The UAE was represented by Counselor Zayed Saeed Al Shamsi, along with members of the Coordination Association of Professional Societies operating in the country, and a delegation from UAE Workers. Their participation came as part of efforts to promote Arab cooperation and unify positions in international forums related to labor and workers’ issues.

The UAE’s involvement in this meeting reaffirms its commitment to joint Arab action and support for initiatives aimed at improving the work environment and enhancing labor rights at both regional and international levels.

A new media law came into effect in the United Arab Emirates on May 29, introducing strict penalties of up to AED 1 million for violations such as spreading false information, disrespecting the ruling system, and conducting media activities without a license.

Below is a list of media activities that individuals and institutions are prohibited from engaging in without obtaining a license or permit from the UAE Media Council or the relevant authority:

• Radio and television broadcasting, including on-demand streaming platforms
• Electronic and digital media activities
• Film screenings and other artistic content
• Social media advertising by individuals
• Foreign publications
• Printing, distributing, and publishing local and foreign media content
• Land, aerial, and marine photography activities
• Foreign media offices
• News platforms
• Newspapers and print publications
• Book fairs
• Video games

Under the new law, engaging in media activities without a license can result in a fine of AED 10,000, which increases to AED 40,000 in case of repeat offenses, as previously reported by Khaleej Times.

Headed by H.E. Counselor Zayed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal , the Association’s delegation arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia, to participate in the 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a UAE Cabinet meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated:
“Today I chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, during which we approved the development of legislative mechanisms in the UAE through the establishment of a Legislative Intelligence Office under the Cabinet. This office will develop a comprehensive legislative map encompassing all federal and local legislation in the country, integrating it—via artificial intelligence—with judicial rulings, enforcement procedures, and public services.”

“The new system will enable the daily tracking of the impact of new legislation on the public and the economy through integration with big data. It will also facilitate continuous legislative amendments. Moreover, the system will be linked to international research and development centers to stay aligned with

The Sharjah Consultative Council held its twelfth session as part of the second ordinary term of its eleventh legislative chapter, during which it approved the Draft Law on Regulating the Judicial Authority in the emirate, following extensive deliberations.

The agenda included the ratification of the minutes of the previous session, followed by a detailed discussion of the draft law submitted by the Sharjah Executive Council, which aims to organize the judicial structure and ensure its independence.

The Council also reviewed a report presented by the Legal, Legislative, Appeals, Suggestions, and Complaints Committee, which offered a detailed legal analysis and technical observations on the draft.

During the session, Mansour bin Nassar, Member of the Executive Council and Head of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah, emphasized the importance of the draft in strengthening judicial independence and keeping pace with legislative developments. He also praised the Consultative Council for its valuable contributions to the discussions and expressed appreciation for the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in upholding the rule of law.

Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Council, explained that the draft law was reviewed article by article, incorporating the committee’s proposed amendments and recommendations.

Hamad Al Qouadi, Rapporteur of the Committee, presented a comprehensive report highlighting the legislative guarantees for judicial independence and the alignment of the draft law with the emirate’s legal framework.

Key points of discussion focused on:

• Guarantees of judicial independence

• Standards for appointment and promotion of judges

• Compatibility with federal legislation

• Enhancing transparency and efficiency in judicial performance

• Ratification of the draft and scheduling of the next session

Following the debate, the Council approved the draft law. The next session is scheduled for April 24, 2025, to discuss the policy of the Sharjah Department of Economic Development.

It is worth noting that this law represents a significant step toward reinforcing the judicial infrastructure of the emirate, aligning with its strategic vision to promote justice and institutional integrity.

In October 2024, the United Arab Emirates issued a new Federal Decree-Law to regulate traffic and road safety, with its implementation set to begin on March 29, 2025. This law is part of the country’s efforts to keep pace with technological advancements in the transportation sector and enhance road safety, with a focus on reducing noise and environmental pollution.

One of the most notable amendments introduced by the law is the reduction of the legal driving age to 17 years, accompanied by strict regulations to ensure proper qualification and training for young drivers, ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the road. The law also includes new classifications for electric and autonomous vehicles, supporting the transition towards sustainable transportation in line with the UAE’s vision for environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the law focuses on enhancing road safety through updated rules, tougher penalties for dangerous violations, and establishing standards to limit noise pollution caused by vehicle movement. This law demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to developing advanced traffic infrastructure that meets future needs while maintaining the quality of life for citizens and residents.

In a landmark legislative move reflecting the UAE’s vision to enhance family values and keep up with social developments, the country issued a new Federal Decree-Law concerning personal status in January 2025. This law is set to replace the current law and will come into effect starting April 2025, announcing significant changes aimed at regulating family relationships and promoting social responsibility.

One of the key aspects of the new law is the setting of the legal marriage age at 18 years old. This measure is intended to ensure the physical and mental maturity of both parties entering into marriage, thus contributing to building stable families capable of facing challenges. The law also introduces strict penalties related to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of parents, whether by leaving them without care or refusing to provide financial support when required. These provisions reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening the value of filial piety as a core principle in Emirati society.

This law represents a significant shift in the personal status system, aiming to achieve a balance between rights and responsibilities within the family, while emphasizing the protection of all its members. As the implementation date in April 2025 approaches, the Emirati community is anticipating its positive effects in fostering family stability and reinforcing humanitarian values.

Abu Dhabi, March 12 / WAM / The Cabinet has adopted the executive regulations for organizing the professions of law and legal consultancy, which aim to enhance the judicial system in the country, develop the country’s indicators related to the rule of law and the enforcement of justice, as well as achieve effective justice based on concepts of partnership and integration.
These regulations define the conditions and procedures for transferring a lawyer from the list of lawyers practicing before the primary and appellate courts to the list of lawyers practicing before the Federal Supreme Court.
They also specify the practical training conditions for trainee lawyers and the obligations of the supervising lawyer, the regulations for licensing foreign lawyers to practice law in the country, and the conditions and procedures for registering legal researchers and consultants in the register, their renewal, transfer, and deletion from the register, transferring their registration to the non-practicing register, the regulations for deleting or re-registering a legal researcher or consultant, the legal advisor’s powers, and the conditions and procedures for registration in the registry of representatives, its duration, and the renewal request process. The regulations also define the conditions for establishing law and legal consultancy offices, and their licensing, suspension, deletion, and liquidation procedures, as well as the criteria for academic qualification equivalency.
The executive regulations also determine the rights and duties of lawyers and their relationship with clients, the lawyer’s right to charge fees, the court’s criteria for determining the fees of an appointed lawyer in criminal cases, procedures for collecting those fees, the regulations for announcing the lawyer’s practice and the means of doing so, and the ability of lawyers to engage in commercial activities under specific conditions and regulations.
The regulations stipulate that every legal researcher, legal consultant, and representative must not disclose any confidential information entrusted to them, unless the disclosure is necessary to prevent a crime that could harm human life, safety, or cause significant harm to property, or if required by the applicable laws of the country.
The regulations also outline the conditions for granting temporary permission for foreign lawyers to plead before the courts in the country.
The Cabinet also adopted the organizational regulations for professional companies in law and legal consultancy, which aim to enhance the legal environment in the country and regulate the practice of law and legal consultancy according to best practices through firms that take the form of professional companies in law or legal consultancy, thereby developing the legal and consultancy sector and increasing its competitiveness.
These organizational regulations provide a comprehensive framework that defines the controls for establishing and operating professional companies in law and legal consultancy, the required conditions and standards for granting licenses, the mechanisms for supervision, and the legal responsibilities of partners, lawyers, and legal consultants. This ensures the sector’s commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and transparency, guarantees a fully integrated legal work environment that meets market needs, and enhances the sector’s efficiency.
According to these regulations, UAE lawyers and legal consultants are permitted to establish professional companies individually or in partnership with international law firms, provided that these firms have been established for at least 15 years and have branches or companies in at least three other countries, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
The provisions of these regulations aim to enable UAE lawyers and legal consultants to establish and manage professional companies under clear regulations, providing greater opportunities for growth and professional development, as well as attracting global expertise by allowing partnerships with international legal firms with extensive experience. This contributes to transferring knowledge and improving the quality of legal services in the country.
The regulations also support corporate governance in professional companies and the development of a more flexible and sustainable legal business environment, providing clear mechanisms for licensing, registration, and supervision while ensuring compliance with governance requirements and leading legal practices.
The regulations define the legal forms allowed for professional companies, which include partnerships, limited liability companies, and single-member limited liability companies.
It is required that all partners be licensed to practice the profession in accordance with the provisions of Federal Law No. (34) of 2022 regarding the regulation of the professions of law and legal consultancy and its executive regulations, ensuring compliance with professional and legal standards.
To obtain a professional company license, the applicant must be a UAE lawyer or legal consultant registered with the Ministry of Justice, the company’s founding contract must be certified by the relevant authorities, and professional insurance must be obtained to cover liability for professional errors, ensuring the protection of clients’ rights and boosting confidence in the legal services provided.
Through these organizational regulations, the government enhances the competitiveness of the law and legal consultancy sector, solidifies the UAE’s position as a regional and international hub for advanced legal services, and stimulates international legal firms to invest in the country, transferring global expertise to the local market. This improves the quality of legal services and supports the business and investment environment in the country.
The regulations represent a pivotal step in enhancing transparency and governance in the law and legal consultancy sector, raising the level of available legal services for individuals and businesses, and supporting the nation’s vision of developing a flexible and attractive legal business environment for investments.
The Cabinet also adopted a code of conduct for the professions of law and legal consultancy, aimed at supporting the professional behavior and core values that lawyers and legal consultants should embody. The code aims to provide the best services, ensuring trust and credibility in professional conduct, clarifying the responsibilities of lawyers, their associates, and legal consultants in their professional practices, and enhancing systemic protection for lawyers, legal consultants, their clients, and other related parties.
The code applies to lawyers registered in the lists and legal consultants and researchers registered in the registers designated for each profession with the Ministry of Justice. Those addressed by the code must adhere to its provisions while performing their duties and responsibilities in accordance with professional core values, including: honesty, integrity, neutrality, transparency, respecting others’ rights, maintaining the profession’s reputation, respecting its customs, ethics, honor, and rectitude, applying internal governance and monitoring rules, improving work systems and environments, preventing conflicts of interest, establishing effective frameworks to manage them, working in a manner that enhances confidence in the profession and its practice, and professional competence by making the necessary effort to perform tasks and duties in accordance with the best professional standards.
The code also includes provisions on independence, integrity, adherence to professional ethics and traditions, confidentiality and non-disclosure, compliance with laws, regulations, and rules related to the profession, protecting the interests of clients, avoiding conflicts of interest, and includes general obligations for the lawyer or legal consultant, specific obligations regarding the relationship between the lawyer and the client, fees and expenses, client funds and records, the lawyer’s relationship with the judiciary, colleagues, and specific provisions concerning professional disputes, trainee lawyers, and how lawyers and legal consultants or researchers should engage with the media and social media.

DUBAI, 10th March, 2025 (WAM) — In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (2) of 2025, pertaining to the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts (DIFC Courts).

Provisions of the new law seek to regulate the judicial and administrative aspects of the DIFC Courts alongside existing DIFC regulations.

The law also defines the jurisdictional remit and ensures the independent operation of DIFC Courts, including the Court of Appeal, the Court of First Instance, and the Small Claims Tribunal. It also outlines the procedural framework for the appointment of the Chief Justice and the Director of the Courts and their respective responsibilities.

The new law offers an alternative dispute resolution pathway by establishing a Mediation Centre, where parties can amicably resolve their disputes with the help of mediators registered with the DIFC Courts. The president of the DIFC is responsible for defining its operational framework, jurisdiction, and the procedures to be followed.

Under the new law, the DIFC Courts have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and resolve civil, commercial, and labour claims involving the DIFC’s bodies or institutions, whether filed by or against them, or in which they are a party. They also handle claims involving the DIFC’s bodies, institutions, activities, and employees, as well as matters related to trust deeds, non-Muslim wills, and the recognition or enforcement of arbitration awards under DIFC arbitration law.

The law also grants the DIFC Courts jurisdiction to hear requests for provisional and protective measures related to cases under their jurisdiction, including identity and asset inquiries. The courts also handle requests or arbitration procedures filed outside the DIFC, provided appropriate protective measures are taken within the Centre.

The law outlines the jurisdiction of the DIFC Courts, covering litigation and evidence procedures, urgent matters, enforcement, exceptions to the compensation bond requirement, technical defects, procedural errors, and statutes of limitations.

The law replaces DIFC Law No. (10) of 2004 and Law No. (12) of 2004 concerning the DIFC Courts. This law also annuls any conflicting provisions in other legislation. Regulations and decisions issued under Law No. (10) of 2004 and Law No. (12) of 2004 will remain in effect, provided they do not contradict the provisions of Law No. (2) of 2025, until new regulations and decisions are introduced to replace them.

This law will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect the day after its publication.

As part of the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to enhance family stability and protect its members, the country issued Federal Decree-Law No. (13) of 2024 concerning protection from domestic violence in December 2024. The impact of this law extends into 2025, which has been declared the “Year of Society,” reflecting the country’s vision to build a cohesive and safe community.

The law focuses on combating all forms of domestic violence, whether physical, psychological, or economic, by establishing a comprehensive legal framework that protects victims and provides them with the necessary support. Additionally, the Ministry of Family was launched as part of this decree, which aims to offer services and programs that enhance family stability and reduce cases of family breakdown. The ministry’s responsibilities include providing family counseling, supporting victims, and raising awareness in the community about the importance of dialogue and understanding within the family.

This law marks an advanced step in the UAE’s journey toward protecting human rights, emphasizing that the family is the fundamental nucleus of society, and that protecting it from violence is a collective responsibility. As its application continues throughout 2025, it is expected to contribute to reducing domestic violence rates and strengthening social peace in the country.

The forum is considered a prominent platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities related to foreign investments, with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and lawyers.

The event also witnessed the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE and Oman Lawyers Associations, marking a significant step towards enhancing legal and economic cooperation and paving the way for a long-term strategic partnership between the two sides.

In his speech, His Excellency Counsellor Zayed Saeed Al Shamsi praised the outstanding organization, meticulous coordination, and warm hospitality provided by the event organizers. He emphasized the forum’s role as a catalyst for enhancing legal cooperation, extending his sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to those responsible for this remarkable forum. He commended their tremendous efforts, which manifested in this exceptional event, and expressed his profound admiration for the high-level insights and diligent work that reflect professionalism and creativity.

Dubai Courts: Resolution No. 8 of 2025, issued by the Office of the Head of the Primary Criminal Court in Dubai, relates to the organization of the criminal court sessions schedule in Dubai.

Title and Date:

• Resolution No. 8 of 2025.
• Date: February 24, 2025.

1. Subject:

• Organizing the resumption times for the Primary Criminal Court sessions in Dubai.

2. Details:

• Court sessions will be held daily from Saturday to Thursday.
• Session times: from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM, and then from 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
• The Criminal Courts will be held at 10:00 AM, and the Misdemeanor Courts will be held at 9:30 AM.
• The Detention Extension Court will be held at 10:00 AM, and on Fridays at 9:30 AM.

3. Procedures:

• All concerned parties are requested to adhere to these times.