The Emirati Approach to Addressing Legal Lacunae: A Model of Innovation and Agility

Abstract

This article explores how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) proactively addresses legal lacunae through a unique combination of legislative foresight, technological integration, and legal pluralism. It analyses the UAE's civil law-based federal structure, the role of artificial intelligence in regulatory design, and the strategic use of common law in financial free zones. Case studies on digital assets, AI governance, and green technologies illustrate how the UAE transforms legal gaps into competitive advantages. The paper concludes by positioning the Emirati model as a replicable framework for agile, future-ready legal systems in the globalized era.