Legislation Details
- Full Title: Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government
- Law Type: Cabinet Resolution
- Law Number: No. (79) of 2023
- Issued Date: 01 Jul 2023
- Effective Date: 01 Aug 2023
- Official Gazette: No. 756
- Sector: Labour, Residency and Professions
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 3
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Cabinet Resolution adopts the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government. The Code defines the ethical standards that federal government employees must adhere to in order to maintain public confidence, enhance integrity, prevent conflicts of interest, and protect the reputation of the UAE government. The Code emphasizes the shared responsibility between managers and employees to promote a culture of ethics and integrity. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Art. 1) The Code is important for businesses and individuals in the UAE as it sets clear expectations for the conduct of federal government employees. Adherence to the Code helps ensure the public service operates with professionalism, integrity, and in the best interests of the public. Violations of the Code can result in penalties for employees, contributing to a high-integrity public sector. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Final Provisions)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The purpose of this Cabinet Resolution is to adopt the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government. The Code defines the ethical standards that federal government employees must adhere to in order to maintain public confidence, enhance integrity, prevent conflicts of interest, and protect the reputation of the UAE government. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Art. 1) The Code applies to all employees of federal entities in the UAE. Federal entities may also issue their own detailed codes of professional conduct and ethics that are commensurate with the nature of their work. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Scope of Application)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The legislation does not provide any specific legal definitions. However, it does describe the role of a "public servant" under the Code:
- Public Servant: A public servant shall be a role model in their commitment to work ethics, embodiment of positive values, support and inspiration to others, and knowledge of local and global changes and developments, in a manner that enhances competitiveness and levels of performance. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Public Servant Form)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The main obligations under this Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics are: 1. Federal entities must consolidate institutional values and create a supportive work environment for employees. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Federal Entity) 2. Federal entities must raise awareness of the culture and principles of professional conduct and ethics, supervise enforcement of the Code, and disseminate it among employees. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Federal Entity) 3. Employees must read and adhere to the principles of professional conduct and ethics. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Employee) 4. Employees must inform their supervisor or HR department of any violations of the Code, immediately upon occurrence or knowledge thereof. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Employee) 5. Employees must cooperate in any accountability procedures related to the Code. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Employee)
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The legislation does not specify any particular authorities or bodies responsible for enforcement of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. It states that federal entities are responsible for: 1. Raising awareness of the culture and principles of professional conduct and ethics, supervising the enforcement of the Code, and disseminating it among employees. 2. Providing safe channels for reporting conduct inconsistent with the principles of professional conduct and ethics. 3. Conducting investigations of reported cases, while ensuring privacy and protection for the reporting employee. 4. Imposing penalties if an employee is proven to have violated the principles of professional conduct and ethics. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Federal Entity)
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The legislation does not specify any penalties for non-compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. It states that federal entities must impose penalties in the event an employee is proven to have violated the principles of professional conduct and ethics, as stipulated in the Human Resources Law, its Executive Regulation, and relevant laws and legislations. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Obligations of the Federal Entity)
When did this law come into effect?
This Cabinet Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force as of the day following the date of its publication, which was 31 July 2023. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Art. 3)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
This Cabinet Resolution repeals the previous Cabinet Resolution No. (15) of 2010 Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service. (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Art. 2) The new Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics is issued under the authority of the following legislation: - The Constitution of the UAE - Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 Concerning the Competence of Ministries and Powers of Ministers, and any amendments thereto - Federal Decree-Law No. (49) of 2022 Concerning Human Resources in the Federal Government (Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government, 2023, Preamble)
Source Documents
This article analyses Cabinet Resolution Adopting the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service in the Federal Government for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.