TDRA: The Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law is a major stride towards a comprehensive digital economy in the UAE

28/11/2021

UAE – 28 November 2021

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, and 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.”

On this occasion, 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.
The new law comes into effect at an important stage in the history of our country, as we celebrate fifty years of the age of our country, which is full of inspiring stories. We further prepare ourselves for the next fifty years, supported by digital empowerment tools emphasized by this law. 
He added: “We, in TDRA, will continue to work with our partners in public and private sectors on basis of our responsibility for enabling digital transformation at the national level. We are inspired by the directions of the wise leadership to secure all enablers necessary to establish a completely digital life, where all interact easily and get their services digitally.”


From his side, H.E. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Acting Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) said: “The issuance of the decree-law on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services, represents a new turning point towards the next 50. It will be a basis for building approved and reliable digital transactions that enhance the identification of individuals’ identities and confirm the authenticity and integrity of data sources. The pillars of future foresight require support to digital capabilities by building a legislative roadmap aligned with the aspirations of our country.

Al Khaili added: “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 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 digital signature will obviate the need for personal attendance to complete transactions in institutions, banks, and courts, whether inside or outside the country. People inside and outside the country can complete their various government transactions, such as contracts, agreements, and other transactions, using the digital signature, provided that these countries adopt a digital identity and trust services system with standards similar to those of the UAE.

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. The digital signature will facilitate the issuance of permissions, licenses, or approvals in the form of electronic records, and acceptance of fees or any other payments in electronic form. It will enable placing bids and receiving tenders related to government procurement electronically.