Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Gold Trade Controls Detailed in New Regulatory Statement

28/11/202528/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has outlined its comprehensive regulatory framework for gold trading operations, emphasising the stringent controls in place for precious metals imports, detailing specific measures governing the nation’s position as the world’s second-largest gold trading hub.

The ministry revealed that mandatory protocols now include anti-money laundering checks, customer verification procedures, and yearly audits across all entry points. Officials confirmed that current regulations match or exceed OECD guidelines for handling minerals from high-risk areas.

The statement highlighted enhanced due diligence requirements for precious metals dealers and refiners, particularly when sourcing from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. These measures include both on-site and off-site verification processes before supplier approval.

The ministry also disclosed the implementation of a comprehensive training programme to support regulatory compliance and maintain supply chain integrity. The framework includes coordination with international bodies to ensure alignment with global standards for enforcement and reporting.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: New Safety Rules Launched for High-Risk Jobs

28/11/202528/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced strict new regulations governing high-risk occupations, establishing a comprehensive licensing and accreditation framework for both individuals and organisations involved in occupational safety and health.

The new regulation introduces two distinct qualification pathways – a professional track and a practitioner track – for individuals working in hazardous occupations. It sets out detailed requirements for licensing establishments that provide occupational safety and health services, including consulting firms, training centres, and e-learning providers.

Under the framework, specific technical and regulatory standards must be met before accreditation is granted. The regulation outlines qualification requirements for practitioners and establishes governance protocols to ensure compliance with national safety standards.

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News developments

Qatar: Car Export Rules Tightened for Newly Registered Vehicles

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar has implemented stricter controls on the export of newly registered vehicles through a fresh regulatory mechanism, vehicles must complete a full year of registration before they can be exported from the country.

The recently approved mechanism, developed jointly by commerce officials and customs authorities, enforces provisions outlined in Circular No. 3/2025. The regulation creates an exception for automobile dealers to export vehicles that were not directly imported from manufacturing nations and fall outside the country’s new vehicle quota system.

Commerce officials report that the mechanism was finalised after extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and car showrooms, whilst considering current market conditions. The announcement maintains existing export restrictions but introduces specific provisions for certain vehicle categories.

The ministry has issued a stern warning to automobile dealers regarding compliance, stating that enforcement action will follow any breach of the new requirements. Dealers must now ensure vehicles remain registered within the country for a minimum of 12 months before any export arrangements, except where specifically permitted under the new mechanism.

Officials emphasised that the regulation would be strictly enforced to maintain proper market operations. The ministry has pledged to monitor implementation closely and take necessary legal measures against any violations of the new requirements.

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News developments

Oman: New Agency Established to Regulate Foreign Worker Recruitment

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 23 November 2025: Oman has established the Association of Expatriate Worker Recruitment Offices to oversee and standardise the recruitment of foreign workers across the sultanate.

The association has been granted authority to mediate labour disputes and will work directly with foreign embassies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve conflicts involving expatriate workers. It will also coordinate with government agencies to validate agreements with labour-exporting countries and expand recruitment channels.

The organisation will represent licensed recruitment offices in dealings with authorities and will participate in efforts to eliminate unlicensed recruitment operations.

Funding for the association’s operations will be derived from multiple sources, including membership fees, government subsidies, and approved donations. The body will also generate revenue through its activities, subject to Ministry approval.

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News developments

Kuwait: Introduces New Digital Commerce Law

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Economy Middle East , 19 November 2025: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved a comprehensive Digital Commerce Law that introduces specific measures to regulate online business activities and resolve e-commerce disputes, establishing new regulatory bodies and digital business protocols.

The law creates specialised Digital Dispute Resolution Committees to handle e-commerce conflicts and implements a Regulatory Sandbox framework for testing new technologies. It also introduces formal recognition of electronic documents, digital signatures, and online contracts within the legal system.

Under the new legislation, digital merchants will operate under a unified legal definition, with streamlined licensing procedures now in place for online businesses. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will coordinate implementation efforts across government departments and private sector entities.

The framework provides specific legal mechanisms for consumer protection in digital transactions and establishes clear protocols for dispute resolution. Officials have confirmed that dedicated committees will oversee the swift resolution of conflicts arising from online commercial activities.

The Ministry has indicated that implementation will begin immediately following ratification, with coordination planned between various government bodies to establish the new regulatory structure.

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News developments

Dubai: Ruler Issues New Decrees Establishing Free Zone and Appointing Judges

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai’s Ruler has issued several new decrees, including the establishment of a new free zone in Al Aweer First area and the appointment of judges to the DIFC Courts.

The newly established free zone will be located on plot number 71117180 in Al Aweer First area. The decree outlines that companies and establishments licensed to operate within this free zone will enjoy the same privileges and exemptions granted under existing free zone legislation and regulations applicable in Dubai.

The decree requires all companies operating within the new free zone to align their operations with the authority’s regulations within one year from the decree’s implementation date. The Dubai Municipality will maintain oversight of the markets within the free zone, with the ability to delegate management or operational responsibilities to other entities through formal agreements.

Additionally, the Dubai Ruler issued a decree promoting several members of the judicial authority in Dubai Courts and Public Prosecution.

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News developments

Bahrain: New Anti-Money Laundering Rules Introduced for Charities

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 19 November 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development has implemented new regulations through Bahrain Decision No. 78/2025, requiring licensed charitable organisations to appoint compliance officers as part of enhanced financial monitoring measures.

Under the new requirements, all entities licensed to raise funds for charitable, social, educational, or cultural purposes must designate dedicated compliance officers. These officers will be responsible for ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering laws and monitoring fund transfers.

The regulations mandate that compliance officers verify donation proceeds are used solely for ministry-approved purposes. They must also conduct screening procedures against sanctions and terrorism lists, covering board members, founders, and employees of charitable organisations.

The ministry confirmed that the regulations apply to all legal entities that have received official permission to collect public donations or have been notified of ministry consent for fundraising activities. The new measures set out detailed procedural requirements for maintaining financial compliance within the charitable sector.

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News developments

Ajman: Launches Automated Tax Reporting System

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Department of Finance in Ajman has implemented a new digital tax reporting system, eliminating manual procedures and reducing processing steps by 75 percent.

The streamlined process now enables automatic generation and delivery of tax reports within minutes, replacing the previous paper-based system. All required physical documentation has been eliminated through the new digital framework, standardising forms and procedures across government entities through a single consolidated screen. The technical integration enables automated data exchange between departments, removing the need for manual intervention.

The new platform incorporates standardised reporting templates and automated validation processes to maintain data consistency. Local government departments can now access and process tax information through the centralised system.

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News developments

UAE: Launches Comprehensive Family Benefits Package

21/11/202521/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 November 2025: New workplace and civil reforms are being implemented across the United Arab Emirates, introducing significant changes to family-related benefits for government employees ahead of the country’s designated ‘Year of the Family’ in 2026.

UAE has introduced a new Human Resources law offering flexible working hours and remote work options for government employees. The legislation also includes expanded family leave provisions, covering maternity, paternity, marriage, childcare and bereavement leave. Special considerations have been made for pregnant employees and those with five or more children.

Dubai government has established a 10-day fully paid marriage leave for Emirati nationals, effective from early 2025, while Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved an eight-day marriage leave policy. Sharjah has additionally introduced “Care Leave” for female employees who give birth to children requiring special care.

Abu Dhabi has implemented a Civil Family Law for non-Muslim expatriates, establishing secular options for marriage, divorce and custody matters. The emirate maintains a 90-day fully paid maternity leave policy for government employees and has extended adoption leave rights to female employees in specific jurisdictions.

At the federal level, the UAE provides five days of paid parental leave within six months of a child’s birth. Recent Personal Status Law reforms have extended child custody to age 18 and grant children over 15 the right to choose their custodial parent. The legislation also ensures equal travel rights for both parents regarding their children.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Shura Council Approves New Plant Varieties and Patent Laws

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Madina, 17 November 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has approved four new regulatory frameworks covering plant varieties, integrated circuit layouts, designs, and patents.

The Council endorsed new regulations for plant varieties, integrated circuit layout designs, industrial designs, and patents and utility models.

Members called for updates to laboratory science curricula to include modern technologies such as molecular diagnostics, medical genetics, and artificial intelligence in laboratory analysis. They also emphasised the need for enhanced research support and computing applications, particularly in engineering and computer science facilities.

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