The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) confirmed that the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law promulgated by Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021 starts a new stage of comprehensive digital transformation in the UAE. The new law enhances the digital economy and consolidates the UAE’s position to become one of the leading countries in providing digital services. It will accelerate the achievement of national goals and indicators such as the Online Services Index (OSI), Ease of Doing Business Index, the Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index, the Global Competitiveness Index as well as innovation indices.
H.E. Talal Humaid Belhoul, chairman of TDRA’s board of directors said, “The issuance of the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law comes into effect at an important stage in the history of our country, as we celebrate the golden jubilee of the UAE. In this stage, we start a new chapter towards the UAE Centennial 2071 by enhancing digital transformation that impacts the economy, society, and the whole life in the UAE. Amid the rapid transformations and the 4th Industrial Revolution, the UAE confirms by this law that it not only keeps pace with the changes but also anticipates the future based on a comprehensive and long-term vision.”
He added, “The UAE has the best infrastructure, advanced technologies, and accumulated experience in using and employing emerging technologies to serve the economy and society. This law is complementary to the efforts of transforming the UAE into a digital nation characterized by a strong partnership among various sectors.”
Meanwhile, H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, director general of the telecommunications and digital government regulatory authority, said, “The issuance of the decree-law on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services, marks a start of a new stage in the process of comprehensive digital transformation in the UAE. This law deals with many details of the daily life of the various segments of society, including individuals and companies. It will have a good impact on the higher goals of the country in terms of promoting the digital economy and consolidating the global reputation of the UAE as an investment hub.”
H.E. major general Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, acting director general of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) said, “In the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, we work with various partners to support entities, institutions, and members of society with all electronic data and records related to personal identity verification. This law will enhance the flexibility of concluding and implementing various digital transactions at the national and international levels. These efforts are aimed to enhance the UAE’s position globally and help the UAE government achieve its objectives to employ technology for the benefit of humans within a framework of well-established legal legislations and executive regulations.”
The Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law boosts the legal value of digital signature to be supported by safe modern technologies. It will have the full legal authority to be accepted as if it is a handwritten signature. The new law enhances the facilitation of licensing processes based on new services that support digital transactions. It allows many civil and commercial transactions, such as marriage, personal status, and notary public, and real estate transactions such as renting, buying, selling, and contract modification. It will increase the effectiveness of judicial procedures and the settlement of civil and commercial disputes. It will facilitate acceptance, creation, or maintaining files in electronic records.
