PhD ThesisPrior to independence, there were no clear regulations regarding the
discipline of "publics office available in the United Arab Emirates and
other countries of the Gulf Co-Operation Council. However, the postindependence
era has witnessed great developments in political, economic,
social and legal fields. Particular attention was accorded to public office
as new laws regulating public office were promulgated in which the duties
and rights of public servants were defined and a certain disciplinary
system evolved.
Against this background, the researcher examines the current
disciplinary system in the United Arab Emirates with the purpose of
pinpointing its deficiencies and limitations and proposing means for
rectifying the same, as this would lead to a higher level of performance in
the public service.
The present thesis, which falls into eight chapters, begins by
reviewing the developments that have taken place in the country in
various fields. It then examines the Islamic perspective of the public
service and reviews the early beginnings of its evolution. The study then
discusses the duties and responsibilities of the public servant as per the
current Public Service Law. It further deals with the various aspects of
disciplinary accountability including disciplinary bodies, penalties and
proceedings with special reference to the said law. This theoretical
xix
background is followed by an investigation of the actual implementation
of the said law in particular those provisions pertaining to disciplinary
accountability. For this purpose, a questionnaire was administered to a
representative sample of 305 public servants of the United Arab Emirates.
Personal interviews were also conducted by the researcher with a number
of high-ranking government officials. The results of the questionnaire and
interviews are then analyzed.
Some recommendations and suggestions aimed at improving the
U. A. E. Civil Service regulations and practices especially in the
disciplinary domain are made in the final chapter
