Dubai: Introduces Workforce Performance Measurement System

Gulf News, 29 September 2025: Dubai has launched a new workforce productivity measurement system across its government departments, to be implemented in phases under the supervision of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The initiative, established by Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 67/2025, introduces three key implementation phases. The first phase will focus on measuring service delivery against workforce size, analysing total salary costs, assessing actual working hours, and collecting related performance data. This will be followed by a second phase involving analysis of initial results, development of efficiency initiatives, and implementation of service improvements. The final phase will concentrate on system evaluation and performance assessment.

The resolution assigns specific responsibilities to government bodies. The Executive Council’s General Secretariat will identify and classify government services, provide technical support, and approve performance indicators.

The DGHR’s duties encompass system management and supervision, preparation of procedural guides, development of productivity indicators, and coordination with the finance department on budgets.

All government departments must follow prescribed timelines, provide workforce and budget data, submit regular performance reports, and implement recommended efficiency measures as part of their obligations under the new system.

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Dubai: Introduces Direct Debit System for Property Service Charges

Khaleej Times, 18 September 2025: Dubai property owners can now pay their community service charges through the UAE Central Bank’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS), offering an automated alternative to traditional payment methods.

The new system allows homeowners to set up recurring payments directly from their bank accounts or via credit and debit cards.

The paperless payment system operates under the UAE Central Bank’s regulatory framework, eliminating the need for cheques and physical documentation.

Property owners can access the service through Itihad Community Management, which has integrated the Central Bank’s direct debit infrastructure into its payment systems.

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Dubai: Sets New Building Design Standards for National Housing

Emarat Al Youm, 15 September 2025: Dubai Municipality has introduced three key structural requirements for the design of nationals’ villas, whilst taking action against engineering firms found in violation of building codes.

The new standards mandate compliance with the Dubai Building Code and approved engineering standards, require a balance between structural safety and economic cost, and specify the use of building materials only as required without excess.

The municipality recently issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after detecting professional malpractices involving excessive structural designs for nationals’ villas. These practices were found to conflict with Dubai Building Code requirements and led to unjustified increases in construction costs.

The main violation involved over-engineering of structural designs, with excessive use of steel reinforcement and concrete without engineering justification. The municipality identified these violations through both design reviews and on-site inspections.

Officials noted that some designs included unnecessary reinforcement and oversized structural elements that increased costs for homeowners without technical necessity.

The municipality has warned consulting offices to avoid these practices to prevent negative annual evaluations and potential disciplinary measures under applicable regulations.

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Dubai: Introduces New Tourist Transport Regulations

Emarat Al Youm, 9 September 2025: Dubai’s transport authorities have unveiled new executive regulations governing tourist transportation services across the emirate, implemented through Dubai Administrative Decision No. 97/2025.

The comprehensive regulations establish new licensing requirements for tourist transport operators and vehicles. Under the new framework, authorities will oversee the issuance and renewal of permits for tourist transport establishments, vehicle registration, and professional licences for tourist transport drivers.

Key measures include:

• Mandatory licensing for all tourist transport facilities
• New vehicle registration requirements for tourist transport vehicles
• Professional certification requirements for drivers
• Streamlined application processes through authorised service centres.

The regulations create a standardised system for managing tourist transportation services across Dubai. Applications for permits and licences must be submitted through official service centres and channels designated by the transport authority.

The new regulatory framework assigns responsibility for oversight and compliance monitoring to the transport authority, which will manage all aspects of licensing and registration for the tourist transport sector.

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Dubai: Law on Centre for Judicial Expertise

Khaleej Times, 25 August 2025: A law has been issued to establish Dubai’s Centre for Judicial Expertise

Dubai’s Centre for Judicial Expertise will be a public institution under the Dubai Judicial Council. It aims to support judicial bodies in the emirate with qualified experts from inside and outside the UAE. The Centre, which will enjoy legal personality, will develop and regulate expert witness services before judicial authorities and enhance their efficiency in line with international best practices. It will improve the quality and speed of expert reports for more accurate rulings, develop specialised national talent, setting unified standards for appointing and supervising experts, and build local and international partnerships to share knowledge, which will boost confidence in expert work before the courts.

The Centre will consist of a Board of Directors chaired by the Director of Dubai Courts and composed of representatives from judicial and non-judicial bodies with relevant expertise, along with an executive body led by a CEO responsible for implementing plans and programmes.

It will handle requests for expert appointments submitted by judicial authorities and will assign specialised experts based on the required expertise—either from in-house experts or private-sector experts registered on the expert roster. The Centre may also call upon experts from government entities or engage global expertise houses when required.

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