Decree No. (1) of 2022

Concerning

Residential District Majlis in the Emirate of Dubai[1]

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We, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,

After perusal of:

Law No. (3) of 2003 Establishing the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai; and

Law No. (8) of 2015 Concerning the Community Development Authority in Dubai,

Do hereby issue this Decree.

Definitions

Article (1)

The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Decree, will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise:

UAE:

The United Arab Emirates.

Emirate:

The Emirate of Dubai.

Ruler:

His Highness the Ruler of Dubai.

Executive Council:

The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai.

CDA:

The Community Development Authority in Dubai.

Director General:

The director general of the CDA.

Residential District Majlis:

Any of the CDA social centres or platforms which are established in the Residential Districts of the Emirate and dedicated to serving UAE Nationals with a view to strengthening social ties amongst the residents of these Residential Districts.

Residential District:

A geographical area in the Emirate which is designated for residential use by UAE Nationals.

UAE National:

A natural person holding the UAE nationality. For the purposes of this Decree, a natural person who resides in a Residential District, is issued with an initial approval to be granted the UAE nationality by the Ruler, and holds a valid UAE passport will be treated as a UAE National.

Establishment of Residential District Majlis

Article (2)

District Majlis will be established within Residential Districts. The CDA will supervise the administrative and organisational affairs of these District Majlis as stipulated in this Decree.

Objectives of the Decree

Article (3)

This Decree aims to:

1.    provide insight into the conditions of UAE Nationals and into their needs for government services in general, and for Social Services in particular;

2.    contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of UAE Nationals and to promoting social ties amongst the residents of each Residential District by promoting the role of the Residential District Majlis existing by the effective date of this Decree or the Residential District Majlis to be established after the effective date of this Decree;

3.    contribute to fostering a positive spirit and achieving happiness in Residential Districts;

4.    contribute to empowering women and enhancing the role of the youth and children in society through target programmes;

5.    contribute to facilitating the delivery of Social Services to UAE Nationals of all segments of the community who reside in the Residential Districts; and

6.    contribute to boosting family solidarity and social cohesion; to supporting and promoting the UAE national identity; and to encouraging community engagement and Volunteer Work.

Functions of the Community Development Authority in Dubai

Article (4)

For the purposes of this Decree, the CDA will undertake the general supervision of Residential District Majlis. In particular, the CDA will have the duties and powers to:

1.    develop the general policy and strategic plans for the work of District Majlis, and submit the same to the Executive Council for approval;

2.    approve the events and activities to be organised within Residential Districts;

3.    promote communication amongst the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts with a view to soliciting their feedback and proposals; and take the necessary action in respect of such feedback and proposals;

4.    facilitate access by priority target segments of the local community to the services of the CDA;

5.    provide all forms of human resources, financial, and technical support to manage and operate District Majlis;

6.    discuss high-priority matters affecting society in the Emirate;

7.    establish performance indicators for District Majlis to ensure they are in alignment with the government direction and the approved strategic plans; follow up assessment of the performance, and development of the work systems, of these District Majlis; and submit the relevant periodic reports to the Executive Council;

8.    consider the solutions, proposals, and recommendations concerning the needs and aspirations of the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts; and follow up resolving any issues and cases referred to it;

9.    publish, and regularly update, brochures and bulletins on the roles of Residential District Majlis and the services that may be provided through them;

10.  enhance the welfare of the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts by facilitating the implementation of a number of activities, projects, and events at Residential District Majlis; and providing them with advice and necessary support;

11.  solicit, through Residential District Majlis and in coordination with the concerned government entities in the Emirate, the opinions of the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts on the services and facilities provided in these districts; and refer any requirements or needs related to these services and facilities to the concerned government entities to take the necessary action in respect thereof;

12.  provide Social Services and other government services at Residential District Majlis, and provide support and assistance in delivering these services to the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts;

13.  contribute to strengthening the social ties amongst the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts; improve the quality of life; and instil positive social values through constructive discussions and dialogues, activities, programmes, and events;

14.  encourage the UAE Nationals residing in Residential Districts to serve the community; highlight the potentials of the various segments of the community residing in Residential Districts, particularly women, the youth, and children; and contribute to raising social and cultural awareness;

15.  own the real property, movables, assets, devices, and equipment allocated for Residential District Majlis;

16.  facilitate the participation by public figures, senior officials, and dignitaries in the Emirate in the activities and events held at Residential District Majlis;

17.  supervise and monitor the operations and activities held at Residential District Majlis to ensure that they are committed to their social roles; and

18.  exercise any other duties or powers assigned to it by the Ruler or the Chairman of the Executive Council.

Formation of Committees and Work Teams

Article (5)

a.    The CDA may form permanent or temporary committees and work teams to assist it in exercising its duties and powers under this Decree and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof. These committees and work teams will be affiliated to the CDA.

b.    The CDA will follow up, on a regular basis, the work of the committees and work teams formed by the CDA, to ensure that they are efficiently performing their functions.

c.     The chairpersons and members of the committees and work teams will be appointed pursuant to a resolution of the Director General. Each committee or work team must be comprised of no less than three (3) and no more than five (5) members.

d.    A resolution of the Director General forming a committee or work team must include its duties, work completion time frames, terms of reference, and performance indicators; and must stipulate that it submits its reports to the CDA.

e.    In selecting committee or work team members, the qualifications and professional experience and specialisations of these members must be consistent with the nature of duties to be assigned to them. A committee or work team may comprise members from amongst the CDA employees and residents of the Residential District where the relevant Residential District Majlis is located.

Obligations of Residential District Majlis

Article (6)

A District Majlis must:

1.    comply with the legislation in force in the Emirate, and the resolutions, bylaws, and instructions issued by the CDA;

2.    not conduct any activity or provide any service other than the activities and services approved by the CDA;

3.    not engage in politics; instigate sectarian, racial, religious, or ethnic conflicts; or compromise the state security and system of government of the UAE;

4.    observe the public order and morality of the UAE;

5.    obtain the written approval of the CDA prior to organising or participating in conferences, seminars, meetings, lectures, or any other events within or outside of the UAE;

6.    not conclude any agreements with any government or private entity to organise any event without first obtaining the relevant approval of the CDA; and

7.    comply with any other obligations prescribed by the CDA pursuant to the resolutions issued by the Director General in this respect.

Prohibition of Raising or Accepting Donations

Article (7)

No District Majlis may raise, accept, or allow the raising of donations or similar contributions; nor advertise the same, directly or indirectly, through any means whatsoever.

Seeking Assistance from Government Entities

Article (8)

For the purpose of performing its functions and roles under this Decree, the CDA may seek assistance from the concerned government entities in the Emirate. Upon request, these entities must provide the CDA with support and assistance.

Issuing Implementing Resolutions

Article (9)

The Director General will issue the resolutions required for the implementation of this Decree. These resolutions will be published in the Official Gazette.

Repeals

Article (10)

Any provision in any other legislation is hereby repealed to the extent that it contradicts the provisions of this Decree.

Publication and Commencement

Article (11)

This Decree will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Ruler of Dubai

Issued in Dubai on 3 January 2022

Corresponding to 30 Jumada al-Ula 1443 A.H.



©2022 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai

[1]Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.