The General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (SLC) on December 29, 2022 conducted a virtual informative workshop titled ‘Tort Liability of Direct Tortfeasor and Indirect Tortfeasor’. Legal officers from the SLC General Secretariat and other Dubai Government entities attended the workshop.
SLC Legal Advisor Dr. Faisal Hassan Al Omari, keynote speaker of the workshop, discussed a number of topics, including the basis for establishing tort liability; defining the concepts of direct and indirect tortfeasance, being the two forms of tort against others; outlining the differences between direct tortfeasor and indirect tortfeasor; determining legal position of each in respect of joint and individual liability for tort. The workshop concluded with a set of findings and suggestions for amending some provisions of the existing law in this regard.
Dr. Al Omari defined the terms ‘Direct Tortfeasor’ and ‘Indirect Tortfeasor,’ and highlighted that a ‘Direct Tortfeasor’ is the one who commits tortious act on his own, without any outside interference, and his action is the only cause for the subsequent damage, which is the tort. Whereas the “Indirect Tortfeasor” is the person whose action provides the means for committing the tortious act.
Ahmad bin Meshar Al Muhairi, Secretary-General of the SLC, emphasised that the workshop is part of the SLC 's ongoing efforts to promote and improve legal and legislative culture and raise legal awareness among community members in order to establish security and justice in the society.
Al Muhairi further stressed that the informative workshop thoroughly examined the concepts of direct tortfeasor and indirect tortfeasor, clarifying the liability of each and explaining the differences between them, as well as the cases for their joint liability. Al Muhairi added that the workshop offered insightful information on this important aspect in tort liability.
Al Muhairi further elaborated on the significant role of such workshops in enhancing the awareness of the legislative and legal system, which is the main pillar that supports Dubai’s ambitious development drive aimed at enhancing the quality of life in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
As part of its efforts to enrich the legal environment, the SLC constantly organises events, workshops, and seminars that contribute to enhancing legal awareness among community members and government entities. The SLC is committed to exerting efforts to shape a legal ecosystem based on clarity and reflecting the goals of the Dubai Plan 2022, namely a proactive and excellent government that works actively to meet the needs of the present and the future.