Law No. (6) of 2001

Concerning the

Geographic Information Systems Centre of the Dubai Municipality^{^[1]}

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

To ensure standardisation and integration of geographic information in the Emirate of Dubai; and

Based on the presentation of His Highness the Chairman of the Dubai Municipality,

Do hereby issue this Law.

Article (1)

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.
DM:	The Dubai Municipality.
GISC:	The Geographic Information Systems Centre of the DM.
Geographic Data and Information:	Geo-referenced spatial dimension information (spatial coordinates).
Digital Information:	Electronic maps or plans shown in pixels (raster) as in aerial pictures, or shown as lines or polygons (vector) as in topographical information.
Descriptive Information:	Texts, symbols, or numbers showing the properties of Digital Information.

Article (2)

The GISC is hereby approved as the sole official source of the following:

1. compiling basic and detailed Geographical Data and Information of the Emirate, whether it is Digital Information or Descriptive Information, from the various local government departments, public authorities and corporations, persons, and companies operating in the Emirate. In this capacity, the GISC will be responsible for the protection, maintenance, and classification of such data and information; and for establishing the technical rules regulating its relationship with the aforementioned entities in respect of all the matters relating to such information and data, in agreement and cooperation between the GISC and these entities; and

2. providing Geographical Data and Information (within the scope of the agreements and memoranda of understanding concluded between the GISC and the entities by which such information and data are issued) to any entity wishing to avail of such information and data. This includes digital and descriptive data, such as corrected aerial images; satellite images; three-dimensional digital models; topographic and geodetic information; urban planning information; construction legislation; titling information; and information on road, sewage, irrigation, electricity, water, and telephone networks and other public services and utilities.

Article (3)

The entities referred to in the preceding Article are hereby required to provide the GISC, electronically and using the most advanced technological means available, with the Digital Information, Descriptive Information, and digital and descriptive data relating to the geographic information systems adopted by and available to these entities, or those created or developed by them.

Article (4)

Without prejudice to each entity's ownership of the data and information it creates, the data and information product that is technically organised by the GISC will constitute an integrated unit owned by the DM. The product may not be used by any entity for any purpose other than that for which it is provided. No entity may make any alteration or addition to the product without obtaining the relevant authorisation from the DM.

Article (5)

The provisions of this Law do not apply to photography and map drawing projects and works relating to the security and defence requirements of the Armed Forces.

Article (6)

Without prejudice to any penalty stipulated in any other law,

a. any person who uses the Geographic Data and Information for other than their intended purposes; makes any changes, alterations, or additions to the same; or sells, distributes, prints, or publishes any such data or information, without obtaining the relevant authorisation from the DM, will be punished by imprisonment or a fine not exceeding thirty thousand dirhams (AED 30,000.00), or by both penalties; and

b. the convicted person will also be sentenced to a supplementary penalty that is commensurate with the severity of damage caused by the offence. The amount of the penalty will be paid to the DM.

Article (7)

The Director General of the DM will issue the implementing bylaw of this Law.

Article (8)

The Order Approving the Survey Section of the Dubai Municipality as the Source of Geographic and Survey Information in the Emirate of Dubai, issued on 26 July 1997, is hereby repealed.

Article (9)

This Law comes into force on the day on which it is issued, and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Ruler of Dubai

Issued in Dubai on 16 July 2001

Corresponding to 25 Rabi al-Thani 1442 A.H.

[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.