Mohammed issues directive on police security cameras

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Resolution No. (14) of 2020 on the use of security cameras to document the activities of Dubai Police officers.

The Resolution aims to improve the quality of Dubai Police’s services and enhance the performance of its personnel. It also seeks to strengthen the community’s confidence in the police force, protect their rights, ensure transparency and accountability, and enhance documentation of police interactions.

According to the Resolution, Dubai Police are authorised to use security cameras in public areas to fulfil their duties including handling traffic violations and ensuring effective security. The Resolution obligates Dubai Police officers to abide by legislations governing the use of security cameras, especially those that protect the public’s privacy. The officers are prohibited from transferring, storing, transmitting or publishing any security footage unless they obtain written consent from investigation authorities at Dubai Police or the judicial authority.

Furthermore, Dubai Police officers should maintain the confidentiality of the security camera footage. Pursuant to the Resolution, and without prejudice to civil and penal responsibilities, any Dubai Police officer who violates the articles in this Resolution will be subject to disciplinary procedures. The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police will issue the bylaws required to implement this Resolution.

The Resolution will be published in the Official Gazette and considered valid from the date of publication.

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has directed the Ministry of Culture and Youth to draft a comprehensive national strategy to develop cultural and innovated-related industries in the UAE, and ensure their contribution to the economy.

Sheikh Mohammed also directed to speed up initiatives that target youth, where he issued instructions to place a high priority on youth-related programmes, through focusing on projects that invest in their talents and abilities, and work on empowering them and integrating them in the labour market.

His Highness’s remarks came as he reviewed plans of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, and ensure its alignment with the post-COVID-19 government work. Noura Bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, and Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, briefed His Highness about progress on the national youth strategy.

“Promoting cultural and innovative products is one of the priorities of the new phase,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “We need to develop the cultural sector so it becomes a key contributor to the national economy.”

“We need to have plans and programmes in place, as well as initiatives that incubate Emiratis talents and promote local innovative products,” he added.

“We look forward to creating a conducive cultural environment with a creative horizon that places the UAE’s cultural accomplishments on the Arab and international distinctive map. Youth are key to our policies and strategic plans, and our objective is enabling them, refine and direct their talents to translate our vision to build the future of our country.”

“The cultural and innovative related industries are an important engine to promote our society. And Youth are key enablers to accelerate the development journey of our nation in every sphere,” His Highness went on to say.

Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and The Future, also attended the meeting.

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Decree No. (26) of 2020 forming the board of directors of the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, SIRA.

According to the Decree, Talal Humaid Belhoul will serve as the Chairman of the Board and Awad Hader Al Muhairi as the Vice Chairman.

WAM