Abu Dhabi Chamber legislation committee sees 233% surge in legislative referrals
The Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Committee for the Review of Government Laws and Legislation recorded significant growth in its workload and legislative impact during the first half of 2026, strengthening its role in representing the private sector and supporting a competitive, business-friendly regulatory environment.
The Committee handled 40 legislative and regulatory referrals during the period, compared with 12 in the first half of 2025, an increase of approximately 233 percent.
Of these, 70 percent were examined at the initial review stage, while 30 percent proceeded to further rounds of review, reflecting the Committee’s continued involvement in shaping legislative initiatives.
It also submitted recommendations aimed at strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks, improving governance, refining procedures and penalties, and balancing regulatory objectives with private-sector requirements.
The Committee reviews draft laws, regulations and resolutions, assesses existing legislation and coordinates with government entities, private-sector representatives, sectoral committees and specialised working groups to develop recommendations and policy proposals.
Its work covered areas including commercial companies, non-profit organisations, family businesses, share and ownership structures, company transitions between free zones and the mainland, electronic commercial records and data, auctions, consumer protection, anti-commercial fraud measures, real estate, higher education and scientific research.
Several legislative files underwent multiple rounds of review, particularly those related to share classes and ownership structures, company transitions between free zones and the mainland, non-profit organisations and consumer protection.
Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Head of the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Committee for the Review of Government Laws and Legislation, said, “The results achieved during the first half of 2026 reflect the Committee’s growing role and expanding responsibilities. Our success is measured not only by the number of legislative proposals we review, but also by our ability to represent the voice of the private sector, enhance the quality of legislation, and contribute to the development of a more agile, efficient and competitive business environment.”
He added, “The marked growth in legislative referrals, together with the expansion of review and follow-up processes, underscores the Committee’s transformation into a strategic institutional partner in shaping economic legislation.”
Al Dhaheri said the Committee seeks to foster early and constructive dialogue between the business community and government entities to support investment and sustainable business growth.
The Committee also continued its work on strengthening the legislative environment for family businesses by reviewing relevant legislation and recommending stronger family dispute resolution mechanisms, while supporting implementation of the UAE Family Businesses Law.
Its efforts included supporting the establishment of family business dispute resolution committees in Abu Dhabi, promoting mediation and arbitration, and backing initiatives to establish a Family Business Council to enhance the sustainability and continuity of family-owned enterprises across generations.
The Committee’s work reflects an expansion of its role beyond reviewing legislation to advocating for private-sector interests, developing policy recommendations, engaging stakeholders and following legislative proposals through different stages of review.
Through these efforts, Abu Dhabi Chamber continues to support the development of a more resilient, efficient and business-friendly legislative ecosystem that enhances ease of doing business and Abu Dhabi’s economic competitiveness.
The Committee comprises business leaders and specialists in legal, economic and related fields, enabling it to assess draft legislation from a practical perspective reflecting the needs of Abu Dhabi’s business community.
It is chaired by Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, with Khaled Abdulkarim Al Fahim serving as Vice Chairman. Members include Marwa Abdullah Al Mansoori, Borkan Khalifa, Faraj Ahnish, Saif Mohamed Hassan, Ziad Salloum, Qussai Hjjiri and Fatima Abdulla Balfaqeeh.
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