The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP). The agreement was unveiled at the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, held from January 20-24, 2025, in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
What is GRIP?
The Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP) is designed to foster human-centred legislation that addresses the challenges of rapid technological and digital advancements. The platform will provide a supportive environment for regulatory innovation, allowing stakeholders to access tools and methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of legislative frameworks. GRIP’s overarching goal is to promote international collaboration on flexible governance models that can address both current and future challenges.
Key Objectives of GRIP
The platform is aimed at helping governments and organizations worldwide evaluate and develop adaptable, future-proof legislative frameworks.
Key objectives outlined by the initiative include:
- Developing and launching the Future-Readiness Index for Legislation
- Publishing the Global Guide for Regulatory Innovation
- Building an international network of policymakers, experts, and legislators
- Enhancing the capacity of legislative professionals
- Establishing a global knowledge platform for legislative innovation
- Organizing dialogues on regulatory innovation and hosting the Global Legislative Forum
UAE’s Vision for Legislative Innovation
Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Cabinet, emphasized that the partnership with the WEF reflects the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to legislation and innovation. She pointed out that the UAE has already modernized over 80% of its national legislation, a remarkable achievement that showcases the nation’s adaptability and progressive mindset.
“The partnership with the World Economic Forum to establish and launch the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform embodies the vision and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai,” Al Hammadi said.
“This initiative reinforces the UAE’s role as a leading regional and global hub for international cooperation and supports global efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, fostering stability, prosperity, and well-being for all communities.”
She also highlighted that GRIP will strengthen the UAE’s position as a knowledge center and a platform for sharing expertise in legislative developments.
Collaboration with the World Economic Forum
The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi and by Alois Zwinggi, Managing Director of the WEF. Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF, was also present at the signing ceremony.
The collaboration between the UAE and the WEF aims to set the stage for a global conversation on regulatory innovation, offering a flexible and collaborative platform that will serve as a model for future governance.
A Step Toward Global Legislative Innovation
With the launch of GRIP, the UAE is further solidifying its position as a global hub for international organizations, businesses, and institutions that seek a supportive and flexible regulatory environment. By fostering innovation across all sectors, particularly in legislative frameworks, the UAE continues to lead the way toward global sustainable development and future-ready governance.
