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General UAE Legal Questions LawLaw No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library

Dubai Law·14 of 2016

Issued Date
November 1, 2016
Effective from
November 1, 2016
Articles
21
Last synced
Jul 20, 2026
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Plain-language summary

Establishes the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library as an independent foundation with a Board of Directors and executive body.

Synced from the official UAE Legislation portal · Plain-language summary by the LEXAI editorial team

Article-level text

Key Articles

21 articles

  1. 1

    Title of the Law: the Law

    Article 1

    Article (1) This Law will be cited as “Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library”. ©2019 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai 1Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 2 of 11 Definitions

  2. 2

    Title of the Law: the Law

    Article 2

    Article (2) The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Law, will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise: UAE: The United Arab Emirates. Emirate: The Emirate of Dubai. Ruler: His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. Government: The Government of Dubai. MBRGI: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation. MBRL: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library. MBRLF: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation. Board of Directors: The board of directors of the MBRLF. Chairman: The chairman of the Board of Directors. CEO: The chief executive officer of the MBRLF. Establishment of the MBRL

  3. 3

    Article 3

    Article (3) Pursuant to this Law, the following are established in the Emirate: a. a library named the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library”; and b. a public foundation named the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation”, which will be responsible for supervising the MBRL; and will have legal personality, and the legal capacity required to undertake the acts and dispositions that ensure the achievement of the objectives of the MBRL. The MBRLF is hereby deemed a Concerned Entity, as defined by the above-mentioned Law No. (33) of 2015.

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 3 of 11 Head Office of the MBRLF

  4. 4

    Article 4

    Article (4) The head office of the MBRLF will be located in the city of Dubai. Other branches of the MBRLF may be established within and outside of the Emirate pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors. Objectives of the MBRL

  5. 5

    Article 5

    Article (5) The MBRL will have the following objectives: 1. to support and enhance the UAE overall strategy for the cultural and knowledge sectors; 2. to promote knowledge culture in the Arab world by developing a knowledge, academic, and cultural hub in accordance with the best international experiences and practices; 3. to provide print, audio, visual, and electronic resources of the MBRL; and to make the same accessible to all peoples of the world; 4. to instil the passion for knowledge, culture, and learning in children and future generations; 5. to provide a platform for literary writers, intellectuals, translators, and researchers of various nationalities and cultures from around the world; and 6. to contribute to the Arabic language preservation and enrichment, and to promote the intellectual production and the Arabic and translated literary works of authors, literary writers, and promising amateur writers in all fields of science and arts. Functions of the MBRLF

  6. 6

    Article 6

    Article (6) The MBRLF will undertake the general supervision of the MBRL and will exercise the duties and powers required to achieve the objectives of the MBRL. In particular, the MBRLF will have the duties and powers to:

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 4 of 11 1. devise, and follow up the implementation of, the general policy and strategic plans required for the achievement of the objectives of the MBRL; 2. devise comprehensive strategic plans to implement the cultural and knowledge vision of the MBRL, and raise the community awareness of that vision at the local, Arab, and international levels; 3. operate the MBRL and its various facilities; and promote it locally, regionally, and internationally; 4. devise means to develop and disseminate content knowledge; 5. coordinate with Government Entities, and with regional and international entities, in all areas related to the work of the MBRLF; 6. hold and participate in conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and workshops, and issue periodic reports, in cooperation with the Concerned Entities and with regional and international organisations in fields related to the work of the MBRLF; 7. organise cultural campaigns, festivals, events, and activities that promote reading and the culture of learning; and enrich knowledge at the local, Arab, and international levels; 8. develop a regional and international cooperation network for knowledge dissemination and community education, through concluding the contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding required to enable the MBRLF to achieve the objectives of the MBRL; 9. contribute to the preservation and documentation of the national cultural heritage and provide means to explore the same, through participating in activities, festivals, and events related to preserving that heritage and ensuring its sustainability; 10. support the authorship and translation movement in the Arab world with a view to enriching content knowledge; and facilitate the transfer of knowledge among the cultures of all peoples, by positioning the MBRL as an authorship, translation, research, and arts hub; 11. own, and take lease of, movable and immovable property; and hold material and moral rights, as required for the achievement of the objectives of the MBRL;

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 5 of 11 12. manage the cultural and knowledge initiatives launched by the MBRLF or assigned to it by the Ruler or the Board of Directors; 13. establish corporations and companies; hold shares in companies and projects; and engage in the areas, that are related to the objectives of the MBRL; 14. represent the MBRL outside of the UAE, and promote its vision, mission, plans and strategic initiatives; and 15. exercise any other duties or powers required for enabling the MBRLF to achieve the MBRL objectives stipulated in this Law. Organisational Structure of the MBRLF

  7. 7

    Article 7

    Article (7) The MBRLF will have the following organisational levels: 1. the Board of Directors; 2. the CEO; and 3. the executive body. Board of Directors of the MBRLF

  8. 8

    Article 8

    Article (8) The MBRLF will have a Board of Directors comprised of at least seven (7) experienced and specialised members, including a Chairman and a vice chairman, appointed pursuant to a decree of the Ruler for a renewable term of three (3) years. Meetings of the Board of Directors

  9. 9

    Article 9

    Article (9) a. The Board of Directors will convene at the invitation of the Chairman, or the vice chairman if the Chairman is absent, at least four (4) times every year and where necessary. Meetings of the Board of Directors will be valid if attended by the majority of its members, provided that the Chairman or vice chairman is in attendance. b. The Board of Directors will pass its resolutions by majority vote of attending members, and in the event of a tie, the chair of the meeting will have a casting vote.

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 6 of 11 c. Resolutions of the Board of Directors will be recorded in minutes signed by the chair of the meeting and attending members. d. A rapporteur will be appointed to the Board of Directors by the Chairman. The rapporteur will be responsible for sending meeting invitations to members of the Board of Directors, preparing meeting agendas, recording minutes of meetings, following up the implementation of the Board of Directors resolutions and recommendations, and performing any other duties assigned to him by the Chairman. e. The Board of Directors may invite experts and specialists, as it deems appropriate, to attend its meetings. These experts and specialists will not have a vote in the deliberations of the Board of Directors. f. The Board of Directors may form permanent or temporary sub-committees and work teams to assist it in performing its duties. A resolution forming any of these sub- committees and work teams will determine its duties, powers, and tenure. g. In the event of absence of the Chairman or in case of any other impediment on his part, the vice chairman of the Board of Directors will act as the Chairman and will exercise all the duties assigned to the Chairman under this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance thereof. Chairman

  10. 10

    Article 10

    Article (10) a. The Chairman is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees of the MBRGI. The Chairman will ensure alignment of the objectives of the MBRL with the general vision of the MBRGI and the strategic framework of its objectives. b. The Chairman will have the duties and powers to: 1. approve the organisational structure of the MBRLF; 2. approve the resolutions regulating the administrative, financial, and technical work of the MBRLF, including financial, contractual, and human resources regulations, bylaws, and policies; 3. approve the terms of reference of the Board of Directors;

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 7 of 11 4. supervise and follow up performance by the Board of Directors of the functions assigned to it under this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof; 5. approve, in accordance with the legislation in force, the financial approval powers at the MBRLF; open, close, and withdraw from bank accounts; and obtain loans in the name of the MBRLF; and 6. perform any other duties assigned to him by the Ruler. c. The Chairman may delegate any of the powers vested in him pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Article to any members of the Board of Directors, provided that such delegation is specific and in writing. Functions of the Board of Directors

  11. 11

    Article 11

    Article (11) a. The Board of Directors will undertake the general supervision of the work of the MBRLF, and ensure that it exercises the functions assigned to it under this Law. In particular, the Board of Directors will have the duties and powers to: 1. approve, and supervise the implementation of, the general policy and the strategic, development, and operational plans of the MBRLF; 2. approve the draft annual budget and Financial Statements of the MBRLF, and submit the same to competent entities for final approval; 3. propose fees and charges for the services provided by the MBRLF, and submit the same to competent entities for approval; 4. approve, and supervise the implementation of, the projects, initiatives, activities, and programmes that contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the MBRL; 5. appoint consultants and specialists in areas related to the activities of the MBRLF and determine their remuneration; 6. appoint auditors and determine their remuneration at the beginning of each Financial Year; 7. review the work plans and programmes of the MBRLF, and assess the implementation of the same on an annual basis;

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    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 8 of 11 8. propose the legislation required to enable the MBRLF to achieve the objectives of the MBRL; 9. assess and follow up the performance of the executive body of the MBRLF, and ensure that it achieves the objectives of the MBRL and complies with the adopted general policy; 10. review, and make the necessary comments on, the performance reports submitted by the CEO; 11. supervise the development of financing plans and programmes, and manage the resources required to achieve the objectives of the MBRL; and 12. exercise any other duties or powers required to enable the Board of Directors to achieve the objectives of the MBRL. b. The Board of Directors may delegate any of its powers under paragraph (a) of this Article to a committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors, to any of its members, or to the CEO, provided that such delegation is specific and in writing. Executive Body of the MBRLF

  12. 12

    Article 12

    Article (12) a. The MBRLF will have an executive body comprised of the CEO and a number of administrative, finance, and technical employees. b. The executive body of the MBRLF will be responsible for the operational work of the MBRLF, and for following up the implementation of the resolutions issued by the Board of Directors. c. The procedures and terms of appointment, and all employment rights and duties, of the employees of the executive body of the MBRLF will be determined pursuant to the human resources bylaws approved pursuant to the relevant resolution of the Chairman. Appointment and Functions of the CEO

  13. 13

    Article 13

    Article (13) a. The CEO will be appointed pursuant to a resolution of the Chairman.

    -- 8 of 11 --

    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 9 of 11 b. The CEO will be responsible to the Board of Directors for performing the duties assigned to him pursuant to this Law and the resolutions, regulations, and bylaws adopted by the MBRLF; and for performing the duties assigned to him by the Board of Directors. c. The CEO will have the duties and powers to: 1. propose the general policy and the strategic, development, and operational plans of the MBRLF, and submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval; 2. implement the adopted general policy, and the strategic and operational plans, of the MBRLF; and the resolutions issued by the Board of Directors; 3. prepare the draft annual budget and Financial Statements of the MBRLF, and submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval; 4. prepare the organisational structure of the MBRLF and draft the resolutions and bylaws regulating the administrative, financial, technical, contractual, and human resources affairs of the MBRLF; and submit the same to the Chairman for approval; 5. supervise the daily work of the executive body of the MBRLF, and appoint competent and specialised employees; 6. propose the projects, programmes, and initiatives of the MBRLF; submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval; and supervise the implementation of these projects, programmes, and initiatives; 7. prepare the annual report on the achievements and activities of the MBRLF, and submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval; 8. represent the MBRLF before third parties, and conclude the contracts and agreements required for the achievement of the objectives of the MBRL; 9. achieve the performance outcomes required from the MBRLF executive body, and submit performance reports to the Board of Directors; 10. propose fees and charges for the services provided by the MBRLF, and submit the same to the Board of Directors for approval; 11. perform all the duties assigned to him pursuant to the applicable bylaws of the MBRLF; and

    -- 9 of 11 --

    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 10 of 11 12. exercise any other duties or powers assigned or delegated to him by Board of Directors. Initiatives Affiliated to the MBRLF

  14. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) of this Law; provide the MBRL with all the equipment and devices required for its operation; and hand the building and facilities over to the MBRLF, in accordance with the best relevant internationally recognised specifications. Financial Resources of the MBRLF

  15. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) Pursuant to this Law, the following initiatives are affiliated to the MBRLF: 1. the Arab Reading Challenge; 2. the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Arabic Language; 3. the Mohammad bin Rashid Contemporary Arabic Language Dictionary; and 4. the Arabic Language International Council Head Office. Establishment of the MBRL

  16. 15

    Article 15

    Article (15) The Dubai Municipality will construct the building and facilities of the MBRL; finance all the main activities of the MBRL and the initiatives affiliated to the MBRLF, as referred to

  17. 16

    Article 16

    Article (16) The financial resources of the MBRLF will consist of: 1. movable and immovable property allocated to the MBRLF by the Government; 2. fees and charges for the services provided by the MBRLF; 3. returns on the investment of the property of the MBRLF; 4. grants, gifts, bequests, endowments, and endowment proceeds; and 5. any other resources approved by the Board of Directors.

    -- 10 of 11 --

    Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Page 11 of 11 Accounts and Financial Year of the MBRLF

  18. 17

    Article 17

    Article (17) a. In regulating its accounts and records, the MBRLF will apply the rules and principles of government accounting. b. The Financial Year of the MBRLF will commence on 1 January and will end on 31 December of each year, except that the first Financial Year will commence on the date this Law comes into force and will end on 31 December of the following year. Issuing Implementing Resolutions

  19. 18

    Article 18

    Article (18) The Chairman will issue the resolutions required for the implementation of the provisions of this Law. Repeals

  20. 19

    Article 19

    Article (19) Any provision in any other legislation will be repealed to the extent that it contradicts the provisions of this Law. Commencement and Publication

  21. 20

    Article 20

    Article (20) This Law comes into force on the day on which it is issued, and will be published in the Official Gazette. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai Issued in Dubai on 1 November 2016 Corresponding to 1 Safar 1438 A.H.

    -- 11 of 11 --

Note: This legislation is sourced from the Dubai Legislation Portal (dlp.dubai.gov.ae). The original Arabic text is the authoritative version.

Articles in this law(21)
  1. 1Article (1) This Law will be cited as “Law No. (14) of 2016 Establishing the Moh
  2. 2Article (2) The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Law,
  3. 3Article (3) Pursuant to this Law, the following are established in the Emirate:
  4. 4Article (4) The head office of the MBRLF will be located in the city of Dubai. O
  5. 5Article (5) The MBRL will have the following objectives: 1. to support and enhan
  6. 6Article (6) The MBRLF will undertake the general supervision of the MBRL and wil
  7. 7Article (7) The MBRLF will have the following organisational levels: 1. the Boar
  8. 8Article (8) The MBRLF will have a Board of Directors comprised of at least seven
  9. 9Article (9) a. The Board of Directors will convene at the invitation of the Chai
  10. 10Article (10) a. The Chairman is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Tru
  11. 11Article (11) a. The Board of Directors will undertake the general supervision of
  12. 12Article (12) a. The MBRLF will have an executive body comprised of the CEO and a
  13. 13Article (13) a. The CEO will be appointed pursuant to a resolution of the Chairm
  14. 14Article (14) of this Law; provide the MBRL with all the equipment and devices re
  15. 14Article (14) Pursuant to this Law, the following initiatives are affiliated to t
  16. 15Article (15) The Dubai Municipality will construct the building and facilities o
  17. 16Article (16) The financial resources of the MBRLF will consist of: 1. movable an
  18. 17Article (17) a. In regulating its accounts and records, the MBRLF will apply the
  19. 18Article (18) The Chairman will issue the resolutions required for the implementa
  20. 19Article (19) Any provision in any other legislation will be repealed to the exte
  21. 20Article (20) This Law comes into force on the day on which it is issued, and wil
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