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Issue No 48, August 2007 |
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FNC approves draft laws on Tourism Council, Fertility Center, Expatriate Community Associations and NGOs
In July 2007, among other things, the Federal National Council (FNC) approved four separate federal draft laws on the establishment of the Federal Council for Tourism and Antiquities, Licensing of Fertility Centers, Expatriate Community Associations and NGOs.
The draft law on Federal Council for Tourism and Antiquities defines antiquity as any fixed or movable thing such as a building, sculpture or anything written, drawn or an image. It also means anything that was formed naturally in the UAE at least one hundred years ago, or had been unearthed and discovered within the borders of the country. Such objects are precious and unique as long as they are of historical, artistic, scientific, literary or religious value. The law further identifies antiquity as any object that has natural, architectural, constructional value or any other characteristic of positive benefits for mankind. It is also identified as any thing that constitutes a feature of civilized progress for the country.
Under the law, human remains, animal and plant fossils whose history is prior to 600 BC is regarded as of rare and unique value.
The council to be established as provided in the law shall be responsible for revival, promoting and boosting tourism inside and outside the country.
The draft federal law on Licensing of Fertility Centers in the country stipulates, among other things, that any person who establishes fertilization center in the state without obtaining a license from the Ministry of Health or runs it without complying with the conditions and terms of the Ministry would be sentenced to jail and fined.
The third draft federal law approved by FNC on Expatriate Community Associations mandates, among other things, that these associations shall adhere to the laws and never deviate from their charter of activities. Those community associations who breach their by-laws would be ordered to shut down.
The draft federal law on the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) provides for creation of a committee to oversee donations to NGOs from the UAE and abroad. |
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