The United Arab Emirates has framed new legislation to increase transparency among its ministers and senior officials.
UAE Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced on Twitter that President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree law in this regard.
Sheikh Mohammed, also the prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said people could submit complaints — against ministers or senior officials who they feel are violating rules — to the public prosecution.
Those accused may see their travel permits revoked, and even assets frozen, he said, adding that anyone found guilty could also be relieved of their job.
He concluded: “Transparency is our priority in UAE. [sic]”
Read his tweets here:
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa issued a decree law on the accountability of ministers and senior officials. The Public Prosecution will receive complaints against senior officials and refer them to investigation, in collaboration with the UAE cabinet.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 31, 2021
Under the law, the UAE general prosecutor can issue a travel ban or freeze the assets of the defendant if necessary. The official can be dismissed from service in case of administrative or financial violations. Transparency is our priority in UAE.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 31, 2021
The UAE is currently ranked 21 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2020, as issued by global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
Having obtained a score of 71 out of a possible 100, it is well above most — if not all — the countries in the region in transparency on that count.