In Conjunction with "World Law Day", the Dubai Police General Head Quarters, in cooperation with the Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department, organised a seminar on "Government Claims" attended by His Excellency Dr. Lowai Mohammed Khalfan Belhoul, Director General of the Legal Affairs Department of Dubai Government, Major General Dr. Abdul Quddus Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Quality and Excellence, Brigadier Arif Abdul Rahim Ahli, Acting Director of Human Rights, Brigadier Ahmed Abdullah Shuhail, General Director of Police Judicial Council at Dubai Police, Mr. Salah Jassim Bin Kalban, Senior Legal Counsel and Director of Government Disputes & Claims Directorate at the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department and a number of officers and individuals from both sides.
Mr. Salah Jassim Bin Kalban welcomed the attendees and expressed his thanks to the Dubai Police General Head Quarters, stressing the importance of partnership and cooperation between both sides in enhancing efforts to achieve the goals and aspirations of the Emirate of Dubai and its government.
Mr Bin Kalban affirmed that thanks to the directives and visions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, law in the UAE is the basis for a successful investment climate that is founded on confidence in the rule of law where everyone is treated fairly and equally. This is what the Government of Dubai has been committed to, evidenced through legislation capable of keeping up with all the changes taking place in the Emirate and, its equitable and transparent rules and procedures in regulating the relationship between government and individuals. Therefore, we cherish the efforts of the organisers of this events and thank them for choosing "Government Claims" as a theme for it.
The Government Claims Law and the Law establishing the Department ensure the enactment of rules and procedures relating to government disputes which provide legal rights to individuals and institutions to file complaints against government entities. This reinforces the State's commitment both to the rule of law and, its responsibility to ensure the right to fair litigation for all, matching the goals of the Dubai 2021 Plan. More particularly the adoption of a reliable and transparent methodology in all laws, legislation and government regulations attaches great importance to the confidence of individuals and institutions as the benchmark for their performance.
Mr. Salah Bin Kalban closed his remarks by expressing a desire to hold more meetings of common interest in legal work to serve this country: that has become a global model in terms of the rule of law and sovereignty and called upon us to draw inspiration from the visions and directives of the UAE leaders to further elevate the status of our beloved country.
To foster a closer partnership
Major General Abdul Qudoos Al Obaidli, for his part, conveyed greetings from the Dubai Police Commander in Chief, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, and affirmed the Dubai Police and the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department's commitment to celebrate this event in a manner befitting the title of its theme "Government Claims", which was addressed to legal practitioners in the Government of Dubai entities. Major General Al Obaidli said that this seminar aimed to exchange knowledge and experience to achieve pioneering and excellence in government legal work. He explained that the law is intended to achieve integrity and discipline for the benefit of society as a whole and to preserve a cohesive society proud of its identity. "However, this can only be achieved by hard work and dedication", he stressed.
Major General Al Obaidli added that it was hoped this seminar cemented the strategic partnership between government entities, as Dubai Police, consistent with the aspirations of the insightful leadership, strives to open new channels of communication between government entities, thus increasing the achievements of such entities and contributing to ensure prosperity and welfare for our country and citizens.
This of course stems from the inspirational statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "Our country is a country of justice, law and equality". In support of this vision, agreements and memorandums of understanding between government entities have been concluded, which should bring benefits to all institutions, reflecting positively on the clients of these entities.
He stressed that Dubai Police does not only conclude agreements, but constantly seeks to educate people on laws and the role of everyone in dealing with them. To this end, Dubai Police held awareness seminars and community security initiatives such as "The Ideal Family for a Safe Society" initiative, and had established security units in schools in the Emirate of Dubai as well as many other initiatives that are perfectly aligned with the Government's strategy to provide a safe and happy environment. He also praised the significant role of the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, which works tirelessly to provide innovative government services that are commensurate with the world best practices, serve the public interest and ensure customer happiness.
Major themes of the seminar:
The seminar centered around four main themes.
The first and second themes tackled the duties and functions of the Department, the provisions of the Government Claims Law and its philosophy and the procedures to be followed in the event of filing claims against government entities. Further, the Government Claims Law contains provisions governing the procedures for litigation related to claims filed against government entities as well as the procedures related to the implementation of judgments issued against these entities.
In this part of the seminar, it was also explained that the law aimed to make it easy for individuals to resolve their disputes with government entities in the Emirate, which will make justice more tangible to members of the community.
In the third theme, which centered on the amicable settlement of disputes, it was highlighted that this process also takes the burden off disputing parties and judicial authorities alike.
The fourth theme was devoted to the administration of government claims.
At the end of the event, the two sides exchanged commemorative plaques and thanked the organisers and attendees of the seminar.
