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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – July 2025 Edition
In this edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, we explore the most pressing legal, regulatory, and HR developments shaping the employment landscape across the region, with a particular focus on the ongoing impact of nationalisation policies. These legislative initiatives remain a central concern for HR professionals, regardless of their industry or jurisdiction. Alongside the need to understand the evolving legal requirements, organisations must also adopt a practical and culturally sensitive approach to implementation. In our featured interview, the Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company shares how their organisation is proactively and innovatively adapting to these changes. However, not all responses have been as constructive—some employers are attempting to circumvent the rules through misreporting or fraudulent hiring practices. With the introduction of stricter enforcement mechanisms and the implementation of Cabinet Decision No. 43/2025, the UAE authorities are shifting from discretionary to structured penalties, significantly increasing the scope of punishable offences and the severity of fines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s Enforcement Report 2024 underscores the government’s readiness to prosecute offenders, further raising the stakes for non-compliance. This edition offers practical insights and guidance to help organisations assess their compliance status and, where necessary, take swift and innovative action to align with nationalisation goals in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Empower your HR strategy with cutting-edge analysis from Lexis Middle East HR Alert, delivering the latest updates shaping workplaces in the Middle East.
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This edition features a diverse range of content, including:
FEATURE: GETTING TOUCH
Raka Roy and Yusur Dalloul of Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants delve into the UAE’s stricter enforcement measures against individuals and companies that falsify records to bypass Emiratisation rules or improperly benefit from related incentives.
TREND SETTER: AUTOMATED WORKFORCE MONITORING
Diana Froyland, Senior Counsel at Hadef & Partners, examines the implications of automated employee monitoring in the UAE and the data privacy concerns it raises for employers and HR teams.
NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE
This section presents a curated summary of major legal and HR updates from across the region, including the latest on Oman’s immigration grace period.
IMMIGRATION FOCUS: SAUDI VISIT VISA CHANGES
Experts from Vialto Partners explain the recent revisions to Saudi Arabia’s visit visa policies, which now affect travellers from 14 countries, highlighting compliance considerations for affected stakeholders.
LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS
Aarti Thadani and Sarah Sheppard from Norton Rose Fulbright (Middle East) LLP discuss the anticipated impact of Dubai Decree No. 19/2025, a regulatory shift set to enhance health and safety protocols in the emirate’s construction sector.
CASE FOCUS
A recent ruling from the QICDRC in Zia Ur Rehman v Forvis Mazars LLC [2025] QIC (A) 7 (issued 14 May 2025) underscores the need for robust evidence in breach of contract claims, the conditions under which non-compete compensation may apply, and the high threshold for appeals.
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HR PROFILE: AN AGILE APPROACH TO CHANGE
Samia AlRajaby, Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company, shares how adopting an agile mindset has empowered her to navigate technological transformation and shifting generational expectations.
IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE
Ben Brown, Sara Khoja and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co offer insights into evolving leave policies following a significant recent decision by the Abu Dhabi Courts, urging a strategic review for in-house teams.
POLICY POINTERS: FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA
Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim, Partner at Pinsent Masons, explores the growing adoption of fractional executives in Saudi Arabia, driven by remote work and the Regional Headquarters Programme, and highlights key policy considerations such as Saudisation.
MOVES AND CHANGES
Stay informed with the latest executive appointments, promotions, and market trends shaping the business landscape across the region.
