UAE Says No To Corruption

Analysis

Although crimes that constitute corruption are already penalised under existing UAE law (the UAE Federal Penal Code contains anti-bribery provisions and the Federal Human Resources Law also contains relevant provisions), the UAE government has recognised a need for specific and up-to-date anti-corruption legislation.

During the Abu Dhabi Executive Council meeting held on 7 May 2015, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, gave a directive establishing a new anti-corruption unit to focus on combatting corruption, reflecting the UAE government's commitment to corporate governance, transparency and accountability and taking the UAE a step closer to a new anti-corruption law.

Corruption and its impact

Corruption may be defined as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain” (Transparency International (www.transparency.org)), which includes private sector corruption as well as corruption by public officials.