In a recent development aimed at shaping and developing the efficiency and governance of legislative processes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and preserving public interests , the Abu Dhabi Executive Office (“ADEO”), has issued Circular No. 1 of 2024 (the “Circular”) that addresses all the governmental authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and puts in place a set of directives to be adhered to by governmental bodies involved in the drafting and assessment of local laws.  

Through such Circular, ADEO instructed all the governmental authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, prior to commencing the preparation of local legislative drafts, to submit a request for a legislative permission (“RFLP”) to ADEO, using the prescribed template provided in the Circular, in order to obtain an approval from the ADEO and its committees to the proposed draft legislation.

The significant requirements indicate that the RFLP should include the title proposed for the draft law, reasons for seeking the issuance of the draft law and its objectives, as well as the most important provisions to be included in the draft law and its consistency with relevant federal and local legislations in force. Hence, the Circular underscores the exclusive authority vested in the ADEO concerning the issuance of final opinions on local legislative drafts.

Among other requirements that need to be reflected within the permission request, the RFLP has to determine if any applicable local legislations in force need to be amended or repealed once the draft law has been issued, and the targeted audience (i.e., sectors, entities, individuals etc.) ��that would be affected by the draft law upon its issuance.

The implementation of the directives set by the Circular shall significantly contribute to the realization of the broader objectives of governance and public welfare within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

For further guidance and legal assistance regarding compliance with legislative directives, our firm stands ready to provide tailored advice and support in complying with the Circular’s directives as well as advising on the evolving legal landscape of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.