Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: National Committee Adopts New AML/CFT Initiatives

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 28 April 2026: The National Committee for Anti‑Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing, chaired by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, has adopted a comprehensive set of decisions and initiatives to strengthen national readiness, investigation tools, and institutional integration.

During its second meeting of 2026, attended by ministers and senior officials, the Committee approved the restructuring of subcommittees and updating of mandates to reflect current priorities. It also endorsed new work methodologies and follow‑up mechanisms to support effective national decision‑making.

A key measure was the adoption of the National Guide on Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering Investigations, which updates procedures for organising investigations, tracking and confiscating assets, and coordinating among competent authorities. The guide incorporates virtual assets and regulates asset recovery mechanisms, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of financial investigations.

The Committee further approved risk assessments covering financial institutions, virtual asset service providers, and designated non‑financial businesses and professions, enabling more precise supervisory and enforcement actions. It also endorsed the National Risk Assessment for Proliferation Financing (public version) and the National Risk Assessment for Non‑Profit Organisations, strengthening transparency and risk‑based oversight.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: GAMI Issues 2026 Risk Management Guide for Defence Industry

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Al Riyadh, 26 April 2026: The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) has released the Risk Management Guide and Advisory Package for 2026, establishing a regulatory framework to strengthen compliance and operational resilience in the defence sector, aligned with Vision 2030 localisation targets.

The guide provides a comprehensive framework for military industry entities to identify, analyse, evaluate, and monitor risks, ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment. It is designed to support companies in implementing structured risk management systems that enhance decision‑making and compliance with national defence policies.

Prepared in accordance with international standards — including ISO 31000, COSO, and the UK Institute of Risk Management guidelines — as well as the National Risk and Emergency Management Framework and Digital Government Authority requirements, the guide reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to embedding global best practices into its regulatory environment.

GAMI emphasised that the initiative aims to raise awareness of risk management principles, establish mechanisms for designing and implementing risk frameworks, and strengthen proactive monitoring of threats. The guide also supports the Kingdom’s strategic objective of localising over 50% of military spending by 2030, ensuring a sustainable and resilient domestic defence industry.

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News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Reviews Amendments to State Audit Bureau Law

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Times, 23 April 2026: The Qatari Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al‑Thani, has reviewed a draft law amending provisions of the 2016 State Audit Bureau legislation.

The Cabinet considered proposed changes to the State Audit Bureau framework, aimed at strengthening financial oversight and enhancing institutional accountability. The amendments are designed to modernise the Bureau’s mandate, ensuring its supervisory powers remain effective in monitoring public expenditure and safeguarding transparency in state institutions.

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News developments

Oman: Shura Council Urges Tighter Regulation of Private Healthcare Pricing

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 27 April 2026: Oman’s Shura Council has called for stricter regulation of private healthcare pricing and stronger oversight of medical services, pressing for reforms to improve affordability, medicine availability, and the sustainability of the health system.

The recommendations were made during the Council’s 17th regular sitting, chaired by Khalid Al Maawali, following the statement of Health Minister Dr Hilal Ali Al Sabti. Members highlighted the need for tighter supervision of private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies to prevent exploitative pricing and ensure fair access to treatment, as rising healthcare costs continue to burden households.

Council members also urged stronger pharmaceutical oversight, including stricter standards for medicine safety and effectiveness, and the establishment of specialised medical storage facilities at the governorate level to reduce shortages. Workforce concerns were raised, with calls to improve Omanisation rates in medical specialisations, attract and retain Omani professionals, and regularise employment conditions for ambulance drivers and contract staff.

Infrastructure proposals included expanding intensive care units, creating specialised clinics for chronic diseases, and considering dedicated hospitals for women and children. Preventive health programmes were also recommended to address strokes, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions among youth.

Members further stressed the importance of digital transformation, advocating for AI‑supported appointment systems, telemedicine, electronic prescriptions, and smart healthcare applications to reduce waiting times and ease pressure on facilities.

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News developments

Kuwait: Justice Ministry Tightens Rules on Lineage Claims

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Times Kuwait, 26 April 2026: Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al‑Sumait has confirmed that the country’s new law regulating lineage claims and name corrections introduces strict controls on the use of the definite article “Al‑” in family names, treating such additions as formal amendments requiring committee approval and official documentation.

The law distinguishes between informal and official usage, clarifying that individuals are not penalised for using titles socially, but violations arise when misleading information is submitted to government authorities or the judiciary. The competent committee will only approve changes under defined circumstances, such as when the title is already registered in nationality documents, when a judicial ruling confirms lineage, or when genealogical linkage to a recognised family is verified.

Additional approvals may be granted in cases of forgery correction or administrative errors. The Ministry stressed that these measures are designed to safeguard legal identity, prevent misuse of lineage, and ensure the accuracy of official records.

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News developments

Dubai: Civil Aviation Authority Launches Air Travel Consumer Guide

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Al Bayan, 28 April 2026: Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority has introduced a new Consumer Care Guide and Service for the aviation sector, establishing a regulatory framework that defines passenger rights, airline and travel agent obligations, and complaint resolution mechanisms.

The guide provides a clear legal reference for the relationship between passengers, licensed airlines, and travel agents, while the new service enables travellers to submit complaints and feedback directly through the Authority’s official website. Complaints can be tracked online, ensuring transparency and improving customer experience.

Director General Mohammed Abdullah Lengawi described the initiative as a strategic step to strengthen passenger rights and enhance Dubai’s civil aviation system. He emphasised that the framework aligns with international best practices, improves service quality, and builds consumer trust in the aviation sector.

The Authority urged passengers to familiarise themselves with the guide and use the service to safeguard their rights. Airlines and travel agents were also encouraged to support the initiative and raise awareness, contributing to a more efficient and reliable aviation ecosystem.

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News developments

Bahrain: Housing Ministry Launches Proactive Ownership Service

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Digital News, 28 April 2026: Bahrain’s Housing and Urban Planning Ministry has upgraded its electronic homeownership service into a proactive digital system, enabling citizens to finalise ownership procedures automatically without submitting applications.

The Ministry confirmed that the service reduces processing time from 60 working days to 20, allowing beneficiaries to complete ownership procedures immediately after settling all instalments. The system now automates the entire process, from completion of the beneficiary period and full payment of the unit value to issuance of the ownership deed.

Minister Amna Al Rumaihi stated that the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to modernise housing services, improve efficiency, and align with government directions to enhance service quality. She noted that the development was based on citizen proposals submitted through various channels, aiming to simplify procedures, eliminate paper transactions, and provide a secure digital environment.

The initiative forms part of the Government Plan 2023–2026, which seeks to deliver flexible and sustainable services, promote innovation, and improve quality of life. The Ministry highlighted that over 1,300 government services have been documented and published, with 800 services under development and re‑engineering, supported by feedback from the Tawasul system, investor input, and mystery shopper evaluations.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Executive Regulations Define 15 Types of Government Employee Leave

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Emarat Alyoum, 26 April 2026: The Department of Government Empowerment has issued the executive regulations of Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision No. 1/2026 on the Issuance of the Implementing Regulation of Abu Dhabi Law No. 8/2025 on Human Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, establishing a comprehensive framework for 15 types of leave available to government employees.

The regulations detail entitlements including annual leave (22–30 days depending on grade), sick leave (up to 15 days with medical certification requirements), work injury leave (12 days), exam leave (3–15 days), marriage leave (10 days), maternity and adoption leave (3 months), paternity leave (6 days), bereavement leave (10 days), ‘iddah leave (4 months and 10 days), Hajj leave (15 days), and companion leave (3 months), among others.

The regulations also specify seven conditions for annual leave entitlement, seven cases of non‑entitlement, and rules for carry‑over and cash compensation. Employees with disabilities are granted five additional annual leave days. Absence beyond authorised leave is treated as work discontinuation, subject to disciplinary provisions.

The framework ensures that leave periods count toward continuous service, end‑of‑service benefits, and pension contributions, unless otherwise specified. Government entities may grant connected leave periods under the regulation’s conditions, reinforcing consistency and fairness across Abu Dhabi’s public sector.

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News developments

UAE: CBUAE Updates AML/CFT/CPF Guidance for Licensed Financial Institutions

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Central Bank has updated its guidance on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing obligations for licensed financial institutions.

The updated guidance package introduces comprehensive measures to help institutions detect, prevent, and manage risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Key regulatory guidance documents include:

Proliferation Financing Risks: Framework for assessing inherent risks, evaluating policies and controls, and monitoring emerging typologies.
Trade‑Based Money Laundering (TBML) and Transshipment Risks: Guidance to strengthen monitoring of trade and shipping activities linked to illicit finance.
Correspondent Banking Relationships: Expectations for managing AML/CFT/CPF risks in correspondent banking, with emphasis on internal policies and compliance.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD), KYC, and Record Keeping: Clarifies procedures for verifying customer identities, building risk profiles, and retaining documentation.

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News developments

Sharjah: Council Reviews Draft Law Regulating University of the Arts

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah 24, 16 April 2026: Sharjah Consultative Council has reviewed a draft law regulating the University of the Arts as part of legislative discussions.

The SCC approved the draft law regulating the University of Arts in Sharjah. The law, consisting of 18 articles, was reviewed in detail by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee.

Committee Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Hammadi confirmed that several amendments were introduced to enhance the project, particularly provisions relating to the powers of the university director and the directors of the Visual Academy and Performing Academy, both of which fall under the law’s scope.

Government representatives participated in the session, and all amendments received official approval.

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