New Decree Enhances Judicial Appointments and Employee Rights in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Decree No. (49) of 2024, which governs the appointment of Dubai Government employees to positions within the emirate’s judicial authorities. The decree aims to attract national talent for these roles while ensuring that employees' legal statuses, rights, and financial entitlements are protected during their training at the Dubai Judicial Institute.

The training provided by the Institute includes the Judicial and Legal Studies Programme for judges and the Diploma in Legal and Judicial Sciences for Public Prosecutors. Importantly, the decree allows employees to retain their current positions in their government entities while undergoing training.

The provisions of this decree apply to eligible civilian and military employees within government entities, in accordance with human resources regulations outlined in Law No. (6) of 2012 for local military personnel and Law No. (8) of 2018 for Dubai Government employees. However, Directors General governed by Law No. (8) of 2013 and CEOs governed by Law No. (8) of 2021 are exempt from these provisions.

The decree specifies employees' rights during their training, including the receipt of their full monthly salary, although allowances and additional benefits are excluded. It also sets forth conditions for granting training leave, requiring participants to be UAE nationals who meet the admission criteria as stipulated in Law No. (13) of 2016 regarding judicial authorities in Dubai.

Employees enrolled in the training program must adhere to the regulations and guidelines established by the Dubai Judicial Institute. Upon successful completion of the program and subsequent appointment by the Judicial Council, they are obligated to serve in one of the judicial authorities for a minimum of five years, unless the Council waives or reduces this requirement.

Should an employee fail to fulfill this commitment, they will be required to repay all salaries received during the training period. The decree also outlines additional obligations set by the Judicial Council and the conditions under which salary repayment may be mandated.

In cases where an employee does not complete or meet the training program requirements, they will retain their previous position in their government entity prior to enrollment.

This decree takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette.

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