The Government of the United Arab Emirates, alongside the World Economic Forum, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP). This significant agreement was announced during the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, 2025.

GRIP aims to develop human-centered legislation that caters to communities amid rapid technological and digital changes. The platform will foster a supportive environment for regulatory innovation, providing stakeholders with advanced tools and methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of legislative frameworks. Additionally, it will encourage international collaboration on adaptable governance models to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities.

The signing ceremony included prominent figures such as Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. On behalf of the UAE, Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet, signed the agreement, while Alois Zwinggi, Managing Director of the Forum, represented the World Economic Forum.

Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi emphasized that this partnership reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She stated that the initiative reinforces the UAE’s status as a leading hub for international cooperation and aims to support global sustainable development efforts, ultimately fostering stability and prosperity for all communities.

Al Hammadi further noted that the platform aligns with the UAE’s commitment to innovation across all sectors, particularly in legislative frameworks. Highlighting the nation’s progress, she mentioned that the UAE has successfully modernized over 80% of its national legislation in recent years, showcasing its adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

The collaboration with the World Economic Forum will focus on several key objectives, including the development of the Future-Readiness Index for Legislation, the publication of the Global Guide for Regulatory Innovation, and the creation of an international network of experts, policymakers, and legislators. The initiative will also enhance the capacity of legislative professionals and establish a global knowledge platform for legislative innovation, which will host dialogues on regulatory innovation and the Global Legislative Forum. Al Hammadi concluded by stating that GRIP will solidify the UAE’s position as a global hub for organizations and businesses seeking a flexible regulatory environment, positioning the country as a center for knowledge and expertise in legislative advancements.