Dubai’s 2024-2029 Legislative Strategy: A Blueprint for Transparent Governance

This article has originally been published on www.Sklegalfirm.com

Dubai has demonstrated a strong commitment to an innovative and transparent Governance through various initiatives and achievements. For example, as part of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, it established the “Dubai’s 2024-2029 Legislative Strategy” criterion to foster transparency across all government entities. 

It encourages the adoption of best practices in drafting, disseminating, and implementing legislation while ensuring that legislation is easily accessible to the public and that its objectives and impacts are clearly articulated. 

The Supreme Legislation Committee’s (SLC) strategic plan for 2024–2029 is designed to achieve a set of strategic goals, namely: 

• maintaining a balanced and sustainable legislative ecosystem, ensuring optimal legislative compliance, 
• fostering a legislative culture, creating a distinctive institutional environment, 
• institutional empowerment for the future, 
• achieving excellence in service delivery and operations. 

The plan offers a comprehensive structure guiding SLC’s efforts to develop a legislative system aligned with core values and institutional principles, in line with Dubai and the UAE’s strategic objectives, while keeping pace with rapid changes across various sectors

Visionary Leadership: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Proactive Framework

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum leads with vision, innovation, and foresight. Dubai’s 2024-2029 Legislative Strategy reflects his drive to keep Dubai strong, fair, and competitive. Laws are not just being updated. They are being shaped to support businesses, protect people, and create a fairer system for all.

The plan focuses on transparency and efficiency. Legal processes will be faster, and digital tools will smooth government services. Investors will have more confidence, workers will have stronger rights, and consumers will be better protected. Every change is designed to make Dubai a better place to live and work.

This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long-term plan. The strategy prepares for challenges before they arise. Cybersecurity laws will be stronger. AI and new industries will have clear legal frameworks. Sustainability will be a priority. Dubai is not waiting for the future. It is building it now.

Supreme Legislation Committee: Enhancing Legislative Quality

Role and Responsibilities of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC)

The Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai was established pursuant to Decree No. (23) of 2014 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The decree determines the functions and duties of the SLC, which include:

• considering and revising all draft regulatory legislation proposed by the government and by government entities; 
• providing legal opinion and advice regarding legislation; preparing or approving draft legislation;
• proposing and recommending amendments and updates that must be made, from time to time, to the legislation in force in Dubai;
• representing Dubai in committees formed to consider and draft federal legislation;
• issuing bylaws and explanatory memoranda for the local legislation in force in Dubai; 
• issuing and publishing reasoned legal opinions with respect to the interpretation of the provisions of the legislation in force in Dubai; 
• providing legal opinion and advice with respect to inquiries submitted to the SLC by the government or by government entities about legislative provisions. 

Supreme Legislation Committee Initiatives to Improve the Legislative System

SLC has implemented multiple initiatives to improve the legislative system. For instance, it introduced the Dubai Legislative Platform, a cutting-edge digital system designed to streamline legislative processes and provide access to up-to-date legislation. 

It offers a fully integrated digital experience for all sectors of society, including the private sector and government entities, through three main digital portals: the Dubai Legislation Portal, the Dubai Government Official Gazette, and the Legislative Services Portal. 

SLC also introduced the Legislative Lab, which provides an interactive platform for reviewing and analysing legislation to ensure it aligns with Dubai’s development goals.

Strategic Goals and Objectives of the 2024-2029 Plan

The SLC strategic plan for 2024–2029 aims to foster an innovative legislative environment, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a prominent legislative hub and positively shaping its economic, social, and cultural sectors. 

The plan focuses on improving the quality of legislation to ensure alignment with global developments and future trends.

Balancing Economic Growth With Environmental Sustainability

This plan aims to establish a legislative framework that balances economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring individual rights are protected and the public interest is served. 

It is expected that this plan will have a positive impact on real estate and property values. Conventional estimates suggest a stable 5% to 7% annual appreciation in premium locations over the strategy’s course.

Promoting Transparency and The Principle of Assured Justice

The plan aims to support a stable and innovative legislative environment that accords utmost importance to transparency and the principle of assured justice. The plan embraces the principles of transparency and inclusivity by actively engaging stakeholders and community members in the legislative drafting process. 

This participatory approach enables the SLC to incorporate diverse perspectives, ensuring that legislation aligns with the needs of diverse sectors of the population and stakeholders.

Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Legislative Efficiency

The plan prioritises innovation and supports technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to streamline legal processes and improve government efficiency.

Moreover, Dubai’s 2024-2029 Legislative Strategy focuses on the development of adaptable and agile legislation that aligns with global developments. By staying ahead of legislative trends, the SLC seeks to develop a framework that safeguards investors’ interests and attracts businesses to Dubai.

Keep an eye out for further updates as we keep track of how this innovative strategy is being put into action and its effects on the constantly changing real estate landscape in Dubai!