Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

In a major move to promote transparency and integrity, Dubai has issued a new decision that protects whistleblowers—public employees who report financial or administrative violations—under the oversight of the Financial Audit Authority. The directive was issued by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, in his capacity as Chairman of the Financial Audit Authority. The decision empowers employees to report violations or cooperate with the Financial Audit Authority without facing retaliation or job loss. It covers all employees in government entities overseen by the Authority. “The decision aims to safeguard public funds and uphold the financial and economic integrity of the emirate,” according to the Financial Audit Authority. Key elements of the directive include protection for whistleblowers’ employment status; strict confidentiality of all submitted reports; prohibition on disclosure of sensitive data by Authority staff and detailed procedural frameworks for reporting and investigation. Only investigators with relevant expertise may conduct administrative investigations, and they must fully respect confidentiality to ensure whistleblower safety. The Director General of the Financial Audit Authority is set to issue additional executive decisions to support implementation. The directive took effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page