Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Abu Dhabi: Real Estate Regulations Update

19/06/202519/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) of Abu Dhabi recently announced updates to the regulatory framework governing the emirate’s real estate sector.

A key component of this update is the enhancement of regulatory mechanisms and the empowerment of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre to supervise the sector. This involves establishing clear legal and contractual frameworks that balance relationships among various stakeholders and safeguard their rights.

The comprehensive legal framework has been designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of jointly owned properties and common areas within development projects. It regulates professions related to the real estate sector to guarantee effective market governance and protect investor interests. There is a new definition of real estate activities, encompassing development, sale, purchase, registration, evaluation, management, and operation, thereby standardising and enhancing transparency across the sector.

Significant changes include provisions allowing developers to terminate off-plan sale and purchase agreements unilaterally if buyers fail to meet obligations, provided procedural compliance is met to secure ADREC approval. This adjustment aims to mitigate disputes, improve market dynamism, and reduce investment risks by streamlining resolution processes outside of court or arbitration.

Furthermore, the concept of Owners’ Committees has replaced Owners’ Associations, with their governance subject to decisions from the DMT Chairman, focusing on advisory roles. Management companies are tasked with operational responsibilities, ensuring the sustainability and effective management of shared facilities and common areas.

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News developments

UAE: Cryptocurrency for Salaries and Payments

12/06/202512/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 4 June 2025: The UAE is set to integrate cryptocurrency into daily transactions, allowing residents to pay bills, traffic fines, and receive salaries in digital currencies.

Residents and businesses across the UAE, will be able to use cryptocurrencies for utility bills, groceries, and other payments. The legal precedent was set by a Dubai court when it ruled allowing an employee’s dues to be paid in both dirhams and cryptocurrency, as per their contract.

To use crypto currencies, businesses have to adapting their payment systems to accept cryptocurrencies, and residents would have to ensure compliance with the legal framework governing digital transactions.

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News developments

Qatar: New Regulations for Acquiring Land for Recycling Factories

12/06/202512/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Arab, 8 June 2025: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released regulations for obtaining land to establish recycling factories in Al-Afja, following the announcement of investment opportunities for private sector waste recycling projects.

Applications will be open until 21 August 2025, covering recycling industries such as wood, paper, plastic, glass, animal waste, textiles, food waste, electronic waste, and waste sorting.

Interested investors are encouraged to review the land allocation requirements for recycling activities. The new requirements included completing a form for licensing in the Al-Afja recycling industries area and submitting necessary documents, such as preliminary approval for an industrial project, a valid commercial registration, and a feasibility study.

The feasibility study must detail technical, environmental, and economic analyses, including factory plans, raw material sources, production capacity, environmental impact assessments, market evaluations, and agreements with suppliers. Previous experience in recycling industries will also be considered.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, has facilitated applications through the One-Stop-Shop platform, connecting investors with 18 government entities. This digital system allows for electronic submission, modification, signing, and payment of fees globally, streamlining the process of obtaining necessary permits and licenses.

The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce time and costs for investors, and support comprehensive company establishment services. Investors can obtain all required licenses to commence business activities, with immediate approval upon completing application procedures. The service includes commercial name reservation, commercial registration issuance, and obtaining various licenses based on selected business activities.

For factory establishment, investors begin with commercial registration, followed by preliminary project approvals, land allocation, environmental permits, and industrial license issuance, enabling factory setup and industrial registration.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Kuwait: Law to Enforce Payment of Public Service Fees

12/06/202512/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 8 June 2025: Kuwait’s government issued Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025, aimed at enforcing the collection of fees for public services such as electricity, water, telecommunications, and transport.

The law introduced mechanisms to ensure timely payment and prevent fee evasion, reinforcing the principle that public utilities must be paid for under regulatory mandates.

Key provisions included automatic service suspension for debtors failing to pay within 30 days of notification, with services restored upon full payment. The law allowed installment-based repayments for those unable to pay in full, subject to creditor approval. Failure to adhere to the installment plan led to its cancellation and immediate debt recovery procedures.

Article 2 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025 mandated a grievance process before legal action, requiring debtors to file a written complaint with the concerned authority, which must respond within 30 days. Article 3 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025 granted government creditors a statutory lien over all debtor assets, ensuring priority in recovering dues. Article 4 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025 elevated official debt documents to “executive instrument” status, allowing direct enforcement without lengthy court proceedings.

The law introduced a 10-year statute of limitations for fee collection, with interruptions possible through official notices from creditors. Judicial fees were exempted from the law’s provisions.

The legislation aimed to address widespread abuse of the existing system, where many beneficiaries delayed or avoided payments, burdening the state financially. It sought to restore financial discipline and ensure efficient management of public utilities, offering structured payment plans to balance enforcement with recognition of genuine financial hardship.

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News developments

Ajman: Decree on Real Estate Service Fees and Penalties

12/06/202512/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Mubasher, 9 June 2025: The Crown Prince of Ajman has issued a new decree on the standardisation of service fees, penalties, and fines within the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation.

Under the decree, the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation has been authorised to collect specified fees and enforce penalties and fines for non-compliance. The decree has also nullified any conflicting provisions in existing legislation, ensuring a unified legal framework for real estate services.

The standardisation of fees and penalties is expected to streamline real estate transactions and support Ajman’s economic and organisational growth.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

UAE: Federal Tax Authority Clarifies Corporate Tax Rules for REIT Investors

15/05/202515/05/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Finance World, 7 May 2025: The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) issued a clarification CTP005 on the Taxation of investors in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that is exempt from Corporate Tax as a Qualifying Investment Fund

The clarification covers the income that will be taxed in the hands of juridical persons that are investors in a REIT and the relevant Tax Period in which the income will be taxed for such investors. It also provides information on the compliance obligations of the REIT and the investors.

A REIT that meets the conditions of Article 10(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/20221 and Article 4(1) of Cabinet Decision No. 34/20252 can make an application to the Federal Tax Authority to be exempt from Corporate Tax as a Qualifying Investment Fund. Where a REIT is exempt from Corporate Tax, the Taxable Income of a juridical person that is an investor in the REIT is adjusted to include 80% of the prorated Immovable Property Income of the REIT. However, if the REIT makes a distribution within nine months from the end of its Financial Year and the investor has not received the dividend distribution due to the disposal of its entire Ownership Interest in the REIT, the investor will not be subject to Corporate Tax on the Immovable Property Income of the REIT.

A REIT must provide specific information in respect of the period to which the distribution relates, or the relevant Financial Year of the REIT, as the case may be. This includes the amount of Immovable Property Income of the REIT; whether the REIT is a distributing fund for such Financial Year; and the amount of tax depreciation deduction for each investment property.; any disposals of investment property for which a tax depreciation deduction was previously claimed. A REIT is not required to provide investors with information that is not relevant to the investor’s Corporate Tax obligations or which the investor has an obligation to keep in their own records, such as the investor’s own acquisition cost or disposal proceeds of an Ownership Interest in the REIT.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: New Labour Regulations Banning Personal Freedom Questions in Job Interviews

15/05/202515/05/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 May 2025: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources has issued new labour regulations prohibiting questions related to personal freedoms during job interviews.

This is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to regulate its labour market and ensure fair employment practices, particularly for its large expatriate community.

The decision impacts employers and job applicants across Saudi Arabia, mandating that job interviews and announcements to be free from discrimination based on gender, disability, age, and marital status. Interviewers are also prohibited from asking about an applicant’s previous workplace confidentialities, ensuring privacy and respect for personal boundaries.

Employers are obligated to inform job applicants of interview details at least three working days in advance, whether the interview is in-person or remote. The interview venue must comply with health and safety regulations, providing adequate seating, visible entrances and exits, and gender-specific restrooms. Security measures, such as electronic systems or security guards, must also be in place.

Additionally, job vacancy announcements must align with the Saudi Unified Occupational Classification and be posted on official digital platforms or licensed employment fairs. These announcements must include comprehensive details such as the company name, activity, office location, job description, required qualifications, work hours, benefits, and application procedures.

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News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Approves Draft Traffic Law Legislation

15/05/202515/05/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 8 May 2025: The Qatari Cabinet approved draft legislation for a new traffic law.

This legal decision is part of the Ministry of Interior’s strategy to regulate and develop traffic movement, improve traffic security, and adapt to advancements in infrastructure and automotive technology.

The draft legislation introduces updated mechanisms for detecting traffic violations, thereby serving the public interest. The law aims to align traffic regulations with the nation’s infrastructural developments and technological advancements, ensuring a safer and more efficient traffic system.

The draft law has been referred to the Shura Council for further deliberation.

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News developments

Kuwait: Health Ministry Sets Prices for Sets Medicines

15/05/202515/05/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Times, 12 May 2025: Kuwait Ministerial Decision No 93/2025, has been issued approving new pricing for 69 medicines and pharmaceutical products in private pharmacies.

The decision follows recommendations made by the Drug Pricing Committee. These approved prices are for a wide range of therapeutic categories. These include medications for cancer, including leukemia, as well as treatments for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. It also covers anticoagulants, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, asthma treatments, osteoporosis drugs, thyroid medications, dermatological preparations, Alzheimer’s and dementia treatments, obesity medications, and migraine relief drugs.

The new decision complements Kuwait Ministerial Decision No. 74/2023.

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News developments

Dubai: Smart Building Policy

15/05/202515/05/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 May 2025: Sheikh Hamdan has approved a smart building policy design to reduce consumption of water and energy.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Executive Council, has approved the new policy measures in alignment with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The policy is being led by the Dubai Municipality. It outlines standards for smart buildings that use renewable energy, intelligent water networks, smart parking, automated climate control, and real-time monitoring systems.

It aims to reduce power consumption in buildings by 25%, water use by 15%, and operational costs by 20%,

At present, adoption of the policy is purely voluntary in new buildings, but it will be backed up by initiatives to encourage adoption by investors and developers in due course.

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