The Government of Dubai of Legal Affairs Department held its third virtual law conference entitled (Legal Regulation of the Metaverse) which discussed opportunities for developing law practice and legislative requirements related to augmented virtual reality applications, with the participation of (2023) participants, from local and federal government entities, law firms, law practitioners working in the UAE, in addition to law students.
The Conference discussed mechanisms for dealing with the implications of the technological revolution for the legal sector and its future, and related challenges, technical, and legislative requirements to ensure the practice of law in a safe virtual environment that responds to changes and meets expectations in this vital sector that is closely related not only to society but also to investment in the Emirate of Dubai.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr. Lowai Mohamed Belhoul, Director General of the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, stated that the Department is an integral part of a leading government which adopts all requisites for development and progress, and taking part in shaping the future. His Excellency added that Department is fully committed to being supportive of the government digital economy in line with the directives and visions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and close follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
His Excellency Dr. Belhoul pointed out that the world is facing a new challenge related to the future, in which we are moving from physical reality to augmented virtual reality, through sophisticated digital technologies making the world a borderless space offering working environments identical to the physical world. Technology is no more a mere tool for doing business, it is rather a real space where tasks are exercised, and unlimited platforms where countries can invest in various fields.
His Excellency Dr. Belhoul explained that the response to augmented virtual reality and its open spaces, brings with them legitimate questions about privacy, the ability to provide a safe environment for users of these technologies, and legislative changes, and the creation of an appropriate infrastructure that accommodates the implications of this transformation together with its applications, especially in government legal work.
Conference Sessions
The conference kicked off with a speech by Mr. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager for Microsoft UAE. Microsoft is considered as an effective and strategic partner in digital transformation occurring in the Emirate of Dubai. Mr. Yazbeck highlighted the role Microsoft plays through its technical programmes and projects in enhancing the entry of individuals and companies to the world of Metaverse. In addition, Mr. Khaled El Shabrawy, Government and Smart City Lead at Microsoft UAE, provided a presentation on the Metaverse from the perspective of Microsoft.
On legal issues of the Metaverse, Dr. Juma Obaid AlFalasi, Director of the Advocates and Consultants Affairs Directorate of the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department discussed the legislative requirements for regulating the use of the Metaverse, and for providing legal services in augmented and virtual reality, and suggested appropriate means to ensure compliance with laws when using Metaverse platforms, as well as protecting personal data and privacy of its users.
In a presentation on the legal profession and the Metaverse, Dr. Alexander Brixendorf discussed the future of the advocacy and legal consultancy profession and its requirements in the Metaverse, given that this profession is closely linked to society and should therefore be responsive to all technological and socioeconomical transformations taking place.
Dr. Bashar Malkawi, Head of Research and Publication Section of the Department, addressed, in a presentation entitled "Metaverse and Protection of Copyright in the UAE", the legislation governing the protection of copyright, namely Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2021 on Copyright and Related Rights, which included provisions that can be transplanted for use in the Metaverse, such as protecting computer software, licensing or transferring of copyright, and other legal provisions. These will consolidate the UAE's position as a global cultural hub.
Legal Counsel Richard Stevens, Director of Media, Communication and Information Technology Contracts Section of the Department, presented the procedures that can be applied in government contracts and agreements involving the use of Metaverse, especially with many investment sectors using augmented virtual reality, and the legal provisions required to enter into such contracts and agreements.
On her part, Legal Counsel Rasha Al-Ardah, from Al-Tamimi & Associates Advocates and Legal Consultants, tackled in her presentation the different legislations needed and virtual reality technologies, in light of UAE's efforts to keep pace with the latest developments in the area of digital transformation.
Legal Counsel Nasir Khamlichi, Head of the Professional Development and Training Section of the Department, shed light in his presentation on the future of learning in the Metaverse, and pointed out that shaping the future in the UAE is a national responsibility, which can be enhanced through legislation regulating all developments taking place on the ground. This is further reinforced by well-defined methodologies of learning, expertise and know-how, particularly in the professional development of legal professionals.
Mr. Paprita Mohan Mishra discussed ownership of virtual assets and their different forms which are regulated by law, and proprietary rights that arise along the Metaverse, pointing out that the surge in the spread of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) reflects the high demand for simulating private ownership that has always been in existence in the physical world.
Mr. Victor Siriani addressed legal issued related to intellectual property rights in Metaverse, including enforcement of trademark rights, infringement claims, and patent protection that falls within the Metaverse world, that require legislation guaranteeing the rights of users in this new virtual world.
Legal Counsel Tarek Saeed, Head of the Government Claims Section at the Department, made a presentation on money laundering and the Metaverse, in which he discussed the UAE's endeavors to combat money laundering through a set of regulations intended to eliminate that crime and support judicial and supervisory bodies to curb relevant illegal activities committed in violation of UAE's legislation.
Honoring Partners
On the sidelines of the Law Conference, and as part of its keenness to entrench joint institutional work, the Department honored its strategic and key partners who support its aspirations to achieve its vision, strategy and projects in developing legal work in the Emirate of Dubai. The Department honored many employees of external entities, advocates and legal consultants who provided voluntary legal advice to members of the public through the Pro Bono Legal Services Smart Platform.
