Aspects of Public Procurement Law Reforms: The Cases of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/jllr.v7i2.17132

Keywords:

Public Procurement, E-public Procurement, Sustainable Procurement, Procurement Reform, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Public procurement plays a crucial role in public financial management and governmental service delivery. In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented significant reforms in its public procurement system to enhance transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. This article analyzes the legal and institutional framework governing public procurement in the UAE, focusing on centralized and decentralized procurement structures, electronic procurement systems, and sustainable procurement policies. Using a descriptive and analytical legal research approach, the study examines relevant legislation, policy frameworks, and international best practices. The findings indicate that the UAE has adopted a hybrid procurement model that combines centralized and decentralized mechanisms, supported by advanced e-procurement platforms. These reforms have improved transparency, reduced corruption risks, and enhanced procurement efficiency. Furthermore, sustainable procurement policies have incorporated environmental, social, and economic considerations into procurement practices. The study concludes that continued institutional capacity development and policy coordination are necessary to strengthen sustainable and transparent procurement governance in the UAE.

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30-04-2026

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17132

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Aboelazm, Karem Sayed, Nada Zuhair Alfil, and Febriansyah Ramadhan. 2026. “Aspects of Public Procurement Law Reforms: The Cases of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia”. Journal of Law and Legal Reform 7 (2): 717-58. https://doi.org/10.15294/jllr.v7i2.17132.