Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Code of Conduct
I need a Code of Conduct for a multinational company operating in the UAE, focusing on ethical business practices, anti-corruption measures, and respect for cultural diversity. The document should include guidelines on professional behavior, confidentiality, and compliance with local laws and international standards.
What is a Code of Conduct?
A Code of Conduct sets clear standards for professional behavior and ethical practices within UAE organizations. It guides employees on acceptable actions, from handling confidential information to managing business relationships, all while reflecting local cultural values and Sharia principles.
Beyond just rules, it serves as a practical roadmap for daily decision-making and helps companies maintain compliance with UAE Federal Laws and regulatory requirements. Organizations use it to build trust with stakeholders, prevent misconduct, and create a positive workplace culture that aligns with both international best practices and local business traditions.
When should you use a Code of Conduct?
Use a Code of Conduct when establishing a new business in the UAE or updating your organization's ethical guidelines to align with local regulations. It becomes essential during company expansion, when onboarding new employees, or launching operations in UAE free zones where specific compliance requirements apply.
The code proves particularly valuable during mergers and acquisitions, when facing regulatory audits, or responding to misconduct incidents. UAE companies often implement it before pursuing government contracts, entering regulated industries, or when seeking to strengthen relationships with international partners who expect clear ethical frameworks aligned with both local and global standards.
What are the different types of Code of Conduct?
- Audit Code Of Conduct: Sets standards for internal audit teams, focusing on objectivity and confidentiality requirements under UAE financial regulations.
- Client Code Of Conduct: Outlines expectations for client interactions and service delivery, especially important in UAE's customer-centric business culture.
- Code Of Conduct For Contractors: Governs third-party relationships and project execution, aligned with UAE labor laws and construction regulations.
- Code Of Conduct For Logistics Company: Addresses specific compliance needs in UAE's vital logistics sector, including customs and free zone requirements.
Who should typically use a Code of Conduct?
- Board Members and Senior Executives: Responsible for approving and championing the Code of Conduct, ensuring it aligns with UAE corporate governance standards and Sharia principles.
- Legal and Compliance Teams: Draft and update the code, monitor adherence, and ensure alignment with UAE Federal Laws and regulatory requirements.
- HR Departments: Implement the code through training programs, handle violations, and integrate it into employee onboarding processes.
- Employees and Contractors: Must understand, sign, and follow the code's guidelines in their daily operations.
- External Stakeholders: Including suppliers, partners, and clients who interact with the organization under code provisions.
How do you write a Code of Conduct?
- Industry Requirements: Review UAE regulatory frameworks and free zone-specific rules that apply to your sector.
- Company Structure: Gather details about your organization's hierarchy, departments, and operational scope within the UAE.
- Risk Assessment: Identify key compliance risks and ethical challenges specific to your business activities.
- Stakeholder Input: Collect feedback from department heads on practical implementation needs.
- Cultural Alignment: Ensure content respects local business customs and Sharia principles.
- Documentation Platform: Use our automated system to generate a legally-sound Code of Conduct that includes all mandatory elements and minimizes drafting errors.
What should be included in a Code of Conduct?
- Purpose Statement: Clear objectives aligned with UAE corporate laws and Sharia principles.
- Scope and Application: Define covered parties, activities, and jurisdictional boundaries within UAE territories.
- Ethical Standards: Guidelines on conflicts of interest, gifts, and business relationships under local customs.
- Compliance Framework: References to relevant UAE Federal Laws and regulatory requirements.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Procedures for raising concerns and whistleblower protections.
- Disciplinary Measures: Clear consequences for violations, aligned with UAE labor laws.
- Acknowledgment Section: Signature blocks for formal acceptance by employees and stakeholders.
- Data Protection: Provisions meeting UAE privacy and cybersecurity regulations.
What's the difference between a Code of Conduct and a Bullying and Harassment Policy?
A Code of Conduct differs significantly from a Bullying and Harassment Policy in several key aspects, though both documents support ethical workplace practices in the UAE. While a Code of Conduct provides comprehensive ethical guidelines across all business operations, a Bullying and Harassment Policy focuses specifically on preventing workplace misconduct and protecting employee rights.
- Scope: Codes of Conduct cover broad business ethics, compliance, and professional standards, while Bullying and Harassment Policies address specific interpersonal behaviors and resolution procedures.
- Legal Framework: Codes of Conduct align with multiple UAE regulations and Sharia principles, whereas Harassment Policies primarily follow UAE Labor Law and workplace safety requirements.
- Implementation: Codes require company-wide adherence and affect external stakeholders, while Harassment Policies mainly govern internal employee interactions.
- Enforcement: Codes include various disciplinary measures for different violations, while Harassment Policies focus on specific investigation and remediation procedures.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.