The January–February 2026 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert delivers essential insight into the latest legal, regulatory, tax, and financial developments across the Middle East. This issue features an in-depth analysis of key amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, Bahrain’s strengthened anti-money laundering framework impacting notaries, and major regulatory changes across the GCC. It also covers evolving tax and finance regimes, capital market liberalisation, AI governance and digital transformation, alongside expert commentary, case analysis, and a roundup of significant leadership moves across the region.

This edition offers a comprehensive yet concise look at the shifting legal and regulatory landscape in the Middle East.

FEATURE: IN BETTER COMPANY

Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2025 introduces amendments to just 15 articles of the UAE Commercial Companies Law, but as Ashley Connick of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP explains, these targeted changes are likely to be far-reaching.

---

FEATURE: AML CHANGE OF NOTE

Noor Al Rayes and Fatema Sarha of Al Tamimi & Company explore how a new Bahraini decision is transforming notaries into key gatekeepers in the battle against money laundering.

---

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: AN AI ON EXPANSION

Roula Khaled, General Counsel and Head of Ethics and Compliance at Khazna Data Centres, shares her insights on how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping legal practice and opening up new pathways for business expansion.

---

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Nick O’Connell of Bird & Bird unpacks Saudi Arabia’s AI Adoption Framework, offering insight into how the Kingdom is shaping responsible AI use.

---

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Promotions, appointments, and leadership changes—discover the career moves driving change across the region’s legal sector.

---

CONTRACT WATCH: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co highlights Saudi Arabia’s new employment contract reforms, introducing dual registration, standardised contracts, and faster wage enforcement, with phased implementation through 2026.

---

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Keep pace with the region’s evolving tax and finance landscape, including important updates on the GCC sugar tax.

---

Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

---

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay up to date with our latest legal round-up, including updates on the UAE Civil Code and other significant regulatory developments.

---

LAW MONITOR

Discover the latest legal developments across the GCC, including key amendments to the Kuwaiti Capital Market Authority legislation.

---