Law
No. (17) of 2024
Establishing
the
Dubai
National University[1]
ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ
We,
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Ruler of Dubai,
After perusal of:
Federal
Law by Decree No. (48) of 2021 Concerning Higher Education;
Law
No. (5) of 1995 Establishing the Department of Finance;
Law
No. (1) of 2016 Concerning the Financial Regulations of the Government of
Dubai, its Implementing Bylaw, and their amendments;
Law
No. (26) of 2023 Concerning the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai;
Decree
No. (1) of 2019 Regulating the Establishment of Companies by Government
Entities in the Emirate of Dubai;
Decree
No. (1) of 2023 Concerning Governance of the Councils/ Boards and Committees
Affiliated to the Government of Dubai; and
Executive
Council Resolution No. (20) of 2022 Forming the Steering Committee for the Dubai
National University Establishment Project,
Do hereby issue
this Law.
This
Law will be cited as “Law No. (17) of 2024 Establishing the Dubai National
University”.
The
following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Law, will have the
meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise:
|
Emirate: |
The Emirate of Dubai. |
|
Ruler: |
His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. |
|
Government: |
The Government of Dubai. |
|
Executive Council: |
The Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai. |
|
DNU: |
The Dubai National University. |
|
Chancellor: |
The chancellor of the DNU. |
|
Board of Trustees: |
The board of trustees of the DNU. |
|
Chairman: |
The chairman of the Board of Trustees. |
|
President: |
The president of the DNU. |
Pursuant
to this Law, a university named the “Dubai National University” is established
as a public corporation. The DNU will have legal personality, financial and
administrative autonomy in all its affairs, and the legal capacity required to
undertake all acts and dispositions that ensure the achievement of its
objectives.
The
head office of the DNU will be located in the Emirate. Branches of the DNU may
be established within and outside of the Emirate pursuant to a resolution of
the Board of Trustees.
a. The DNU will be comprised of
a number
of faculties; scientific research centres; traditional and digital libraries;
and specialised training institutes. The DNU will offer academic programmes
leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various academic fields,
in addition to training programmes aligned with the Emirate’s needs, with a
view to developing the capabilities of community members, enhancing their
competencies, and improving their skills.
b. The DNU will be managed in accordance with the
provisions of this Law and the relevant bylaws and resolutions approved by the
Board of Trustees.
The
DNU will have the following objectives:
1.
to
support development, advancement, and scientific research efforts
in the Emirate through distinguished educational programmes and scientific
research at the local, regional, and international levels; graduate qualified
cadres; and provide learning, research, and development opportunities for
students pursuing higher academic degrees;
2.
to enhance the Higher Education system by
delivering high-quality outcomes that align with the standards of leading
educational institutions, while meeting the Emirate’s aspirations to attract and
cultivate expertise, skills, and highly competent professionals;
3.
to strengthen the competitiveness of the
Higher Education sector and position it among the world's leading educational
systems;
4.
to
attract students and exceptional minds, and supply the labour market with highly
qualified and competent professionals capable of advancing, and meeting the
requirements of, the Emirate's strategic sectors; and
5.
to
actively contribute to the Emirate's overall growth and development.
For
the purpose of achieving its objectives, the DNU will have the duties and
powers to:
1.
develop
the strategic
plans required to ensure the availability of the capabilities required to
achieve the DNU’s goals and aspirations;
2.
establish
specialised
faculties, institutes, and research centres;
3.
develop
and implement
high-quality educational programmes that meet quality standards at the local,
regional, or international levels;
4.
advance
scientific research in accordance with latest best practices adopted by leading
international universities, faculties, and research centres, with a view to
enhancing the Emirate’s role in the field of scientific research and
innovation;
5.
collaborate
with various universities, faculties, scientific research
centres, and other academic institutions; and conclude the relevant necessary
agreements and contracts;
6.
train
and qualify UAE national cadres in all fields through academic programmes,
advanced training programmes, or other means;
7.
adopt
the necessary admission and enrolment standards and
requirements for students at the DNU, including behavioural regulations
applicable to them;
8.
determine
tuition fees and fees for other services provided by the DNU;
9.
develop
the policies and procedures for the operation and management of
the DNU and its academic programmes, and establish rules for awarding
scholarships;
10. coordinate with the competent entities at the local and
federal levels in respect of the required academic accreditation;
11. award academic degrees to
faculty members and researchers in accordance with the
rules and standards approved by the Board of Trustees;
12. award certificates and academic
degrees to students who successfully complete accredited academic programmes;
13. confer honorary degrees and
accredited academic distinctions upon natural and legal persons in accordance
with the rules and standards approved by the Board of Trustees;
14. establish and grant
fellowships, scientific and academic scholarships, and awards in various
academic disciplines and scientific research;
15. provide the necessary tools
for conducting
research and development activities, and offering consultancy services to local
and federal government entities, private sector companies and institutions, and
the non-profit sector;
16. offer continuing education opportunities in all academic and
training fields, with a view to enhancing professional development in line with
societal needs;
17. encourage scientific/ academic
research, with a focus on the applied research aligned with the Emirate’s development
plans; and publish the same at the local, regional, and international levels;
18. publish research papers,
academic works, and other publications of the DNU, or engage any other party
for this purpose;
19. hold academic and training seminars, exhibitions, and
conferences; and engage all segments of the community in the various activities
of the DNU;
20. acquire, possess, sell, lease out, or take lease
of the movable and immovable property, materials, devices, equipment, and
systems required for the achievement of its objectives and the performance of
its duties;
21. provide the Government with
any requested
information, including information related to the DNU’s financial affairs,
activities, and operations; and
22. exercise any other duties or
powers
required for the achievement of the DNU’s objectives, as assigned to it by the
Ruler or the Chairman of the Executive Council.
The
organisational structure of the DNU will be comprised of the following
organisational levels:
1.
the
Chancellor;
2.
the
Board of Trustees; and
3.
the
executive
body.
A
Chancellor and a Deputy Chancellor will be appointed to the DNU pursuant to a
decree of the Ruler.
a. The DNU will have a Board of
Trustees comprised of a Chairman and a number of other experienced and
specialised Members. The number of the Board of Trustees Members may neither be
less than seven (7) nor more than nine (9), including the Chairman. Members of
the Board of Trustees will be appointed pursuant to a decree issued by the
Ruler upon the recommendations of the Chancellor.
b. A vice chairman
will be appointed at the first meeting of the Board of Trustees to act as the
Chairman where the Chairman is absent or his post falls vacant for any reason
whatsoever.
c. The provisions of the above-mentioned Decree No.
(1) of 2023 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof will apply to all
matters relating to the governance and regulation of the work of the Board of
Trustees, and the duties of its Chairman and Members.
a. The Board of Trustees will undertake general supervision of the
management of the DNU and administration of its affairs. For the purpose of
achieving the DNU's objectives, the Board of Trustees will have the duties and
powers to:
1.
approve
and follow up the implementation of the general policy and strategic plan of
the DNU;
2.
approve
academic disciplines, curricula, and
educational and training programmes and courses; and determine their duration;
3.
approve
education quality standards and
criteria, and implement the highest levels at the DNU;
4.
accredit
the educational and training programmes and
curricula of the DNU; and approve the establishment of specialised faculties,
institutes, and centres;
5.
supervise
the academic affairs of the DNU,
including the development of Higher Education systems and other relevant
matters;
6.
approve
admission policies, academic and training
regulations, examination systems, and graduation requirements;
7.
form
advisory Committees for academic and training
disciplines and curricula;
8.
approve
proposals for aligning the DNU's strategy
with labour market demand;
9.
review
periodic performance reports of the DNU and the indicators relating to the
achievement of the strategic objectives and the aspirations of the Emirate;
10. ratify the academic agreements concluded by the DNU within
or outside of the Emirate, subject to the approved budget and relevant
applicable legislation;
11. establish an investment fund to support the achievement of the
DNU’s objectives and goals in coordination with the concerned entities;
12. examine and evaluate the
status of Government universities and faculties, and submit the relevant
recommendations to the Chancellor to make the relevant appropriate decisions,
in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate;
13. approve the tuition fees and
service charges at the DNU;
14. approve the rules for granting scholarships to the students enrolled
at the DNU;
15. approve the criteria and
rules for awarding academic ranks to faculty members and researchers;
16. borrow funds in accordance with the legislation in force in the
Emirate;
17. establish companies or hold shares in existing companies and
investment projects, as required for the achievement of the DNU's objectives,
in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate;
18. approve proposals for entering into partnerships that align
with the functions of the DNU and its strategic objectives;
19. approve the organisational structure of the DNU;
20. approve the annual budget
and Financial Statements of the DNU, in coordination with the Department of
Finance;
21. ensure the efficient and
effective use of the DNU’s resources to maximise their potential in achieving
the DNU’s objectives;
22. approve the bylaws and regulations governing the DNU’s
financial, technical, and administrative work, and human resources;
23. approve the rules and regulations governing the investment
of the DNU's property in areas that align with its objectives and powers;
24. appoint the auditors of the DNU and determine their
remuneration at the beginning of each Financial Year, and approve their
reports;
25. issue the Terms of Reference and operational framework of
the Board of Trustees in accordance with the provisions of the above-mentioned
Decree No. (1) of 2023 and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof;
26. form Committees and work teams as required to assist
the Board of Trustees in performing its duties;
27. seek assistance from experts
and specialists as it deems appropriate, provided that they do not have a vote
in its deliberations; and
28. exercise any other duties or powers related to the achievement
of the objectives of the DNU, as assigned to the Board of Trustees by the
Ruler, the Chancellor, or the Deputy Chancellor.
b. The Board of Trustees may delegate any of its powers under
sub-paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(10),
(a)(21), and (a)(22) of this Article to any of its Members or those of the
Committees it forms, or to the President, provided that such delegation is
specific and in writing.
The
Board of Trustees will have an Advisory Committee comprised of experts and
specialists. This Advisory Committee will provide the required support to the
Board of Trustees to enable it to exercise its duties and powers under this
Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other legislation in force
in the Emirate. The Advisory Committee will be formed pursuant to a resolution
issued by the Chancellor, which must determine the duties, functions, and Terms
of Reference of the Advisory Committee, and any other relevant matters.
a. The executive body of the DNU will comprise the
President, faculty deans, faculty members, and administrative, finance, and
technical staff.
b. The executive body will be responsible for performing
the operational work of the DNU, and providing administrative and technical
support to the DNU and the Board of Trustees.
c. The employees of the executive body of the DNU, including
its faculty members, will be governed by the human resources regulation
approved by the Board of Trustees for this purpose.
a. The DNU will have a President
and one or more vice presidents, who will be appointed, and whose employment
rights and remuneration will be determined, pursuant to a resolution of the
Board of Trustees.
b. The President will manage the day-to-day operations
of the DNU, and will in particular have the duties and powers to:
1.
propose
the plans required for implementing the
general policy and strategic plans of the DNU, and submit the same to the Board
of Trustees for approval;
2.
develop
the academic and administrative programmes and plans that
contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the DNU, and submit the same
to the Board of Trustees for approval;
3.
propose
the tuition fees and service charges at the DNU, and submit the same to the
Board of Trustees for approval;
4.
propose
the rules for granting the scholarships to the
students enrolled at the DNU, and submit the same to the Board of Trustees for
approval;
5.
prepare
proposals for entering into partnerships that
align with the functions of the DNU, and submit the same to the Board of
Trustees for approval;
6.
prepare
proposals for aligning the DNU’s strategy with the
labour market demand, and submit the same to the Board of Trustees for
approval;
7.
prepare
the organisational structure, draft annual
budget, and Financial Statements of the DNU; and submit the same to the Board
of Trustees for approval;
8.
supervise
the executive body of the DNU, as well as
its activities and operations, and the services it provides;
9.
propose
academic and technical bylaws and policies, and
submit the same to the Board of Trustees for approval;
10. propose the resolutions,
bylaws, and regulations governing the DNU’s administrative, financial, and
technical work and human resources; and submit the same to the Board of
Trustees for approval;
11. prepare periodic reports on the workflow of the DNU, and submit the
same to the Board of Trustees to give the relevant directives as it deems
appropriate;
12. represent the DNU before third parties; and conclude contracts and
agreements required for the achievement of its objectives and for enabling it
to perform its functions, in accordance with the relevant powers granted to him
by the Board of Trustees;
13. manage the academic, financial, and administrative affairs of the DNU
in accordance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in
pursuance hereof, and other legislation in force in the Emirate;
14. develop the annual action plan of the DNU, and submit the
same to the Board of Trustees for approval;
15. review the annual institutional performance of the DNU, and
submit the relevant recommendations to the Board of Trustees to issue the
directives as it deems appropriate in respect thereof;
16. seek assistance from experts, specialists, and visiting lecturers,
in accordance with the relevant bylaws adopted by the DNU; and
17. exercise any other duties or powers related to the objectives
and powers of the DNU, as assigned or delegated to him by the Board of
Trustees.
c. The President may delegate
any of
his powers under paragraph (b) of this Article to any of the vice presidents or
to any of the DNU's employees, provided that such delegation is specific, in
writing, and in accordance with the relevant chart of approval powers approved
by the Board of Trustees.
a.
The
financial resources of the DNU will consist of:
1.
the
financial appropriations allocated to the DNU in the
General Budget of the Government;
2.
the
movable and immovable property allocated to the
DNU by the Government;
3.
tuition
fees, training charges, and other charges for the services provided by the DNU;
4.
proceeds
from the movable and immovable property of
the DNU;
5.
proceeds
from the activities and projects implemented by
the DNU;
6.
proceeds
from the investment fund established by the
Board of Trustees;
7.
the
gifts, grants, donations, and bequests provided to
the DNU and accepted by the Board of Trustees; and
8.
any
other resources approved by the Board of Trustees.
b.
The
financial appropriations allocated to the DNU in accordance with the
provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(1) of this Article will be governed by the
provisions of the above-mentioned Law No. (1) of 2016 and its Implementing
Bylaw, as well as any relevant arrangements that may be agreed upon with the
Department of Finance.
a. In managing its accounts and
records, the DNU will apply the rules and principles of accounting it adopts
for this purpose.
b. The Financial Year of the
DNU will commence on 1 January and will end on 31 December of each Year, except
that the first Financial Year will commence on the date on which this Law comes
into force and will end on 31 December of the following Year.
Except
for the resolutions which the Chancellor is exclusively authorised to issue
under this Law, the Chairman will, subject to the approval of the Board of
Trustees, issue the resolutions required for implementing the provisions of
this Law.
The
above-mentioned Executive Council Resolution No. (20) of 2022 is hereby
repealed. Any provision in any other legislation is also hereby repealed to the
extent that it contradicts the provisions of this Law.
This
Law 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 4 September 2024
Corresponding to 1 Rabi al-Awwal 1446 A.H.
©2025 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.