UAE receives top honours on Rule of Law Index

The UAE took top place in the Middle East and North Africa for the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index.

The UAE earned a score of 0.67, while Denmark came first in the global ranking with 0.87. The index scale is measured between a score of 0 and 1.

The UAE’s high score was attributed to order and security in a country where crime is effectively under control, civil conflict is limited and people do not resort to violence to redress personal grievances.

In this category it scored 0.91, followed by absence of governmental corruption 0.82, and effective criminal justice 0.77.

The index evaluated the criminal justice system, which measured the correctional system’s effectiveness in reducing criminal behaviour. Other factors included constraints on government powers, regulatory enforcement, open government, civil justice and fundamental rights.

The report recognised the UAE for attaining significant results towards its vision of distinguished police performance. Based on the answers drawn from household and expert respondents, police officers respected due process and fundamental rights of suspects.

Maj Gen Nasser Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, expressed confidence in the UAE police bodies.

“These achievements are possible thanks to the accumulated expertise and skills of the UAE people, and the sound planning under the leadership of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and his ongoing commitment to keeping the police institution at the forefront of the most effective institutions internationally.”

Abdullah Lootah, Secretary General of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, noted that the annual results of the International Justice Project’s report were a new addition to the UAE’s landmark achievements.

The Index’s results also strengthen the UAE’s status as a leading trade, finance, investment and tourism hub with a distinguished record in rule of law, justice, safety, security and other unique features.