Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, has issued a new law regulating administrative violations and the penalties associated with them across the emirate.
The legislation establishes a comprehensive framework that guides government entities on how administrative violations should be identified and penalised. It aims to enhance transparency and accountability while ensuring penalties are applied fairly and in a way that protects rights and maintains uninterrupted public services.
The law is intended to strengthen the efficiency of the justice system by clearly defining the procedures for imposing administrative sanctions. It also seeks to prevent misuse of authority, promote adherence to regulations, and discourage actions that could threaten public safety or security.
Under the new legislation, administrative violations must be clearly defined within the relevant laws issued by competent authorities. Offences will be categorised as minor, moderate, or serious, allowing authorities to determine appropriate penalties based on the severity of the violation.
The law further sets out principles governing the application of administrative measures, ensuring they remain transparent, proportionate, and directly linked to violations defined by the relevant authority through legislation.
Authorities will assess several factors when determining penalties, including the seriousness of the offence, its impact on public services or the public interest, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. These may include repeated violations, intent, negligence, the extent of damage caused, and whether the offender attempted to rectify the issue.
Government entities are empowered to impose a range of administrative actions on violators. These measures may include warnings to correct violations, temporary closure of establishments for up to six months, permanent closure of businesses, cancellation or modification of licences and permits, or suspension of certain projects, activities, or transactions.
The law also outlines procedures governing how penalties and enforcement measures should be implemented to ensure fairness. Before any administrative violation is publicly announced, the concerned authority must obtain approval from its Director General and coordinate with the Dubai Government Media Office.
Implementation of the law will be supported through decisions issued by the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, who will define the procedures for announcing and publishing violations. Any provisions in other legislation that conflict with this law will be annulled.
