UAE issues decree to hold ministers and senior officials accountable

The UAE has introduced a new federal decree that holds ministers and senior officials accountable for any wrongdoing.

The decree, issued by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of efforts to promote transparency and the rule of law within the federal government, official news agency WAM reported.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa issued a decree law on the accountability of ministers and senior officials. The Public Prosecution will receive complaints against senior officials and refer them to investigation, in collaboration with the UAE cabinet.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 31, 2021

Under the law, the Public Prosecution will receive complaints against senior officials and refer them to investigation, in collaboration with the UAE cabinet.

During the investigation, the UAE general prosecutor can ban a minister or an official from travelling and freeze their assets as well as the funds of their wives and minors, if necessary.

As per the decree, penalties for administrative or financial violations include censuring, forced retirement, job termination, or relief of duties along with cutting the pension or bonus at a maximum of one quarter of the total.

“Transparency is our priority in UAE,” UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said on Twitter.

Under the law, the UAE general prosecutor can issue a travel ban or freeze the assets of the defendant if necessary. The official can be dismissed from service in case of administrative or financial violations. Transparency is our priority in UAE.

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 31, 2021

The UAE is ranked first in the region and 21st globally on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.