Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 on Electronic Commerce and Transactions (the "Act") was published in the Arabic language in the Official Gazette of the United Arab Emirates, Volume 442, 36th year, Muharam 1427 H/January 2006. Shortly thereafter and in line with the UAE Government National Strategy Plan and the Act, the Ministry of Economy issued two Ministerial Decisions (114) & (406) of 2006, to establish a committee to oversee the implementation of the Act and recommended to the Cabinet to appoint the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE as the authority entrusted with overseeing certification services in the UAE pursuant to Article 20 of the Act. The Cabinet approved this recommendation pursuant to its decision no. 8/291 on October 15th, 2006.

The mission of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority eCommerce Department is "to promote economic development and technological innovation within the defined parameters of a fair eCommerce regulatory regime in line with international standards."

The key objectives of the TRA are to license, monitor, approve, and oversee the activities of Certification Service Providers and to continue providing strategic advice to current and new stakeholders who choose to conduct business online, while working towards fulfilling the objectives of Article 3 of the Act.

These objectives are as follows:

1. Protect the rights of persons doing business electronically and determine their obligations.
2. Encourage and facilitate Electronic Transactions and Communications by means of reliable Electronic Records.
3. Facilitate and eliminate barriers to Electronic Commerce and other Electronic Transactions resulting from uncertainties over writing and signature requirements, and promote the development of the legal and business infrastructure necessary to implement secure Electronic Commerce.
4. Facilitate the electronic filing of documents with governmental and non-governmental agencies and departments and promote efficient delivery of the services of such agencies and departments by means of reliable Electronic Communications.
5. Minimize the incidence of forged Electronic Communications, alteration of Communications and fraud in Electronic Commerce and other Electronic Transactions.
6. Establish uniform rules, regulations and standards for the authentication and validity of Electronic Communications.
7. Promote public confidence in the validity, integrity and reliability of Electronic Transactions, Communications and Records.
8. Promote the growth of Electronic Commerce and other transactions on the national and international level through the use of Electronic Signatures.