New UAE decree to increase accountability of ministers, officials

The UAE's President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has approved a new decree aimed at increasing the accountability of ministers and senior federal officials.

It allows the Public Prosecution to receive complaints against senior officials and refer them for investigation in coordination with the Cabinet.

Under the law, the UAE Attorney General can issue a travel ban or freeze the assets of the defendant if necessary.

The official can also be dismissed from service in case of administrative or financial violations.

"Transparency is our priority in UAE," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who shared the details on Twitter.

. @HHShkMohd: To enhance the accountability and transparency across the #UAE Federal Government, the UAE President has approved a decree governing accountability of minister and senior federal officials.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 31, 2021

. @HHShkMohd: The Public Prosecution will receive complaints against any senior official. They will be referred to investigation in coordination with the Cabinet.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 31, 2021

.@HHShkMohd: Public Prosecutor can ban any senior official from travel, freeze funds if needed, and senior officials can be dismissed for administrative& financial violations.We are a law-abiding country,the integrity and transparency of our federal government is a top priority.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 31, 2021