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Mohammed bin Saud Chairs Council Meeting RAK Executive Council October 10,2017

Issues directives to accelerate processes in the economic domain

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate, chaired yesterday the third ordinary meeting of the Council for 2017. The council started the meeting with endorsing the minutes of its previous meeting, before moving to the points on the agenda pertaining to developing governmental services, following up on developmental projects, improving the legislative framework in the Emirate, and enhancing its government institutional work structure.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul Latif Khalifa, Secretary General of the Executive Council, said that the council reviewed the report of the Economic Committee and the results of its work during the last period in view of its mandate. The Council directed the Committee to intensify and accelerate the process of deliberations in topics of economic dimension, and to submit development proposals that would support the objectives and strategic plans of Ras Al Khaimah.

In this context, the Council reviewed a number of topics raised by the Department of Economic Development. The Council also approved a draft amendment of the schedule of fees and fines associated with trade licenses and permits, in accordance with benchmarking and the requirements of enhancing competitiveness and attracting investments. 

The Council discussed the outcomes of a special study on trade licenses, which focused on the trade license life cycle from establishment to growth to cancellation, and directed to enhance the economic environment to support business success.

The Council also discussed the report submitted by the Public Health and Environment Committee and the achievements made in this field. The Council praised the efforts exerted to strengthen cooperation and coordination with federal authorities in matters pertaining to regulations in the environment and health fields. 

The Council followed up on the efforts to preserve groundwater and the measures and steps implemented. In this context, the Council approved the proposal to withhold new licenses to dig new non-agricultural wells for two years, and impose prices for groundwater sales for industrial and commercial purposes.

The Council reviewed the report of the Electronic and Smart Transformation Committee for Government Services and the status of implementation of the related projects in light of the plan approved by the Council. The Council directed the Electronic Government Authority to use all resources and capabilities to execute the projects in the most efficient manner within the specified time frame, and provide a variety of electronic and smart solutions for payment of government fees and other transactions. This aims at enhancing customer happiness. The Council directed to intensify awareness efforts to assure public access to these services and solutions. The Council approved the e-rent and directed to adopt it in leasing procedures to save time and efforts.

The Chairman of the Executive Council also stated that the Council approved a draft regulation on e-signature to govern the use of e-signature and emphasize the security of electronic transactions by adopting best practices.

The Council also commissioned the department of municipal works to coordinate with competent authorities and stakeholders to draft a regulation on the use of sidewalks and external areas in buildings, to enhance asset management and control commercial activities in line with the requirements of safety and security.

In terms of public services and public areas landscaping, the Council reviewed the report submitted by the General Services Department on the achievements of the Agricultural Landscaping Company and the most prominent projects that have been implemented and planned in the future to expand the green area and add aesthetic touches to roads, public areas and public facilities. The Council directed to expand efforts in this domain and enhance sustainability and quality of life in the Emirate.

The Council also reviewed a report on the participation of RAK Government in the annual meetings of the Government of the UAE in 2017, which was held in Abu Dhabi. The Council commended this pioneering national effort along with all recommendations, projects and initiatives issued in line with the vision of the wise leadership of the country to place the UAE government in the first position globally. The Council directed all government entities to enhance cooperation and collaboration with the federal government.

In the area of ​​energy efficiency management and the promotion of alternative energy sources, the Council reviewed the action plan and directed the Municipality of Ras Al Khaimah to provide an integrated study on the social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed programs and the level of operational readiness to determine their feasibility in achieving the desired objectives.

In accordance with the provisions of Federal Law No. (14) of 2017 concerning the distribution of petroleum products in the United Arab Emirates, the Council approved the formation of the Petroleum Distribution Regulation Committee in the UAE. The Council also approved the formation of the Local Executive Committee for Host Cities of the Special Olympics In Abu Dhabi in 2019, in light of the guidelines of the Ministry of Community Development. 

Source: Al Khaleej