REGISTER

• Overview of corporate governance
• Importance in the global and UAE context

Historical Development

• Evolution of corporate governance globally
• Milestones in the UAE’s corporate governance framework

(1 hour)

• UAE Federal Law on Commercial Companies
• DIFC and ADGM regulations

Role of Regulatory Authorities

• Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
• Ministry of Economy
• Central Bank of the UAE

Corporate Governance Code in the UAE

• Overview of the SCA’s corporate governance code
• Key provisions and requirements

(1 hour)

• Board diversity and independence
• Roles and responsibilities of directors
• Board Committees (audit committee, nomination committee, & remuneration committee)

Obligations and Liability

• Duties and Obligations
• Corporate Liability
• Liability of Board Members

Best Practices for Effective Board Functioning

• Governance models
• Decision-making processes and ethical considerations
• Remuneration of Board Member

(1 hour)

• Voting rights, dividends, and information access

Minority Shareholder Protections

• Legal remedies and protections in the UAE

Shareholder Activism

• Role and impact of shareholder activism in corporate governance

(1 hour)

• CSR as a pillar of corporate governance
• The UAE’s Vision 2021 and sustainability initiatives

Integrating CSR into Corporate Strategy

• Aligning business goals with social and environmental responsibilities

Reporting and Disclosure

• ESG reporting requirements in the UAE
• Global reporting standards (e.g., GRI, SASB)

(1 hour)

• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Establishing effective internal control systems
• Compliance with local and international regulations

Role of the Internal Audit Function

• Importance of internal audits in corporate governance

(1 hour)

• Establishing an ethical corporate culture
• The role of leadership in promoting ethics

Conflicts of Interest

• Identifying and managing conflicts of interest
• Related-Party Transactions

Anti-corruption and Anti-money Laundering (AML)

• UAE laws on anti-corruption and AML
• Best practices for compliance

(1 hour)

• Analysis of successful and failed corporate governance practices in the UAE

Group Discussion

• Discussion of real-world scenarios and ethical dilemmas

Practical Exercises

• Role-playing exercises and simulations to reinforce learning

(30 minutes)

• Summary of the key points covered

Open Q&A Session

• Addressing participant questions and concerns

Next Steps

• Resources for further learning
• Certificates of completion and feedback forms