Legislation Governing the Supreme Committee for Legal Affairs in Dubai

Law on Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai

Dubai has introduced Law No. (14) of 2024, significantly reshaping the structure, operations, and responsibilities of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) and its General Secretariat. The Law replaces Decree No. (23) of 2014, Executive Council Resolution No. (12) of 2014, reinforcing Dubai's dedication to establishing a sustainable legislative framework that aligns with local and national development objectives.

The new legislation reflects the emirate’s forward-thinking governance and its efforts to enhance legislative efficiency while preparing for future developments. This article delves into the key provisions of the Law, the recently issued Decision No. (3) of 2024, and the strategic plan for 2024-2029 unveiled by the Supreme Legislation Committee, highlighting Dubai’s focus on innovation, legal alignment, and sustainable growth.

Law No. (14) of 2024 establishes the Supreme Legislation Committee as the central body responsible for legislative oversight and coordination in Dubai. It defines the key objectives of the Committee, such as:

• Improving legislative quality to align with global standards and developments.
• Ensuring legal consistency across local and federal frameworks in the UAE.
• Streamlining legislative procedures to facilitate the efficient issuance, review, and implementation of laws.
• Developing sustainable legal frameworks that adapt to future challenges and evolving governance needs.

The Law also assigns specific responsibilities to the General Secretariat of the Committee. The Secretariat plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational continuity, developing legislative guidelines, and fostering cooperation between local, regional, and international bodies.

To discharge its duties effectively, the Committee must adhere to guidelines issued by the Chairman, ensuring its actions are aligned with local and federal laws, international agreements, and legal opinions.

Operational Guidelines for the Committee

Pursuant to Law No. (14) of 2024, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, issued Decision No. (3) of 2024, approving operational guidelines for the Committee.

Law No. (14) of 2024 establishes the Supreme Legislation Committee as the central authority responsible for legislative oversight and coordination in Dubai, setting forth key objectives to guide its work. These objectives include improving legislative quality to align with global standards and developments, ensuring legal consistency across local and federal frameworks within the UAE, streamlining legislative procedures to facilitate the efficient issuance, review, and implementation of laws, and developing sustainable legal frameworks that can adapt to future challenges and evolving governance needs. The Law also assigns specific responsibilities to the General Secretariat, which plays a crucial role in maintaining operational continuity, developing legislative guidelines, and fostering cooperation with local, regional, and international bodies. To ensure the effective discharge of its duties, the Committee is required to follow guidelines issued by the Chairman, ensuring that its activities are aligned with local and federal laws, international agreements, and relevant legal opinions.

To know more about Law on Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai Click here