Dubai Legislative Body Stresses Need for Constitutionally Sound Lawmaking

The General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (SLC) has organised a specialised workshop titled “Formal and Substantive Aspects of Legislation” to enhance the legislative capabilities of legal professionals across government entities. Led by Dr. Faisal Al Omari, Legal Advisor at the SLC, the session was held remotely via video conference.

The workshop explored a wide range of themes, including the concept, purpose and significance of legislation, the mandatory formal procedures required when preparing federal and local laws, and the implications of failing to comply with these requirements. Participants were also briefed on the substantive elements of legislative drafting, the joint importance of formal and substantive review, and landmark cases in which laws were deemed unconstitutional due to procedural or substantive defects.

H.E. Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, Secretary General of the SLC, reaffirmed the Committee’s ongoing commitment to developing the legal expertise of professionals within the Dubai Government. He emphasised that the SLC aims to build a legislative system that aligns with national and emirate-level priorities, keeps pace with emerging developments, and anticipates future needs. Bin Meshar stressed that a sound understanding of both the formal and substantive dimensions of drafting is essential for producing comprehensive, coherent and error-free legislation that is consistent with prevailing federal and local frameworks. This integrated approach, he noted, strengthens clarity, enhances adaptability and improves interpretability.

Dr. Faisal Al Omari highlighted the central role of legislation in defining the relationship between the State and individuals. He explained that effective legislative development goes beyond drafting text or shaping its external form; it requires embedding principles, values and societal aspirations that promote justice, stability and security.

He added that adopting a broad and methodical approach to drafting supports effective interpretation and simplifies implementation. Dr. Al Omari underscored the need to comply with formal drafting requirements, noting that procedural accuracy is as important as the substance of the law. He pointed out that the SLC’s drafting methodology emphasises precision and clarity, ensures alignment with Dubai’s strategic direction, maintains consistency with federal legislation, and incorporates feedback gathered during the legislative review process.

Participants were provided with a detailed overview of the SLC’s legislative procedures and stages, in addition to the substantive qualities required for drafting high-quality legislation. The workshop also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between form and substance so that neither dimension undermines the integrity of the legislative process.

The session forms part of a broader series of workshops organised by the SLC’s General Secretariat to strengthen legislative culture and promote awareness of the importance of coherence, adaptability and comprehensiveness in Dubai’s legislative ecosystem.

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