Key Points and Implementation Highlights of Law No. (17) of 2005 with Article Numbers

Key Points

Establishment and Legal Status
Article (3): Establishes the RTA as a public authority with an independent legal personality, capable of entering agreements, suing, and being sued. The RTA is owned by the Government of Dubai.

Headquarters
Article (4): The RTA’s head office is located in Dubai, with the option to establish offices within or outside the Emirate.

Objectives
Article (5): The RTA is tasked with planning and providing transport, roads, and traffic services in Dubai and beyond. Key objectives include:
– Developing strategic plans for transport systems.
– Maximizing benefits from transport facilities like roads, buses, trains, and maritime transport.
– Studying privatization opportunities for certain services.
– Establishing integrated systems for transport and traffic management.
– Preparing bylaws and regulations for operations.
– Determining fees for services such as tolls, licensing, and public transport.

Powers
Article (6): Grants the RTA authority to:
– Own and lease property and equipment.
– Partner with entities within or outside Dubai.
– Perform acts related to its objectives.

Governance
Article (9): The RTA is managed by a Board of Directors comprising a chairman and six specialized members appointed for three-year renewable terms.

Board Responsibilities
Article (10): The Board oversees administrative, technical, and financial affairs. Responsibilities include:
– Setting general policies.
– Preparing draft budgets.
– Approving fees such as road tolls, parking charges, and transport fares.

Executive Director
Article (14): The Chairman of the Board serves as the Executive Director, responsible for implementing resolutions, managing affairs, drafting budgets, supervising operations, and overseeing affiliated entities.

Financial Resources
Article (17): Funding sources include government allocations, service fees, approved grants, and other resources approved by the Executive Council.

Tax Exemption
Article (18): Exempts the RTA from taxes and customs duties on imports required for its operations.

Accounting Principles
Article (19): Mandates commercial accounting principles for financial records. The financial year runs from January 1 to December 31.

Implementation Highlights

Transfer of Responsibilities
Article (16): Transfers functions from various departments such as Roads Department, Public Transport Department, Traffic Engineering Section, etc., to the RTA. Employees may be transferred or newly appointed as needed.

Affiliated Entities
Article (8): Independent corporations or companies in roads, transport, or traffic may be affiliated with the RTA through resolutions issued by the Chairman of the Executive Council.

Subcommittees Formation
Article (12): Allows the Board to form subcommittees to assist in performing duties. Experts can be invited to meetings but cannot vote.

Superseding Clause
Article (20): Repeals any conflicting provisions in other resolutions or legislation.

Effective Date
Article (21): The law came into force on November 1, 2005 (29 Ramadan 1426 A.H.) upon publication in the Official Gazette.

This detailed breakdown provides clarity on the structure, functions, powers, governance framework, financial aspects, and implementation mechanisms outlined in Law No. (17) of 2005.