Law No. (17) of 2026
Establishing the
Dubai Longevity Authority[1]
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We,
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,
After perusal of:
Federal Law No. (4) of 2015 Concerning Private Healthcare
Facilities, its Implementing Bylaw, and their amendments;
Federal Law by Decree No. (4) of 2016 Concerning Medical
Liability, its amendments, and its Implementing Bylaw;
Federal Law No. (2) of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information
and Communications Technology in Health-related Fields and its Implementing
Bylaw;
Federal Law by Decree No. (28) of 2023 Establishing the
Emirates Drug Establishment;
Federal Law by Decree No. (38) of 2024 Concerning Medical
Products, Pharmaceutical Profession, and Pharmaceutical Establishments;
Law No. (13) of 2011 Regulating the Conduct of Economic
Activities in the Emirate of Dubai and its amendments;
Law No. (1) of 2016 Concerning the Financial Regulations of
the Government of Dubai, its Implementing Bylaw, and their amendments;
Law No. (6) of 2018 Concerning the Dubai Health Authority
and its amendments;
Law No. (5) of 2021 Concerning the Dubai International
Financial Centre;
Law No. (8) of 2021 Concerning Human Resources Management of
Executive Directors/ Chief Executive Officers in the Government of Dubai and
its amendments;
Law No. (13) of 2021 Establishing the Dubai Academic Health
Corporation,
Law No. (26) of 2023 Concerning the Executive Council of the
Emirate of Dubai;
Law No. (19) of 2024 Regulating Law Enforcement Capacity in
the Emirate of Dubai and its Implementing Bylaw;
Law No. (5) of 2025 Concerning Public Health in the Emirate
of Dubai;
Decree No. (22) of 2009 Concerning Special Development Zones
in the Emirate of Dubai;
Decree No. (1) of 2023 Concerning Governance of the
Councils/ Boards and Committees Affiliated to the Government of Dubai;
Decree No. (13) of 2024 Establishing the Unified Digital
Window for Establishing Companies in the Emirate of Dubai;
Executive Council Resolution No. (49) of 2024 Regulating the
Practice of Health Professions and Health Activities in the Emirate of Dubai;
and
The legislation establishing and regulating free zones in
the Emirate of Dubai,
Do
hereby issue this Law.
This
Law will be cited as “Law No. (17) of 2026 Establishing the Dubai Longevity
Authority”.
The
following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Law, have the
meanings respectively assigned to them, unless the context implies otherwise:
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The Emirate of Dubai. |
Emirate: |
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His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. |
Ruler: |
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The Government of Dubai. |
Government: |
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The Executive Council of the
Emirate of Dubai. |
Executive Council: |
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The Dubai Health Authority. |
DHA: |
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The Dubai Longevity Authority. |
DLA: |
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Any local Government Entity
legally vested with the authority to oversee and supervise any of the fields
or activities related to Longevity in accordance with the legislation
applicable to that entity, including the DHA, the DAHC, the DET, and the DM. |
Concerned Entity: |
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The President of the DLA. |
President: |
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The board of directors of the DLA. |
Board of Directors: |
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The executive director of the DLA. |
Executive Director: |
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The process of improving,
promoting, and sustaining an individual’s healthspan and enhancing his
health-related quality of life by: 1. comprehensively addressing the requirements
for healthspan-enhancing solutions through therapeutic and preventive
interventions that contribute to delaying the emergence of biological signs
and markers of ageing, correcting the pathways associated with such
signs and markers upon their onset, and activating the body's restorative,
regenerative, and protective mechanisms; 2. adopting advanced health and
well-being innovations and technological solutions in a manner that
promotes holistic health and supports responsible and sustainable lifestyles;
3. developing methods for the
accurate measurement and early detection of biological markers of ageing, and
implementing proactive intervention programmes to improve such
markers in accordance with scientific protocols and using advanced diagnostic
tools; 4. undertaking the assessment, treatment, optimisation, and continuous monitoring of
health conditions associated with age, lifestyle, and environmental factors
affecting individuals, including conditions of a physical, physiological,
psychological, and biological nature; and 5. utilising advanced therapeutic
technologies, methods, and products in proactive therapeutic and preventive
interventions, and leveraging the outputs of scientific research and
development to study and analyse ageing processes and support and enhance the
body’s functional capacities. |
Longevity: |
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Any of the following activities
carried out in the Emirate and relating to any of the fields of Longevity: 1. developing,
evaluating, and disseminating advanced medical treatments or applied
therapies; 2. conducting research
and development activities and laboratory and clinical trials, in accordance
with the requirements and controls adopted by the DLA in coordination with
the Concerned Entities; 3. providing therapeutic, preventive, and medical services
and interventions; 4. promoting, marketing, selling, or
distributing products related to Longevity, including Advanced Therapeutic
Products; or 5. conducting any other
activity determined pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors. |
Activity: |
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Any method, technology, or
therapeutic product based on biological repair, regeneration, or functional
restoration of the body, intended to promote Longevity and enhance an
individual’s health-related quality of life. |
Advanced Therapeutic Product: |
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A document issued by the DLA authorising
an Establishment to conduct the Activity, subject to compliance with the
conditions and procedures adopted in this regard. |
Permit: |
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A Company or sole proprietorship
licensed by the competent commercial licensing authority in the Emirate and
authorised by the DLA to conduct the Activity. |
Establishment: |
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Pursuant
to this Law, a public corporation named the “Dubai Longevity Authority” is
established. The DLA will have legal personality and the legal capacity
required to undertake all acts and dispositions that ensure the achievement of
its objectives.
The
head office of the DLA will be located in the Emirate. Other branches and
offices of the DLA may be established within and outside the Emirate pursuant
to a resolution of the President.
The
DLA will have the following objectives:
1.
enhance the Emirate’s position as a
leading global hub for Longevity and Advanced Therapeutic Products by
developing a world-class ecosystem that attracts Companies and talent, and
supports research programmes and strategic partnerships in these fields;
2.
promote the health and wellbeing of
residents of and visitors to the Emirate by enabling approved preventive,
regenerative, restorative and science-based Activities related to the physical
health of individuals; designing personalised health programmes; providing
proactive, safe, and effective therapeutic and preventive interventions; and
supporting diverse and sustainable healthy lifestyle options;
3.
develop integrated regulatory
frameworks in the fields of Longevity that ensure safety, efficacy, ethical
integrity, transparency, and the protection of individuals; and establish a
safe and responsible environment for the gradual adoption of Advanced
Therapeutic Products;
4.
contribute to the enhancement of
research, development, and technological capabilities in the fields of
Longevity by supporting clinical studies and scientific trials; facilitating
the structured transition from discovery to clinical practice and the
commercialisation of services and products related to Longevity; promoting the
responsible adoption of related solutions; and enhancing public knowledge and
awareness of such services, products, and solutions;
5.
enhance cooperation and strategic
partnerships among academic, healthcare, industrial, and technology entities
and healthcare providers, with a view to facilitating the exchange of
expertise, the transfer of knowledge, and the development of advanced health
solutions, thereby contributing to Longevity; and
6.
support the economic infrastructure
of the Longevity sector by attracting investment, specialised talent, and
industrial capabilities; facilitating the transfer of technology and business
models related to Longevity activities and services; and developing an advanced
market for Advanced Therapeutic Products and other services and products
related to the fields of Longevity.
For
the purpose of achieving its objectives, the DLA will, in coordination with the
Concerned Entities, have the duties and powers to:
1.
develop the general policy and
strategic plans for Longevity in the Emirate, and submit the same to the Board
of Directors for approval in preparation for final approval by the President;
2.
develop and approve the regulations,
rules, bylaws, standards, and protocols governing the conduct of the Activity
within the Emirate;
3.
develop and operate integrated
technological and digital systems, and link them to approved Government
platforms to manage procedures for issuing Permits and Approvals and conducting
regulatory processes; verify compliance with the legislation, regulations,
bylaws, and protocols governing Longevity; issue reports; and facilitate the
exchange of data between the DLA and the Concerned Entities;
4.
regulate the conduct of the Activity
in the Emirate and the provision of programmes and solutions related to
Longevity, in accordance with the requirements, procedures, and controls
adopted in this regard;
5.
authorise, through the Unified
Digital Window regulated under the above-mentioned Decree No. (13) of 2024, Establishments
to conduct the Activity in the Emirate in accordance with the requirements,
procedures, and controls adopted in this regard;
6.
issue the necessary approvals for
natural persons to conduct the Activity and provide services, products, and
solutions related to Longevity, in accordance with the requirements,
procedures, and controls adopted in this regard;
7.
supervise, monitor, and inspect
Establishments conducting the Activity in the Emirate; and ensure their
compliance with the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance
hereof, other legislation in force in the Emirate, and the terms of the Permit;
8.
classify and define the Activities
that may be conducted in the Emirate in relation to any of the fields of
Longevity and Advanced Therapeutic Products, and develop the regulations and
rules governing the conduct of such Activities and the provision of services,
products, and solutions related to those fields;
9.
regulate research trials, prototype
development, and pilot programmes in the field of Longevity; and regulate and
supervise the procedures for the application of therapeutic tools and
technologies that are the subject of research trials, in accordance with the
legislation in force;
10. oversee
the safe use of Advanced Therapeutic Products, promote awareness, and support
the adoption of evidence-based practices in their use by public and private
entities and Establishments;
11. cooperate
and coordinate with local, federal, regional, and international entities in
fields related to Longevity, in a manner that ensures the achievement of the
DLA’s objectives;
12. participate
in local, regional, and international exhibitions, seminars, and conferences
held within and outside the Emirate in fields related to Longevity;
13. propose
legislation related to Longevity, including legislation concerning advanced and
regenerative interventions and therapies, and submit the same to the competent
entities in the Emirate to take the necessary action in respect thereof;
14. establish
an integrated database for Longevity, including clinical indicators and
community health and safety standards, through the exchange of data held by the
Concerned Entities and the implementation of real-time data sharing, to support
the generation of scientific evidence and, based on such data, the evaluation
and development of policies and protocols, in compliance with the provisions of
the legislation governing such data;
15. promote
cooperation with universities and research institutes within and outside the
Emirate in fields related to Longevity, and facilitate the exchange of research
and scientific knowledge and expertise;
16. develop
programmes and strategic partnerships among manufacturers of Advanced
Therapeutic Products, innovators, investors, and research centres, with the aim
of supporting and stimulating investment in the field of Longevity; and
17. exercise
any other functions or powers required for the achievement of the objectives of
the DLA as assigned to it by the Ruler or the President.
a.
No natural or legal person may
conduct the Activity in the Emirate, including in Special Development Zones and
free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, unless that
person holds a Permit issued by the DLA. The Permit will be issued in
accordance with the requirements and procedures approved by the Board of
Directors pursuant to a decision issued by it for this purpose.
b.
The DLA will issue the Permit, in
coordination with the Concerned Entities, through the Unified Digital Window
regulated under the above-mentioned Decree No. (13) of 2024, upon compliance
with the requirements and procedures prescribed for its issuance, and in
accordance with the classification and type of Activity related to Longevity.
a.
The provisions of this Law and the
resolutions issued in pursuance hereof apply without prejudice to the functions
vested in the Concerned Entities under the legislation applicable to them.
b.
In exercising its functions under
this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, the DLA must do so without
prejudice to
the functions and
powers vested in the Concerned Entities
under the legislation regulating the health sector and other legislation in
force in the Emirate.
c.
The DHA is hereby vested with the competence to supervise,
regulate, and issue the necessary Permits to natural persons to conduct the
Activity and provide services related to Longevity, in accordance with the
above-mentioned Executive Council Resolution No. (49) of 2024 and in coordination
with the DLA.
d.
The DLA will issue its approval to
natural persons to conduct the Activity and provide services related to
Longevity prior to obtaining the necessary permits from the Concerned Entities
in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate.
e.
In the event of any overlap or
conflict between the functions and powers vested in the DLA under this Law and
the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and the powers and functions vested
in the Concerned Entities under the legislation in force, the matter will be
referred to the Board of Directors to examine such overlap or conflict and submit the
necessary recommendations thereon to the competent entities in the Emirate for
taking the necessary measures to consider and determine the matter in
accordance with the legislation in force.
The
organisational structure of the DLA consists of the following levels:
1.
the President;
2.
the Board of Directors; and
3.
the executive body.
a.
A President will be appointed to the
DLA pursuant to a decree of the Ruler.
b.
The President will have the duties
and powers to:
1.
approve the general policy and
strategic plans related to Longevity in the Emirate;
2.
approve the initiatives, programmes,
projects, studies, and recommendations that are related to Longevity, and that
enable the DLA to achieve its objectives;
3.
approve the organisational structure
of the DLA; and
4.
exercise any other duties or powers
that are relevant to the achievement of the objectives of the DLA, as assigned
to him by the Ruler.
c.
The President may delegate any of
the duties and powers vested in him pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Article
to
the Board of Directors, provided that such delegation is specific and in writing.
a.
The DLA will have a Board of
Directors comprised of a Chairman, a vice chairman, and a number of Members,
appointed pursuant to a decree of the Ruler.
b.
The provisions of the
above-mentioned Decree No. (1) of 2023 and the resolutions issued in pursuance
thereof will govern the work and meetings of the Board of Directors.
a.
The Board of Directors will
undertake general supervision of the DLA in exercising its functions and powers
under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other
legislation in force in the Emirate, with a view to achieving the objectives of
the DLA. In particular, the Board of Directors will have the duties and powers
to:
1.
approve the general policy and
strategic plans relating to Longevity in the Emirate, and submit the same to
the President for final approval;
2.
approve the general policy,
strategic and operational plans, work programmes, and projects of the DLA;
3.
approve the classification of
Activities, and the types, fields, practices, services, and products related to
Longevity that are authorised in the Emirate, in coordination with the
Concerned Entities; and issue the resolutions and regulations related thereto;
4.
approve the resolutions, policies,
and bylaws regulating the administrative, financial, technical, and contractual
work of the DLA, including the human resources regulations applicable to the
DLA's employees;
5.
approve the draft annual budget and
Financial Statements of the DLA, in preparation for final approval by the
competent entities in the Emirate;
6.
approve the organisational structure
of the DLA and submit the same to the President for final approval;
7.
supervise the work of the DLA and
ensure the efficient and effective performance of the functions vested in it,
in line with the adopted policies, strategic plans, and programmes;
8.
approve the periodic reports
submitted to it on the performance of the DLA, and present the same to the
President for guidance;
9.
ensure the efficient management of
the DLA's financial resources, and promote the integration and coordination of
the roles of the DLA and the Concerned Entities; and
10.
exercise any other duties or powers
required to achieve the objectives of the DLA, as may be assigned to it by the
Ruler or assigned or delegated to it by the President.
b.
The Board of Directors may delegate
any of its powers under paragraph (a) of this Article to any of its Members or
to the Executive Director, provided that such delegation is specific and in
writing.
One
or more committees will be formed by a resolution of the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, comprising representatives from the Concerned Entities or other
persons with relevant expertise and specialisation, to support the DLA through
performing the following duties:
1.
review and propose the regulations,
rules, bylaws, standards, and protocols governing the conduct of the Activity
and the circulation by Establishments of Advanced Therapeutic Products and
other medicines related to Longevity, and coordinate with the Concerned
Entities in that regard;
2.
propose the categories, types, and
fields of Longevity, and the related Activities authorised to be conducted in
the Emirate;
3.
propose the standards, requirements,
and procedures governing the issuance of Permits to Establishments to conduct
the Activity in the Emirate;
4.
propose ethical standards governing
research and trials conducted by research institutions in relation to Longevity
and Advanced Therapeutic Products;
5.
propose a mechanism for coordination
and cooperation among Government Entities and non-government entities concerned
with Longevity in studying the biological, social, and economic risks
associated with the use of Advanced Therapeutic Products, and propose
regulatory frameworks governing the use of such products;
6.
develop general instructions and
guidelines on therapeutic and preventive interventions, consumable supplies,
and services related to Longevity, and general frameworks that support the
adoption of healthy lifestyles that help maintain an individual's healthy
lifespan;
7.
propose the regulations necessary to
standardise the procedures for conducting inspections and investigations, and
for recording acts committed in breach of the provisions of this Law, the
resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other legislation in force in the
Emirate; and establish a mechanism for coordination among the Concerned
Entities in conducting oversight and inspection operations; and
8.
perform any other functions assigned
to the committee(s) by the Board of Directors.
The
DLA and the DHA will, in coordination with each other, prepare and approve a
Unified Protocol comprising the following:
1.
requirements for the management and
protection of the information and data of individuals receiving services,
products, and solutions related to Longevity;
2.
procedures for media briefings
related to Longevity;
3.
procedures for the implementation of
health awareness and education programmes related to Longevity, the promotion
of healthy lifestyles, and the reduction of risk factors affecting the health
of individuals;
4.
support for digital systems and
applications related to Longevity; and
5.
any other matters as determined by
the Board of Directors.
The
executive body of the DLA will be comprised of the Executive Director and a
number of administrative, finance, and technical employees. These employees
will be governed by the relevant human resources regulations approved by the
Board of Directors.
a.
The Executive Director will be
appointed by resolution of the Chairman of the Executive Council and will be
subject to the provisions of the above-mentioned Law No. (8) of 2021 and the
resolutions issued in pursuance thereof.
b.
The Executive Director will be
directly responsible to the Board of Directors for managing the DLA and
overseeing its operations and activities in a manner that ensures the
achievement of its objectives and performance of its functions under this Law,
the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other legislation in force in
the Emirate. In particular, the Executive Director will have the duties and
powers to:
1.
develop the general policy and
strategic plans related to Longevity in the Emirate, and submit the same to the
Board of Directors for approval;
2.
prepare the general policy and the
strategic and operational plans of the DLA, submit the same to the Board of
Directors for approval, and follow up on their implementation upon their
approval;
3.
prepare annual reports on the work,
performance, achievements, and activities of the DLA, and on the outcomes of
its approved plans, programmes, and projects; and present the same to the Board
of Directors to take the appropriate action in this regard;
4.
prepare the organisational structure
of the DLA, and submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval;
5.
prepare the draft annual budget and
Financial Statements of the DLA, and submit the same to the Board of Directors
for approval, in preparation for final approval by the competent entities in
the Emirate;
6.
draft the resolutions governing the
administrative, financial, technical, and contractual work of the DLA,
including the human resources regulations applicable to the DLA's employees,
and submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval;
7.
supervise the work of the executive
body of the DLA and appoint competent and specialised employees;
8.
represent the DLA before third
parties, and conclude the contracts and agreements required for the achievement
of the objectives of the DLA, within the limits of the powers vested in him
under this Law and the relevant approval authority matrix approved by the Board
of Directors;
9.
form permanent and temporary
committees and work teams, from amongst the employees of the DLA or other
persons, to assist him in performing his duties; and determine the functions,
powers, and terms of reference of these committees and work teams; and
10.
exercise any other duties or powers
related to the achievement of the objectives of the DLA, as assigned or
delegated to him by the Board of Directors.
c.
The Executive Director may delegate
any of the powers vested in him pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Article to
any of the DLA’s employees, provided that such delegation is specific and in
writing.
The
financial resources of the DLA will consist of:
1.
the financial appropriations
allocated to the DLA in the General Budget of the Government;
2.
fees and charges collected by the
DLA in return for its services;
3.
grants and gifts received by the DLA
and approved by the Board of Directors; and
4.
any other resources approved by the
President.
a.
In managing its accounts and
records, the DLA will apply the rules and principles of government accounting.
b.
The Financial Year of the DLA will
commence on 1 January and will end on 31 December of the same 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.
a.
The Chairman of the Executive
Council will issue a resolution determining the acts that constitute violations
of this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof; and the relevant
fines to be imposed on violators.
b.
In addition to the penalty of a
fine, the DLA may take any of the following measures against a violator:
1.
suspending the Permit for a period
not exceeding six (6) months;
2.
revoking the Permit and coordinating
with the competent commercial licensing authority in the Emirate to cancel the
commercial licence; or
3.
taking any other measures determined
pursuant to a resolution of the President or by the legislation in force in the
Emirate.
The
DLA may, for any reason related to serving the public interest or to regulating
the Activity, services, fields, and products related to Longevity in the
Emirate, take any of the following actions or measures:
1.
suspension of Permit issuance;
2.
suspension of an Establishment's
authorised Activity in exceptional circumstances or upon the occurrence of any
event that may affect operational continuity;
3.
coordination with the DHA regarding the
suspension of Permits issued to professional natural persons to practise
professions related to Longevity; and
4.
taking any other action or measure
determined pursuant to the relevant resolution of the President.
a.
The employees of the DLA nominated
pursuant to a resolution of the Executive Director will have the capacity of
Law Enforcement Officers to record the acts committed in breach of the
provisions of this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof. For this
purpose, they may issue the necessary violation reports and, where necessary,
seek the assistance of police personnel.
b.
The Executive Director may agree
with the officials in charge of the Concerned Entities to grant their employees
the law enforcement capacity to detect and record the acts committed in breach
of the provisions of this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof.
Such law enforcement capacity will be granted in accordance with the provisions
of the above-mentioned Law No. (19) of 2024 and the resolutions issued in
pursuance thereof.
Any
affected party may submit a written grievance to the Executive Director against
any decision, action, or measure taken against him under this Law or the
resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, within thirty (30) days from the date
of being notified of the contested decision, action, or measure. The grievance
will be determined, within fifteen (15) days from the date of its referral to
the committee formed by the Executive Director for this purpose. The decision
issued by the committee on the grievance will be final.
All
local entities in the Emirate must fully cooperate with the DLA and the
Concerned Entities, meet their requirements, and provide them with the data,
information, documents, statistics, studies, and reports they request and deem
necessary to enable the DLA to achieve its objectives and exercise its
functions under this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and other
legislation in force in the Emirate. These entities must also provide the DLA
with support and assistance whenever requested to do so.
The
DLA may, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and in accordance
with the legislation in force, outsource any of its functions or powers under
this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof to any of the Concerned
Entities, or any public or private entity, pursuant to an agreement concluded
with that entity for this purpose. This agreement will determine the rights and
obligations of the parties and the conditions and requirements with which the
contracted entity must comply when performing the functions outsourced to it by
the DLA.
Except
for the resolutions which the President is exclusively authorised to issue
under this Law, the Chairman of the Board of Directors will, subject to the approval
of the Board of Directors, issue the resolutions required for implementing the
provisions of this Law.
Any
provision in any other legislation is hereby repealed to the extent that it
conflicts with 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 6 June 2026
Corresponding to 20 Thu al-Hijjah 1447 A.H.
©2026
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.