Delivered by Mr. Abdulla Al Saeedi
New York, 9 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
The UAE would like, at the outset, to extend its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on strengthening and coordinating United Nations activities in the field of the rule of law.
My country also aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Sultanate of Oman on behalf of the Arab Group and the statement delivered by the State of Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We believe that the rule of law is the foundation for international peace, security, and justice at both regional and international levels, and for building societies based on justice and fairness.
At the international level, respect for the rule of law is essential for maintaining international peace and security. It is therefore important to commit to applying the rule of law consistently, regardless of interests or regions involved. To ensure the rule of law applies to all, everyone must be subject to the same standards. The fundamental principles, especially those in the UN Charter, must not be respected and protected only when they serve the interests of certain states.
The UAE continues to actively work to promote respect for international law, including compliance with the decisions of the International Court of Justice. We continue to believe that peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for judicial rulings are indispensable to maintaining international order. The UAE also values the important role of the ICJ’s advisory opinions in clarifying complex legal questions and strengthening the rule of law in addressing global challenges.
At the national level, implementing the rule of law ensures the creation of societies based on justice and equality, where everyone enjoys equal protection and is held accountable under the law, with due process and fairness for all. The UAE has continued to strengthen and modernize its legal and institutional frameworks, reflecting our ongoing commitment to ensuring legal clarity, enhancing access to justice, and aligning our domestic legislation with international standards.
The UAE is committed to promoting gender equality within its legal system, believing that a more inclusive judiciary enhances governance. Over the past years, the UAE has made significant progress in integrating women into the judiciary and law enforcement. Emirati women now play a vital role in shaping the legal and criminal justice landscape as judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, serving as a model for the region. We have also accelerated the digital transformation of our justice system by using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to improve judicial efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, meeting the needs of our diverse population, including both citizens and residents.
The UAE continues to encourage international cooperation to address evolving security challenges and ensure a safer world. In this regard, the UAE recognizes the importance of international legal cooperation in addressing transnational and international crimes, particularly maritime crimes, human trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and cybercrime. Through strengthening judicial cooperation agreements with many countries, we aim to support and promote the rule of law, believing that global challenges require collective action and legal frameworks that equally respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity, while protecting individual rights under the law.
Mr. Chair,
In conclusion, the UAE remains committed to promoting a culture of respect for the law. We continue to invest in legal awareness initiatives that reach diverse communities, while deepening cooperation with regional and international partners to strengthen legal capacity and institutions. We also call on all Member States to renew their collective commitment to the rule of law at both the national and international levels. This is not only a legal imperative – it is the cornerstone of a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.