Legislation

The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department is concerned with legislation at both the local and federal levels.

Local Legislation:

The Department, as a primary function, carries out the drafting and reviewing of local legislation, which consists of the following tasks:

1. Considering all local legislation proposed by the Government or Government Entities and amending this after consultation with them;
2. Forming technical committees consisting of members of legal staff, technical specialists and experts, serving within the Government or elsewhere, to consider in depth any proposed legislation;
3. Approving the final wording of proposed legislation and liaising with the concerned Government entities to ensure that the necessary procedures are taken to issue and  enforce it;
4. Submitting proposals and recommendations with regard to the amendments and updates that must be made from time to time to the legislation in force in the Emirate;
5. Issuing explanatory memoranda and bylaws relating to legislation in force in the Emirate;
6. Translating the legislation in force in the Emirate into foreign languages;
7. Issuing the periodic publication of the Government of Dubai Official Gazette;
8. Maintaining the original copies of the legislation issued by The Ruler; and
9. Compiling, maintaining and archiving the legislation issued by the Government or by Government Entities.
   

The Department also reviews all federal legislation proposed by the Federal Government and the related Federal Entities. This is in recognition of the fact that the Department is a strategic partner in all legal matters concerning the UAE. This role includes representing the Emirate of Dubai: 

1. In matters relating to Federal legislation, international agreements and all international matters of a legal nature;
2. In all committees formed to consider and draft federal legislation; and
3. In committees formed to consider and negotiate any conventions, agreements or memoranda of understanding with external bodies and to give opinion on the same before joining, signing or ratification.