The Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Court of Arbitration, in a step aimed at strengthening cooperation, exchanging legal expertise, and supporting efforts to develop professional practices in the fields of law, arbitration, and dispute resolution.
 

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal by Counselor / Zayed Saeed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, while Counselor / Farouk Sultan, Chairman of the Board of the Arab Court of Arbitration and former President of the Constitutional Court, signed on behalf of the Court.
 

The MoU reflects both parties’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnerships in the legal and arbitration fields and opening new avenues for knowledge and expertise exchange. It also provides for the development of joint initiatives and programmes that contribute to enhancing the professional capabilities of lawyers and legal practitioners, as well as raising awareness of the importance of arbitration as an effective means of dispute resolution.
 

The MoU also aims to enhance communication and coordination between legal institutions and arbitration bodies, thereby supporting the development of the legal environment, keeping pace with developments in arbitration and dispute resolution, and advancing professional practices in accordance with the highest standards.
 

This step reflects the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal’ commitment to expanding its partnerships with specialised legal institutions in a manner that serves its members, supports the advancement of the legal sector, and reinforces the role of the legal profession in upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
 

The Association reaffirms its commitment to continuing its efforts to establish effective strategic partnerships with relevant institutions and entities, contributing to its objectives of supporting lawyers and legal professionals, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and advancing the legal and arbitration systems.

The session aimed to exchange ideas and perspectives on the Association’s future priorities and discuss proposed initiatives and projects that would support the achievement of its strategic objectives, strengthen its role in serving lawyers and legal professionals, and advance professional practices in line with developments in the legal sector in the United Arab Emirates.

The session also focused on exploring opportunities for development and improvement across the Association’s various areas of work, identifying pathways to enhance institutional efficiency, improve professional services and initiatives, and expand communication and cooperation with relevant entities. These efforts aim to achieve sustainable outcomes that meet the aspirations of the Association’s members and those working in the legal sector.

This session forms part of the Association’s commitment to fostering a culture of strategic planning and collaborative work, while drawing on ideas and proposals to formulate a clear operational plan with defined priorities, objectives, and initiatives. This approach will contribute to improving institutional performance and enhancing the effectiveness of the programmes and services provided by the Association in the coming phase.

The session highlighted the importance of continuing to work as one team and aligning perspectives on future priorities, thereby strengthening the Association’s standing and its role in supporting the legal profession and contributing to the development of the legal sector in the UAE.

The outcomes of the session are expected to serve as an important foundation for completing the development of the 2027–2030 operational plan and translating the proposed directions and ideas into practical initiatives and programmes that support the Association’s continued progress towards institutional development and excellence.

Representing the Association at the council were H.E. Legal Consultant Hassan Mattar Al Riyami, Vice Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, and Lawyer Adel Fakher, Board Member and Head of the Media Centre. The Association’s participation reflects its commitment to fulfilling its professional and institutional role and contributing actively to initiatives and forums that support the development of the legal profession and strengthen cooperation and integration with the relevant judicial sector entities.
 

The council featured a presentation on the “Smart Lawyer” platform, highlighting its digital solutions and technological capabilities designed to streamline procedures and enhance the efficiency of services provided to lawyers and legal consultants. The council also reviewed the “Zero Government Bureaucracy” initiative, which aims to simplify procedures, reduce requirements, and improve the customer experience, in line with the UAE’s vision for government development and accelerated digital transformation.
 

The Association’s participation underscores the importance of continued coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Justice to support the development of the legal working environment, enhance the quality and efficiency of judicial services, and keep pace with technological and administrative developments across the sector. It also reinforces a culture of innovation and professional excellence, meeting the aspirations of lawyers and legal consultants while supporting the sustainable development of the justice system in the United Arab Emirates.
 

The Emirates Lawyers Association commends the Ministry of Justice for organizing these professional councils, which serve as an effective platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and direct engagement with legal practitioners. These forums contribute to aligning perspectives, strengthening integration among relevant entities, and opening broader avenues for cooperation to advance legal practice and further develop the justice system in the UAE.

Legal Consultant and Community Empowerment Specialist
Trainer in Legal Protection for Families and Communities
Writer on Social and Family Issues

The recent legislative amendments represent a fundamental shift in legal philosophy, moving away from the traditional punitive framework towards a humane, preventive, and rehabilitative approach that recognizes psychological and social dimensions as essential elements of justice and community stability.

First: The Psychological Dimension

1. Removing Stigma and Encouraging Treatment (Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide)

The decriminalization of attempted suicide represents a fundamental shift from treating an individual as an “accused person” to recognizing them as “a person experiencing an acute psychological crisis who needs care.” This change breaks down the barriers of fear and social stigma, giving individuals in distress a greater sense of safety and encouraging them to seek early medical and psychological assistance without fear of legal punishment or public disgrace.

2. Recognizing Psychological and Cognitive Vulnerability (Individuals Under 18 and Those Lacking Mental Capacity)

Strengthening legal protection for these groups takes into account the incomplete emotional and cognitive development of young people, as well as the impaired ability to distinguish or make sound judgments among individuals who lack mental capacity. Psychologically, these groups are particularly vulnerable to influence, manipulation, exploitation, and being drawn into actions driven by pressure or impulsivity.

3. Encouraging Moral Reconsideration (Exempting an Instigator or Accomplice Who Intervenes to Prevent Death)

This provision draws on the psychological impulse to reconsider one's actions and make amends at the last moment. Providing a legal avenue for exemption from punishment encourages individuals to act on their psychological and moral sense of responsibility and to save the victim's life, rather than continuing with the crime out of fear that punishment is inevitable.

Second: The Social Dimension

1. Safeguarding the Public Interest and Maintaining Social Deterrence (When the Victim's Heirs Grant Pardon)

Imposing a sentence of 15 to 20 years despite a pardon granted by the victim's heirs protects society against the perception that offenders can escape punishment. From a social perspective, this provision balances the families' private rights with society's public interest in maintaining a sense of security. It also helps limit family, social, or financial pressure, including coercion to accept blood money (diyah) or grant a pardon.

2. Addressing Emerging Criminal Behaviors (Penalties for Incitement and Assistance)

In light of the widespread use of social media and the emergence of phenomena such as cyberbullying and dangerous online challenges, the graduated penalties—including those applicable to intentional killing when an individual incites or assists another person to die by suicide—constitute a strong safeguard for society. This approach raises public awareness of the dangers of manipulating others or exploiting their psychological vulnerability.

3. Strengthening Solidarity and Family Response

When attempts to die by suicide are addressed through a healthcare and preventive approach rather than a punitive legal lens, families are more likely to intervene early and support their children instead of concealing psychological difficulties or fearing legal consequences. This, in turn, strengthens family cohesion and stability.

Conclusion

These amendments embody a comprehensive vision that goes beyond merely enforcing the law. They seek to build a psychological and social safety net that protects vulnerable groups and addresses the underlying psychological causes of problems rather than focusing solely on their consequences.

The session featured specialized discussions addressing the latest legislative developments relating to the legal capacity of minors in the United Arab Emirates, their implications for legal practice and practical applications, as well as a review of a number of legal issues related to the rights and protection of minors in light of developments in the UAE legal framework.
 

The session highlighted the importance of keeping pace with legal and legislative developments and promoting specialized dialogue among legal professionals and experts, thereby contributing to greater legal awareness and the exchange of expertise and practical experiences.
 

The event also witnessed active engagement from attendees through discussions and interventions that enriched the session’s topics and addressed a number of perspectives and questions concerning the practical aspects of minors’ legal capacity and its legal implications.
 

At the conclusion of the event, the speakers and sponsors were honored in recognition of their participation and contributions to the success of the session, as well as their support for legal activities and initiatives aimed at promoting knowledge and strengthening professional engagement among specialists.
 

The session forms part of the Emirates Lawyers Association’s commitment to organizing specialized events and forums that keep pace with legal and legislative developments and provide a platform for dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, serving the legal community and supporting the ongoing development of the UAE’s legislative framework.

Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Denmark, the conference serves as an international platform bringing together legal professionals to discuss the latest developments and trends in the legal profession, exchange professional knowledge and expertise, and address a range of international legal issues and challenges of common interest.
 

Among the participants from the United Arab Emirates is Ms. Marwa Mokhtar Gharib, a lawyer and member of the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal, alongside a distinguished group of lawyers and legal professionals from around the world. Her participation reflects the active presence of Emirati legal professionals at prominent international legal forums and conferences.
 

This participation underscores the importance of the UAE’s presence at international legal events and contributes to strengthening communication and the exchange of knowledge and expertise among lawyers and legal professionals from different countries. It also provides an opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments, trends, and practices in the legal and professional fields.
 

The participation of UAE legal professionals in such international events also contributes to strengthening professional relations and cooperation with international legal institutions and organizations, creating broader opportunities for knowledge exchange and building bridges with the global legal community. It further highlights the growing presence of Emirati lawyers in international legal forums.
 

The IBA Annual Conference is regarded as one of the leading international gatherings of the global legal community. It brings together lawyers, legal practitioners, academics, and professionals from various areas of law, providing an important platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise, discussing emerging legal developments, and fostering international cooperation within the legal profession.