Federal Law Regarding the Establishment of Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

Federal Law Regarding the Establishment of Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

The last update on this law was listed on 11 Jul 2021

Issued Date: 16 Oct 2016
Effective Date: 31 Oct 2016
Official Gazette Date: 30 Oct 2016
Official Gazette No: 606
Legislation State: Active
Legislation Amendments: 1

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this website/ legislation. However, for the purpose of their interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail

Index
Chapter One: Definitions
Article (1)
Chapter Two: Establishment, Objectives, and Competences of the Academy
Article (2) Establishment of the Academy
Article (3) Headquarters of the Academy
Article (4) Objectives
Article (5) Competences of the Academy
Chapter Three: Administration of the Academy
Article (6) Board of Trustees of the Academy
Article (7) Advisory Body of the Board of Trustees
Article (8) Competences of the Board of Trustees
Article (9) Delegation of the Board's Competences
Article (10) Director General of the Academy
Article (11) Competences of the Director General of the Academy
Article (12) Administrative and Academic Staff of the Academy
Article (13) Delegation of the Director General's Powers
Chapter Four: Financial Affairs
Article (14) Financial Resources of the Academy
Article (15) Budget of the Academy
Article (16) Funds of the Academy
Article (17) Auditors of the Academy's Accounts
Chapter Five: General Provisions
Article (18) Human Resources Regulation and Financial Regulation
Article (19) Regulations and Resolutions
Article (20) Contradiction or Conflict with the Provisions of this Law
Article (21) Publication and Entry into Force

Federal Law No. (15) of 2016 Regarding the Establishment of Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

We, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates,
- Having reviewed the Constitution,
- Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 Regarding the Competences of Ministries and Powers of Ministers, as amended,
- Federal Law No. (4) of 1992 Regarding the Establishment and Organization of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research,
- Federal Law No. (45) of 1992 Regarding the Organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as amended,
- Federal Law No. (4) of 1998 Regarding the Diplomatic and Consular Corps System, as amended,
- Federal Law No. (7) of 1999 Promulgating the Pensions and Social Security Law, as amended,
- Federal Decree by Law No. (11) of 2008 Regarding Human Resources in the Federal Government, as amended,
- Federal Law No. (1) of 2011 Regarding the Public Revenues of the State,
- Federal Law No. (8) of 2011 Regarding the Reorganization of the Supreme Audit Institution,
- Federal Decree by Law No. (8) of 2011 Regarding the Rules for the Preparation of the General Budget and the Final Account,
- Federal Law No. (12) of 2014 Regarding the Regulation of the Auditing Profession, and
- Upon the Proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the approval of the Cabinet and the Federal National Council, and the ratification of the Federal Supreme Council,
Hereby promulgate the following Law:

Chapter One: Definitions
Article (1)

The following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:
State: The United Arab Emirates.
Ministry: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Minister: The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Academy: Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
Board: The Academy's Board of Trustees.
Chairman: The Chairman of the Board.
Director General: The Director General of the Academy.

Chapter Two: Establishment, Objectives, and Competences of the Academy
Article (2) Establishment of the Academy

Pursuant to this Law, an academy under the name "Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy" shall be established, which shall enjoy legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and full legal capacity to undertake all acts as may be necessary to achieve its objectives.

Article (3) Headquarters of the Academy

The main headquarters of the Academy shall be located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and branches or offices thereof may be established within the State pursuant to a decision of the Board.

Article (4) Objectives

The Academy shall aim to:

1. Support the Ministry in the field of international relations, diplomacy, and international cooperation in a manner that achieves the State's strategy.
2. Qualify, train, and enhance the efficiency of the members of the diplomatic and consular corps, the employees of the Ministry, and those of other concerned authorities.
3. Establish a knowledge and advisory base in the field of international relations and diplomacy.

Article (5) Competences of the Academy

The Academy shall have the following competences:
1. Promote and develop knowledge, and highlight the role of the State in the field of international relations, diplomacy, and related sectors.
2. Prepare and qualify members of the diplomatic and consular corps, employees of the Ministry, and students of the Academy from other ministries and authorities, including technical and military attachés, in the fields of international relations and diplomacy.
3. Develop and implement educational and training programs in diplomatic fields, encompassing their political, economic, social, legal, protocol, security, and technical dimensions, in line with the evolving requirements of those working in the diplomatic field and in conformity with the State's foreign policy, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
4. Grant academic degrees and certificates in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations in the State.
5. Organize and participate in conferences, seminars, meetings, and workshops.
6. Provide consultancy services in the areas of work of the Academy to any local or international entity.
7. Issue and publish such publications as required by the nature of the Academy's work, including research, studies, and such materials as may be approved for publication concerning the activities of the Academy.
8. Cooperate with relevant public and private entities, within the State and abroad.
9. Conclude agreements and memoranda of understanding with scientific and academic institutions, within the State and abroad, for cooperation in the areas of curricula development, training, publication of scientific output, research, and exchange of faculty members.
10. Act as a think tank and research center for preparing and funding research and reports related to international relations and diplomacy, and monitoring positions and views on key issues of concern to the State.
11. Provide technical and advisory support to the Ministry.
12. Any other tasks assigned thereto by the Minister or the Board.

Chapter Three: Administration of the Academy
Article (6) Board of Trustees of the Academy

1. The Academy shall be managed by a Board of Trustees, chaired by the Minister, and comprising a number of members with expertise and specialization, including two members from the current or former members of the diplomatic and consular corps of the Ministry. Their appointment, number, and remuneration shall be determined by a decision of the Cabinet upon the nomination of the Minister.
2. The term of membership shall be three years, renewable for further similar terms.
3. The Director General shall attend the meetings of the Board of Trustees, participate in deliberations, and present such matters as they deem appropriate, without having a voting right.
4. The Board shall have a secretary who shall prepare its agenda in coordination with the Chairman or their delegate, record the minutes of its meetings, and follow up on the implementation of its decisions, without having a voting right in the deliberations.
5. The Board shall issue its internal regulations governing its rules of procedures, meeting procedures, and the manner of voting on its decisions. The Board may also invite whomever it deems appropriate to attend its meetings, without having a voting right.

Article (7) Advisory Body of the Board of Trustees

The Board may establish or appoint an advisory body to which certain matters falling within its competences may be entrusted for consideration. Such body shall submit its recommendations to the Board for it to decide on as it deems appropriate. The Board shall issue the necessary decisions to regulate its functioning.

Article (8) Competences of the Board of Trustees

The Board shall be the supreme authority competent in the affairs of the Academy, the management of its operations, the achievement of its objectives, and the implementation of the policies for which it was established. It shall, in particular, undertake the following:
1. Set the general policy of the Academy in light of the State's strategy and foreign policy, and supervise its implementation.
2. Approve the Academy's plans and programs, and review and evaluate their implementation on an annual basis.
3. Approve admission policies, study systems and programs, and graduation requirements.
4. Approve the fee structure for the academic and training programs and services provided by the Academy.
5. Approve the remuneration system for lecturers, trainers, and technical supervisors, as well as the incentive system, and the determination of remuneration granted to those responsible for the Academy's affairs and to researchers.
6. Approve the awarding of academic degrees and certificates in accordance with the systems, regulations, and instructions issued by the Board in this regard.
7. Outsource certain competences of the Academy relating to the qualification, training, and preparation of diplomats, employees of the Ministry, and students of the Academy to a local or international entity, for the purpose of providing educational, qualification, and training programs at the Academy, and conclude the necessary agreements in this regard.
8. Approve the organizational structure of the Academy, as well as the administrative, technical, and financial regulations, and the human resources regulations.
9. Approve the draft annual budget and final accounts of the Academy, and submit the same to the Cabinet for approval.
10. Appoint the senior employees of the Academy in accordance with its organizational structure, and determine their remuneration, salaries, and allowances.
11. Appoint internal and external auditors for the Academy's accounts, as well as consultants and experts, and determine their fees.
12. Approve the opening of bank accounts for the Academy, and determine the persons authorized to manage and disburse therefrom.
13. Approve the acquisition, lease, and letting of real estate required for the purposes of the Academy.
14. Appoint the Secretary of the Board.
15. Accept or reject grants, donations, and contributions made to the Academy.
16. Any other tasks assigned thereto by the Minister.

Article (9) Delegation of the Board's Competences

The Board may delegate some of its competences to one or more of its members or to any of the committees established thereby.

Article (10) Director General of the Academy

The Academy shall have a Director General appointed by a decision of the Chairman after the approval of the Board.

Article (11) Competences of the Director General of the Academy

The Director General shall exercise the necessary powers to manage the Academy, supervise its affairs, and represent it in its relations with third parties and before the courts, and shall, in particular, undertake the following:
1. Prepare the plans and strategies, submit the same to the Board for approval, and follow up on their implementation.
2. Prepare the internal regulations and systems relating to financial, administrative, technical, and human resources affairs, organizational structure, and job descriptions, and present the same to the Board for approval.
3. Prepare work plans and programs and related projects and present them to the Board for approval.
4. Propose the Academy's plans and programs, as well as admission policies, study systems, and graduation requirements, and present the same to the Board for approval.
5. Prepare the draft annual budget and final accounts of the Academy, and submit the same to the Board.
6. Supervise the departments and organizational units of the Academy, and prepare periodic and annual reports on all the Academy's activities and events, and submit the same to the Board.
7. Appoint the Academy's employees and issue decisions related to their employment affairs, in accordance with the Academy's administrative and financial regulations.
8. Approve financial transactions in accordance with the provisions of the financial regulations applicable at the Academy.
9. Propose the fee structure for the academic and training programs and the services provided by the Academy, and submit the same to the Board for approval.
10. Any other tasks assigned thereto by the Board.

Article (12) Administrative and Academic Staff of the Academy

The Academy shall have administrative and academic staff possessing distinguished academic qualifications and diplomatic experience, and they shall be appointed in accordance with the Academy's human resources regulations.

Article (13) Delegation of the Director General's Powers

The Director General may delegate certain of their powers to one or more of the senior employees of the Academy, in accordance with the Academy's regulations.

Chapter Four: Financial Affairs
Article (14) Financial Resources of the Academy

The financial resources of the Academy shall consist of the following:

1. The annual appropriations allocated thereto in the State's general budget.
2. Any surpluses realized in its budget from previous financial years.
3. The annual revenues and returns generated from fees for academic and training programs, the services it provides, and the consultations and research it publishes.
4. Grants, donations, and contributions approved by the Board.
5. Any other revenues generated from the exercise of its activities.

Article (15) Budget of the Academy

The Academy shall have an independent budget. The fiscal year of the Academy shall commence on the first of January and end on the thirty-first of December of each year. The first fiscal year shall commence from the date this Law enters into force and ends on the thirty-first of December of the following year.

Article (16) Funds of the Academy

The funds of the Academy shall be deemed public funds and shall be exempt from all fees and taxes.

Article (17) Auditors of the Academy's Accounts

1. The Academy shall have one or more auditors from among those licensed to practice the profession in the State, to audit the Academy's accounts. A decision of the Board shall be issued for the appointment of the auditor and the determination of their remuneration, for a renewable term of one year.
2. The appointed auditor may not combine their duties with membership of the Board or any other position in the Academy.

Chapter Five: General Provisions
Article (18) Human Resources Regulation and Financial Regulation

1. Pending the issuance of the Academy's personnel system, the employees of the Academy shall be subject to the provisions of the human resources regulation applicable in independent federal authorities.
2. Tenders, auctions, procurements, and contracts conducted or concluded by the Academy shall be subject to a special system established by the Board for this purpose.

Article (19) Regulations and Resolutions

The Chairman of the Board shall issue the necessary systems, regulations, and resolutions for the implementation of the provisions of this Law.

Article (20) Contradiction or Conflict with the Provisions of this Law

Any provision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of this Law is hereby repealed.

Article (21) Publication and Entry into Force

This Law shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall enter into force on the day following the date of its publication.