Dubai’s Ruler has issued Dubai Law No. 26/2021 amending Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on Notary Publics in the Emirate of Dubai. It will be published in the Official Gazette and come into force on its published date.

Among other things, an electronic notary public provision has been added to Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013. It covers an automated system which performs a notary public’s duties, without human interference or the need to be present at the office of the notary public.

Under the Law, only UAE citizens with the necessary qualifications and background can perform the role of a notary public.

Article 8 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the Notary Public Affairs Committee has been amended to state the Committee should include at least one judge from Dubai Courts.

Article 10 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the conditions for listing a notary public in the registry of Dubai Courts has been amended as well.

Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the roles and responsibilities of an individual or private company licensed to provide notary public services in Dubai has been amended. Companies providing notary public services should inform the Dubai Courts about licensed individual notary publics working in the company. They should also ensure the individuals are provided all the tools required to provide the service. The private company will be held liable for any mistake made by the company or its individual notary publics. Fines imposed for errors under the Law or any other Decision need to be paid within 30 days.

In addition, Article 20 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the functions of the private company providing notary public services and the Electronic Notary and Article 33 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on procedures set by the head of Dubai Courts for correcting mistakes have been amended.

Penultimately, Article 35 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on electronic notary services, procedures for verifying the identity of a person, virtual calls and paying fees has been amended.

Article 36 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the creation of a permanent grievance committee has been amended so as it includes at least one judge from the Dubai Court.

Finally, Article 37 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on grievance procedures and Article 39 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on inspections conducted on notary publics, guarantees and penalties imposed for violations have been amended.

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