UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP).
In the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this significant announcement was made during the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, 2025. GRIP aims to shape human-centred legislation designed to address the needs of communities amid rapid technological and digital advancements.
The platform will serve as a hub for regulatory innovation, providing tools and methodologies to evaluate the readiness and effectiveness of legislative frameworks, while fostering international collaboration on governance models that address future opportunities and challenges.
The signing ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet, signed the agreement on behalf of the UAE, while Alois Zwinggi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, represented the Forum.
Emphasising the significance of this partnership, Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi said: “The collaboration with the World Economic Forum to establish GRIP reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. This initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub for international cooperation and supports global efforts to achieve sustainable development, ensuring stability, prosperity, and well-being for communities worldwide.”
She added: “GRIP aligns with the UAE’s proactive approach to innovation, particularly in modernising legislative frameworks. The UAE has achieved remarkable progress in this domain, having updated over 80 per cent of its national legislation in recent years to enhance adaptability and forward-thinking governance.”
GRIP’s objectives include the development of the Future-Readiness Index for Legislation, the publication of a Global Guide for Regulatory Innovation, and the establishment of a global network of experts, policymakers, and legislators. The platform will also focus on enhancing the capabilities of legislative professionals and creating a global knowledge-sharing ecosystem. Additionally, GRIP will host dialogues on regulatory innovation and organise the Global Legislative Forum to promote thought leadership in this space.
Al Hammadi also said: “The UAE’s launch of GRIP strengthens its role as a global centre for organisations, businesses, and institutions seeking supportive and adaptive regulatory frameworks. It reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a hub for sharing knowledge and expertise in progressive legislative advancements.”
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