Team, took part in the “Reading Nation” campaign, which was launched during the Holy Month of Ramadan by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide five million books to needy students and children across refugee camps while also establishing more than 2,000 libraries around the Muslim world.  

The Innovation and Creativity Team members donated to the campaign through SMS and expressed their continued commitment to the success of humanitarian and charitable initiatives that reflect the deeply-rooted spirit of gifting instilled by the UAE’s wise leadership in its people, thus consolidating the UAE’s status as a leading global hub for humanitarian work.  

The Hawaa Committee joined the elderly in their religious, cultural, and recreational activities held at the Family Gathering Centre, thus reflecting the SLC's gratitude towards the elderly and their significant contribution, while also strengthening bonds of compassion with them. This reflects the generous teachings of the virtuous Islam and the directives set by the UAE wise leadership. Aware of its social and humanitarian responsibilities, the Hawaa Committee also took part in the “Ramadan Aman” (Safe Ramadan) campaign organised by the Al-Ihsan Charity Association. The campaign saw the distribution of Iftar meals to drivers at traffic intersections just before sunset. In addition, SLC officials and employees attended a lecture organised by the SLC's HR Section and delivered by Dr. Abdulla Al Kamali who spoke about “Ramadan: month of happiness.” The lecture highlighted the importance of the holy month to enhance self-discipline, maintain a healthy body, uplift spirit, show endearment to Allah, and strengthen family and human relationships, which are the key pillars of happiness. 

H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar Al Muhairi, the SLC’s Secretary General, stressed on the importance of instilling the culture of charitable and humanitarian work among employees.  

“Ramadan is an ideal opportunity to make valuable contributions that will have a positive impact on the local community. We are inspired by the noble values of abundance, brotherhood, and compassion as laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May Allah rest his soul in peace) to become an integral part of the foundation on which the Federation of the UAE is based. We have the honor to join the entities supporting the “Reading Nation” campaign as an embodiment of the noble humanitarian mission adopted by the UAE under its wise leadership that spares no effort to generously give a helping hand to all peoples worldwide,” Al Muhairi said. 

“We are pleased to participate in a series of charitable, humanitarian, and social initiatives through which we hope to contribute to the happiness of various segments of society during Ramadan--the month of abundance and blessings. In addition, we are committed to continuing work in line with the philanthropic approach adopted by our wise leadership to maintain the UAE's leading status as the world's top humanitarian donor,” he concluded.

Read More »

Hawaa Committee celebrates Haq-Al-Lailah with charitable event to raise funds for Department of Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities

May 23 2016,  17.26 PM IST || Pocket News Alert

Celebration reflects Supreme Legislation Committee’s commitment to instil national spirit & culture of volunteerism

UAE, May 23, 2016 – Celebrating the night of mid-Sha’ban, few days before the holy month of Ramadan, the General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC), represented by the Hawaa Committee, organised a charitable fundraising event to support the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities’ projects. Inspired by the noble values of the holy month of Ramadan which encourages piety, mercy and giving, the event garnered an overwhelming response from female employees who reaffirmed the importance of social responsibility through philanthropic activities. They expressed their delight in participating in the event which reflects the General Secretariat’s efforts to create a positive impact on the local community and support Dubai’s sustainable development plans.

Within the framework of the creative and motivational initiatives under the umbrella of the Hawaa Committee, the charitable event aims to instil national spirit among women employees by encouraging social responsibility through charitable and voluntary activities to promote their contribution in line with Dubai Plan 2021 to build a society based on solidarity and cooperation where common humanitarian values are paramount. The committee has organised a series of events under the supervision of Maryam Omar Al Huraiz, Head of Financial and Administrative Affairs Section, and Head of Hawaa Committee, at the SLC General Secretariat, to empower Emirati women. Al Huraiz explained that Hawaa Committee has taken the responsibility of creating an interactive, positive and productive work environment with the unlimited and continuous support of H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the SLC. “We believe in the importance of providing the appropriate tools and channels to engage women in promoting the legal and legislative system within the framework of Dubai’s comprehensive development plan,” she stated.

Al Huraiz added: “The recent charitable event in celebration of ‘Haq-Al-Lailah’ received tremendous attention from employees, as it represents a popular and highly-valued tradition handed down by parents and grandparents. This event is important to us because of its role in collecting cash donations to support the charitable projects of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, as well as encouraging the employees in the General Secretariat to preserve the UAE’s cultural heritage and civilisation.”

“During these blessed days, we are preparing to welcome the month of Ramadan, so we are taking the responsibility to launch charitable, social and humanitarian initiatives inspired by our Islamic religious values to spread forgiveness, mercy and good deeds as means to get closer to Allah. Inspired by the wise leadership and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, we remain committed to nurture the values of giving through various charitable and humanitarian initiatives that serve the strategic goals of establishing a unified society and a model for collaboration and harmonious living based on forgiveness, respect and communication,” concluded Al Huraiz.

Hawaa Committee is a qualitative initiative launched by the General Secretariat of the SLC reflecting a vision that aims to promote the role of women employees and support their professional excellence by creating a productive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity to ensure high levels of job satisfaction among these employees. The committee serves as a forum for women employees where they can strengthen their communication channels and positive interaction. The committee also launches creative and inspiring initiatives to develop human resources and pave the way for more achievements of the SLC as an effective partner in sustainable and comprehensive development.

Read More »