Unique, innovative solution puts UAE legislation online in both Arabic and English

The library enables rapid access and understanding of the law, utilizing a new intelligent document format. It will save companies valuable time, improve the speed and accuracy of legal advice, simplify decision making and reduce cost and risks.

It is of benefit to those companies or entities that are already established in the region and those thinking of setting up here.

"We are delighted that UAE Legislation Online is now available for license through Affinitext," said Graham Thomson, Affinitext founder. "It is a pleasure to be associated with the introduction of new and exciting technology and best practice in the region."

The online legislation library won international acclaim at the 2009 Legal Technology Awards in London and is now available so that users can search, annotate and review across thousands of UAE laws in seconds.

In today's business environment there is increasing scrutiny about issues such as employment rights, bankruptcy and changes in the scope and timing of the performance of contracts. The commercial and legal consequences of failing to understand and comply with local legal requirements and your rights and obligations pose a serious and unacceptable risk to an organization and to its officers, employees and advisors.

One of the first companies to recognise these risks and the value associated with having instant online access to all UAE laws was DLA Piper, who worked with Affinitext to obtain translations, collate and quality check those laws for conversion into the Affinitext intelligent online format.

"Understanding interrelationships within and between laws is critical to providing effective legal advice to clients, said Jim Delkousis, the head of DLA Piper's Litigation & Regulatory practice in the Middle East and the partner responsible for the firm's knowledge management in the region," said Delkousis.

"The unprecedented ease of navigation that UAE Legislation Online provides has enabled us to boost productivity, accelerate responsiveness and improve client service. I have not seen a more sophisticated and user-friendly online library of any country's legislative instruments," added Delkousis.