Dubai - MENA Herald: The Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) has reviewed its achievements in the development of the legal system of the Emirate of Dubai, amidst commendations from decision-makers and senior government figures on the Committee’s tireless efforts to lead the march towards strengthening the legislative structure in order to support sustainable development plans. The Supreme Legislation Committee made its self-assessment at the 2016 Dubai International Government Achievements Exhibition which kicked off under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The event witnessed the unveiling of the ‘Legislative Museum’ and the Committee's initiative aimed at collecting, saving and organizing the ‘legislative legacy’ of Dubai. The museum documents legislation issued by H.H. the Ruler of Dubai and the Chairman of the Executive Council. It also sheds light on prominent phases undergone by Dubai’s solid legislative structure which has been a major pillar for the growth of the emirate and its development and prosperity for over 50 years, and which today supports the goals of Dubai Plan 2021.
The trial edition of the ‘Dubai Legislative Portal’ was announced during the first day of the exhibition as well. The new Portal was widely welcomed as a big boost towards knowledge excellence as it provides an interactive platform that includes major knowledge services related to domestic legislation as well as an official gazette, explanatory notes, and legal opinions that are presented in a more comprehensive and analytical manner.
The Supreme Legislation Committee’s achievements in advancing Dubai’s smart transformation is attracting more attention during Dubai International Government Achievements Exhibition 2016 which is running under the theme ‘Local Governments.. Global Achievements.’ The Committee’s smart application which was launched in 2015 in order to provide a smart and comprehensive window to disseminate local legislation to serve national efforts to make Dubai the smartest city in the world is particularly drawing huge public interest.
During the event, the Supreme Legislation Committee showcased the progress being made in developing the legislative process. It also highlighted the most successful phases that have helped enrich legal knowledge, as significantly represented by the issuance of explanatory notes, the sharing of legal opinions, the translation of legislation, and the services offered within the Official Gazette – all of which contribute to deepening knowledge, upholding the rule of law and legitimacy, and overcoming the obstacles faced by government agencies.
The Hawaa Committee is also attracting broad attention during DGAE 2016 as a quality initiative for motivating the SLC Secretariat’s female staff to pursue professional excellence. It creates a productive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation, ensuring the highest levels of happiness among female employees. The Hawaa Committee has started the development of a female reference frame and interactive platform to foster direct communication and positive interaction among female employees. It has also launched innovative and motivational initiatives to improve the efficiency of female human resources, and is paving the way for them to achieve more as influential partners in the march towards comprehensive and sustainable development.
H.E. Ahmad bin Meshar, Secretary-General of the Supreme Legislation Committee, has explained that 2015 saw a quantum leap in legislative development which has helped ensure the optimal application of legislation and further strengthened the legal system of the Emirate of Dubai. Bin Meshar emphasized that that the Committee’s successive achievements would not have been possible without the continued support of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the constant guidance and personal attention of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Legislation Committee. He noted that both leaders have been instrumental to the development of an effective legislative structure that supports economic progress and social welfare and lays a solid foundation for future prospects.
Commenting on plans for 2016, Bin Meshar said: “Our successive achievements are a starting point for a new era of excellence, backed by a strong integrated strategy that complies with the highest professional standards and stimulates creativity and innovation in legislative work in order to keep pace with current and future developments and to meet the requirements of the 21st century. So, in 2016, we aim to focus on human development, smart transformation, and the deepening, acquisition and transfer of knowledge, all of which are at the top of our strategic priorities. We are committed to allying with 2016’s ‘Year of Reading’ initiative, in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to consolidate the position of the UAE as a capital of intellectual content, culture and knowledge.”
Bin Meshar concluded: “We are steadily moving towards making more achievements by concentrating on keeping up with rapid developments. We want to continue creating a distinct legal environment built on pioneering legislation and rational and effective legal views. This year, we are committed to launching more initiatives to raise the level of legislative oversight and ensure the compliance of government agencies with the legislation in force in the emirate that covers the procedures and mechanisms followed by them, as well as prepare and offer databases of government entities and their legislation.”
Bin Meshar also noted that the Supreme Legislation Committee will continue its efforts to strengthen direct communication with the members of community and enhance their participation in various stages of legal preparation and study. He pointed out that work is under way to explore innovative mechanisms in order to offer advanced platforms for knowing the views of the public about the legislation projects under study.
In 2016, The Supreme Legislation Committee will focus on the development of local talent in Dubai, the preparation of legal researches, and the issuance of specialized legal publications and comprehensive legislative services designed to improve the performance of the staff of government agencies. The Committee will update staff on the latest developments related to the legal and legislative system as well. The Committee also seeks to strengthen its presence in cyberspace through the provision of knowledge channels via social media that will spread the legislative culture among the various segments of the community. Such channels will enrich the legislative media by offering customized media services to spread public legal awareness such as a Legislative Appendix Service.