Open Records Laws › United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Law No. 26 of 2015 Regulating Data Dissemination and Exchange

Dubai Law No. 26 of 2015 Regulating Data Dissemination and Exchange + Federal "Guide to Access Government Information"

Response Timeline

Residency Required
Unclear

No clear statutory response timelines. Dubai Law No. 26/2015 focuses on data dissemination via government platforms rather than request-based access. Federal Guide establishes principles but lacks enforceable timelines.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Dubai Data platform for open data access', 'method': 'electronic'}
  • {'notes': 'U.Ask system referenced for information assistance', 'method': 'written'}

UAE has FRAGMENTED framework: Dubai Law No. 26/2015 governs data dissemination in Dubai emirate, while federal "Guide to Access Government Information" establishes principles for federal entities. No comprehensive national FOI statute. Focus is on proactive data publication rather than request-based access rights.

Fees

Dubai Law No. 26/2015 promotes open data dissemination. Costs for data provision addressed in implementing regulations but not publicly detailed. Federal guide does not specify fees.

Exemptions

  • Personal Data
    Personal information protected under Federal Decree Law No. 45/2021
  • Commercial Confidentiality
    Commercially sensitive private sector information
  • National Security
    Sensitive security-related information

Dubai Law clarifies personal data and commercially sensitive information may not be disseminated as open data. No comprehensive public interest override or harm test framework. Exemptions broadly applied in practice.

Appeal Process

1

1

No independent information commissioner or specialized appeal mechanism. General administrative procedures apply. No clear enforcement framework for information access rights. Federal guide is non-binding and lacks oversight mechanisms.

Sources & References