In the presence of 130 participants from 33 government entities

UAE, November 20, 2016 - The Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) and the Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI) concluded the introductory meeting to discuss Law No. (8) of 2016 Regulating the Grant of Law Enforcement Capacity in the Government of Dubai. The event was attended by 130 participants from 33 government entities, who unanimously agreed on the importance of proper comprehension and application of the provisions of the law by government entities with a view to ensuring the proper implementation of applicable legislation and the validity of the measures taken by law enforcement officers. The meeting was a strong impetus to the SLC General Secretariat’s efforts to strengthen legislative audit to serve the goals of Dubai Plan 2021.

H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar, SLC Secretary General, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of the introductory meeting because of the pivotal and growing role of law enforcement in supporting the efforts to ensure optimal implementation by government entities of applicable legislation, in line with the sustainable development plans of Dubai. He pointed out that the informed legal comprehension and proper implementation of the provisions of Law No. (8) of 2016 pave the way for a new phase of excellence, ensuring fair and reliable implementation of laws and regulations. This will help serve the goals of Dubai Plan 2021 to build a transparent and credible government that upholds the rights of concerned people and to ensure the happiness and well-being of the community.

“We are delighted to organise fruitful and successful introductory meetings with representatives of government entities in Dubai. This comes in line with our tireless efforts to achieve compatibility and integration of the legislation in force. We look forward to organising more interactive activities in coordination with our strategic partners in the government sector to achieve our vision for the development of an integrated legislative system that supports sustainable development plans in the emirate,” concluded H.E. Bin Meshar. 

The meeting’s agenda focused on the key themes related to law enforcement through three panel discussions. During the first session on ‘Training Programmes for law enforcement officers,’ H.E. Judge Dr. Jamal Al Sumaiti, DJI Director General, emphasized the importance of standardising the legal concepts related to law enforcement. He referred to the growing number of the training programmes for law enforcement officers’ in Dubai during the last three years. He further said that with up to 16 programmes and 173 trainees, the DJI have plans to implement 4 new programmes in the last quarter of this year which would be attended by 59 trainees. 

The second discussion panel on ‘What is Law Enforcement’ was facilitated by Dr. Yahia Abdulla Al Adwan, Legal Advisor at the SLC, who offered a comprehensive overview on the reasons for the emergence of the law enforcement. This included the multiplicity and diversity of violations and the development of methods of committing these violations as well as the urgent need to control them based on effective methods. He also briefed the audience on the legal basis for granting legal enforcement capacity as well as on the characteristics of law enforcement, legal control, and legal protection of law enforcement officers, and the difference between law enforcement and administrative enforcement.

Law No. (8) of 2016 Regulating the Grant of Law Enforcement Capacity in the Government of Dubai, issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, was the central theme of the third discussion panel held under the supervision of Legal Advisor, Mohammed Salah Al Etawi, Head of the Technical Office of the SLC General Secretariat. Al Etawi highlighted the legal reasons for the issuance of the law including, first and foremost, the 'Dubai plan 2021' and the legislative audit policy aimed at ensuring proper implementation of local legislation. The audience had the opportunity to identify the objectives and scope of application of the law such as how and under which conditions law enforcement capacity is granted, the duties and powers of law enforcement officers, and the submission of grievances against law enforcement officers’ actions.