Mohamed bin Zayed orders to establish anti-corruption unit

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today issued directives to the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA) for the creation of an anti-corruption unit to reflect commitment to corporate governance, transparency and accountability.

He took this decision at a meeting of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, which he presided over, at the Crown Prince's Court.

The meeting reviewed government performance and progress of work on the projects being carried out in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as the services offered to the citizens and residents.

The new anti-corruption unit's tasks include investigation of financial irregularities, corruption, identifying gaps in legislations and internal audit regulations and proposing means to address them.

Under the directives, the ADAA will draft the appropriate legislations and put in place procedures to eliminate financial crimes and maintain a financial and administrative system based on transparency and integrity, aimed at realising the leadership's aspirations for efficient government functioning and an adequate climate for the development process.

The ADAA will work with the judicial, security and other competent authorities to formulate policies for investigating violations related to the abuse of public funds and of public office, conflict of interest, profiteering from government contracts and fraud.

The Executive Council approved payment of housing loans to 1,200 beneficiaries at a total value of AED2.4 billion. The Council assigned the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority to issue the loans and to notify the beneficiaries immediately.

The average housing loan in Abu Dhabi is AED2 million, which is repaid in equal interest-free monthly instalments. The citizen gets a 25 percent exemption from the total loan value on the completion of the house. A one-time write off at specific percentage is granted on early settlement of loans.

The Council also sanctioned distribution of 263 houses to citizens in Al Farah area and 736 residential land plots in Al Wathba.

The Council approved the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Human Resources Authority (ADHRA) and merging of the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council into the new entity.

The decision to establish ADHRA is aimed at consolidating the manpower development structure in Abu Dhabi in a way that would enable fulfilling current and future needs of the human resources sectors.

The Council reviewed the annual performance report of the Government of Abu Dhabi for 2014 which covers key sectors, including government affairs, security, justice and safety, apart from social development, economic development, infrastructure and environment.

The report highlights Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), current and future projects, achievements and challenges.

Sheikh Mohamed was briefed on the project to set up social centres in several areas of the emirate under the Musataha contract system and as an outcome of the Public-Private Partnership.

He also viewed a model of Al Maqta Canal Walk, launched by the Department of Municipal Affairs during the Cityscape 2015 exhibition.

The project, valued at AED500 million, will be built on a 130,000-square metre area and is expected to be completed in 2017. The mixed-use waterfront development will house a business centre, health and sports facilities, an open-air theatre, recreational areas and associated service facilities.

Sheikh Mohamed also approved implementation of the Brand of Abu Dhabi on the licence plates of vehicles.

The Brand of Abu Dhabi was launched in 2007 to promote the Emirate's vision for the future and respects the culture, heritage and traditions of its past.