The General Secretariat serves as the executive body of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (SLC), performing its functions under Law No. (14) of 2024 Concerning the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (the “SLC Law”), the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof, and other legislation in force in the Emirate. The General Secretariat specifically carries out functions related to local and federal legislation, memoranda of understanding, external cooperation agreements, and international treaties and conventions. It is also tasked with issuing explanatory memoranda for applicable local legislation, providing legal opinions and advice, and ensuring legislative compliance.
Under the SLC Law, both the SLC and its General Secretariat exercise their technical functions independently, free from external interference in their operations or the assumption of their functions in any manner whatsoever.
In addition to its key functions, the General Secretariat provides several additional services, including the publication and management of the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai through the SLC’s digital platform, the translation of significant legislation into English, and the dissemination of these translations through appropriate channels. Furthermore, the General Secretariat maintains a comprehensive database that compiles, archives, and documents copies of the legislation issued by government officials in Dubai, as well as international treaties and conventions, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation agreements to which the Emirate, the Government, or any government entity is a party or an acceding party. Additionally, the General Secretariat develops and provides professional training programmes and courses, and knowledge-sharing workshops, aimed at enhancing legal understanding of applicable legislation in the Emirate of Dubai.
Through its various functions, the General Secretariat aims to bolster the SLC’s mission of enhancing Dubai’s legislative ecosystem in alignment with the strategic objectives of Dubai and the UAE. It strives to adapt to rapid changes across various sectors by establishing a robust, seamless, and integrated legislative framework that meets societal needs and facilitates activities across various sectors with ease and efficiency.
These efforts contribute to sustainable economic growth, the diversification of economic resources, and the strengthening of Dubai’s status as a future-oriented global city and an ideal destination for living and working.
Resolution No. (3) of 2024 Approving the Terms of Reference of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai governs the work of the SLC and the General Secretariat. It specifically outlines their roles, responsibilities, and procedures with respect to local and federal legislation, international treaties and conventions, memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, explanatory memoranda for applicable local legislation, legal opinions and advice, legislative compliance, publication in the Official Gazette, and the legal translation of local legislation.