Protocols and Policies

Open License and Contribution Agreement ​

Applies To ​

  • Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs)
  • Third-Party Providers (TPPs)
  • System Integrators and Technology Service Providers

Purpose ​

This document defines the legal terms, licensing conditions, and contribution requirements applicable to any natural person or legal entity (“Contributor”) who:

  • Accesses or implements the UAE Open Finance Standards
  • Contributes to the development of the Standards
  • Participates in consultations, working groups, or technical discussions

It establishes:

  • The open copyright license granted by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE)
  • The rights and obligations of Contributors
  • The intellectual property framework governing Contributions
  • Confidentiality and governing law provisions

Agreement to these terms is mandatory before submitting any Contribution.

Scope ​

This Agreement applies to:

  • The UAE Open Finance Standards, specifications, documentation, and related materials (the “Standards”)
  • All Contributions submitted now or in the future
  • All draft and final versions of the Standards
  • Participation in working groups, consultations, and development activities

Copyright © 2024 – Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates

CBUAE grants a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide copyright license to any contributor, developer, implementer, or interested party to:

  • Reproduce
  • Prepare derivative works
  • Distribute
  • Perform
  • Display

the UAE Open Finance Standards solely for the purpose of developing and implementing the Standards.

Attribution Requirement ​

Attribution must be made to CBUAE as the source of the material.
Such attribution must not imply endorsement by CBUAE.

Disclaimer of Warranty ​

The Standards are provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to:

  • Merchantability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement

CBUAE shall not be liable for any claim, damages, or other liability arising from:

  • Use of the Standards
  • Implementation of the Standards
  • Contributions made by any party

The Standards, amendments, and Contributions are considered a “Collective Work” under:

  • UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 38/2021

This law governs copyright protection for innovative literary, artistic, and scientific creations in the United Arab Emirates.

Contribution Agreement ​

General Principles ​

CBUAE makes the Standards available for implementation without fee.

Any feedback, submission, suggestion, upload, or other material related to the Standards (unless clearly marked “Not a Submission” or “Not a Contribution”) constitutes a “Contribution.”

By submitting a Contribution, the Contributor agrees to the terms below.

Contributor Representations and Warranties ​

The Contributor represents and warrants that:

1. Authority to Contribute ​

If a legal entity:

  • Contributions are made by employees within the scope of employment, or
  • Independent contractors under written IP assignment obligations

If an individual:

  • The employer has authorized the Contribution, waived relevant rights, or
  • Has entered into a separate agreement with CBUAE

2. No Conflicting Obligations ​

Contributor has no third-party obligations that would prevent:

  • Participating in working groups
  • Making Contributions
  • Granting rights in intellectual property