In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued Law No (04) of 2017 partially amending Law No (11) of 2009 pertaining to Dubai Sports Council, DSC.

The new Law amends 10 articles in Law No (11) of 2009 regarding the authorities, objectives and responsibilities of Dubai Sports Council. Amendments were made to Articles (20), (17), (14), (13), (09), (08), (07), (06), (05) and (02).

Article (05) of the new Law amends DSC’s objectives to include developing the field of sports in Dubai in line with approved strategy and international best practices, creating a comprehensive sports environment that responds to community needs, supporting the youth in enhancing their sports skills and raising their performance in local and international competitions, developing sports establishments and promoting a professional culture among athletes.

The amendments to Article (06) authorise DSC to develop a strategic plan to enhance sports activities in Dubai, propose legislation and policies that support sports establishments in implementing their plans and programmes, set objectives and develop initiatives to support execution of operational plans in sports establishments and study the challenges that sports establishments face.

DSC will also revise and approve organisational, administrative and financial regulations in sports establishments, approve budgets and develop partnerships with the public and private sectors in the fields of marketing and investment.

The Council, in collaboration with concerned authorities, will also issue approvals for organising sports events in Dubai, encourage sports activities for women and handicapped people, promote sports tourism and community sports, create policies and procedures that govern the relations between sports establishments, athletes, coaches and fans and approve the usage of Dubai or DSC’s name and logo in any sports activities.

Article (07) of the new Law states that the DSC Chairman will oversee the Council’s work and the achievement of the Council’s objectives. The Chairman will also approve DSC’s general policies and plans, approve its budget and statement of account, and approve funding for DSC’s projects.

The new Law also amends the procedures for the formation, as well as authorities and responsibilities of the DSC’s Board of Directors and General Secretariat.

Article (08) of the new Law states that the Chairman of the Council should be supported by a Vice Chairman who will be appointed by a Decree from the Ruler of Dubai. He will replace the Chairman in his absence.

Article (09) of the new Law pertains to the formation of the Board of Directors of the Council and outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Board. The Board will include the Chairman and Vice Chairman and Members who will be appointed by a Decree from the Ruler of Dubai.

Article (13) specifies the procedures for the formation of the General Secretariat of the DSC and states that it should have a General Secretary supported by administrative staff.

Article (14) states that the General Secretary should be appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai based on a recommendation from the Board of Directors of the DSC and the General Secretariat. This Article also outlines the duties and functions of the General Secretariat.

Article (17) of the Law outlines the DSC’s financial resources, including the subsidy allocated in the Dubai General Budget, the fees collected by DSC against its services, and the grants, donations and endowments received by DSC and approved by the Chairman.

Articles (20) specifies the obligations of sports establishments in Dubai, which include following DSC’s directives; cooperating with the DSC General Secretariat on sports events, activities and programmes; developing their administrative and financial policies and procedures and submitting them to DSC for approval; obtaining approvals from DSC for any development projects or plans to receive financing and funding; in addition to obtaining DSC approval to participate in any sports events outside the UAE. All sports establishments in Dubai must obtain prior approval from DSC to host any tournament, sports event, sports activity or provide any services.

This Law is effective from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.