Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai's Supreme Legislation Committee called on the SLC to establish a sound legal framework that protects Dubai's investments while encouraging greater growth.

He was chairing a meeting to review the Committee's performance since its establishment a year ago. The SLC is responsible for reviewing and developing legal and regulatory frameworks in Dubai. SLC secretary-general Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar also attended the meeting.

Bin Meshar briefed Shaikh Maktoum on the Committee's efforts to develop an integrated legal system that supports the sustainable development plans of Dubai in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Bin Meshar also briefed the Dubai Deputy Ruler on the Committee's efforts to provide a legislative framework that supports the emirate in achieving projected growth.

Shaikh Maktoum expressed his appreciation for the Committee's efforts over the past year to enact several laws that have supported Dubai's development plans and contributed to enhancing the performance of several business and investment sectors.

Shaikh Maktoum called on the SLC General Secretariat to continue its efforts to develop laws that meet the highest benchmarks in line with the Constitution of the UAE and federal and local legislations.

The Dubai Deputy Ruler stressed the importance of further developing Dubai's legal infrastructure in line with the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021. Shaikh Maktoum said laws provide a framework of safety and certainty for investors and are key to the country's international investment attractiveness.

He also highlighted the importance of establishing strong and direct cooperation with government departments at both local and federal levels. He said such cooperation will help identify the legislations necessary for responding to the needs of various business and investment sectors in Dubai.

Bin Meshar thanked Shaikh Maktoum for his support which he said was instrumental in helping the General Secretariat and the Committee effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Bin Meshar affirmed the SLC's commitment to creating a supportive legal environment by developing up-to-date legislation and providing legal advice to support Dubai's development plans.

The SLC secretary-general presented the Committee's achievements including both amendments to current legislations and development of new laws in collaboration with Dubai Government departments. Bin Meshar expressed the Committee's keenness to enhance public awareness on the latest legislations and amendments by publishing them in Dubai's Official Gazette published periodically by the SLC General Secretariat.

Since its inception the SLC has issued 244 local legislations. Last year the largest number of legislations issued by the SLC were those related to government human resources at 48 per cent followed by local government entities (22 per cent) financial affairs (six per cent) and roads and transportation (five per cent).

The Committee also played a vital role in the issuance of 65 federal legislations and ratification of international conventions and treaties. In 2015 the Committee established technical legislative committees that are currently reviewing 292 local and federal legislations covering various sectors in Dubai.

At present 134 local legislations and 158 federal legislations are being revised by the six technical legislative committees.

These committees include the security judicial legislation committee the government administrative and regulatory legislation Committee the financial and economic legislation committee the social legislation committee the infrastructure and environment legislation committee and the public health and safety legislation committee.

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