Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Interior Minister Approves Strategic Plan for Crime Research Center

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

Saudi Gazette, 20 April 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister has endorsed a new strategic plan for the Crime Research Center, aimed at strengthening research, analysis, and policy development to combat crime and enhance public security.

The Ministry of Interior announced that the Interior Minister approved a comprehensive strategic plan for the Crime Research Center. The initiative is designed to advance Saudi Arabia’s capacity in crime prevention, criminological research, and evidence‑based policymaking.

Key objectives of the plan include:

Enhancing research capabilities to study crime trends and patterns across the Kingdom.
Developing analytical tools to support law enforcement agencies in decision‑making.
Strengthening collaboration with universities, research institutions, and international partners.
Supporting policy formulation by providing data‑driven insights into criminal behaviour and social factors.
Promoting innovation in crime detection and prevention strategies.

The Crime Research Center is expected to serve as a national hub for criminological studies, offering recommendations to policymakers and law enforcement agencies while ensuring that strategies remain consistent with international best practices.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Updates Building Technical and Architectural Requirements

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

Gulf Times, 16 April 2026: Qatar’s Cabinet has approved a decision updating architectural requirements and technical specifications for buildings.

The amendments revise provisions of Qatar Decision No. 7/1989, introducing updated standards for construction and design. Officials said the changes reflect Qatar’s broader development strategy, ensuring that building regulations keep pace with modern needs and sustainability goals.

The Society of Engineers stressed that the reforms will strengthen housing frameworks, improve safety standards and support better planning for residential and commercial projects. The decision also aligns with Qatar’s long‑term vision for sustainable urban growth.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Oman: Health Ministry Sets Deadline for Medical Device Compliance

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

The Arabian Stories, 20 April 2026: The Ministry of Health has announced that medical device companies must comply with new certification and registration requirements within six months, warning that non‑compliant shipments will be suspended.

Oman’s Ministry of Health issued a directive requiring medical device manufacturers and importers to regularise their status under the country’s updated regulatory framework.

Key provisions include:

Deadline: Six months from 22 April 2026 to complete certification and registration.
Scope: Applies to all medical devices imported into Oman, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical equipment.
Enforcement: Shipments from non‑compliant firms will be suspended at entry points.
Legal basis: Regulations issued under the law and executive decisions of the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry emphasised that the measure is designed to strengthen patient safety, ensure product quality, and align Oman’s medical device market with international standards. Importers were reminded that the government will not assume responsibility for contractual or financial losses arising from non‑compliance.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Kuwait: Government Rolls Out Economic and Banking Safeguards

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

Times Kuwait, 21 April 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of State for Economic Affairs and Investment has imposed a package of economic and financial measures to safeguard essential supplies and strengthen banking sector resilience in response to regional instability.

The Ministry of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, led by Minister Abdulaziz Al‑Marzouq, has announced a comprehensive set of safeguards to protect Kuwait’s economy amid escalating regional tensions. The measures aim to ensure the availability of essential goods, maintain the uninterrupted flow of supplies, and enhance banking sector flexibility to sustain economic activity.

The announcement was made during the eighth extraordinary ministerial‑level meeting of the Permanent Preparatory Committee under the GCC Economic and Development Affairs Authority, held via videoconference. The meeting brought together finance and economy ministers from GCC member states, alongside GCC Secretary‑General Jassim Al‑Budaiwi. Kuwait’s delegation emphasised the direct economic impact of recent Iranian aggression and the need for coordinated Gulf responses.

Participants reviewed precautionary and strategic measures adopted across GCC countries, focusing on energy security, oil exports, investment flows, and supply chain resilience. The council’s Economic and Development Affairs Office presented emergency plans and initiatives to contain risks and maintain market stability. Ministers stressed the importance of deeper economic integration and enhanced cooperation among Gulf states to strengthen resilience against external shocks and ensure sustainable growth.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Dubai: Dubai South Introduces New Incentives for Free Zone Firms

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

Gulf News, 17 April 2026: Dubai South authorities have introduced new incentives for companies operating within the free zone as part of regulatory measures to enhance business activity.

Dubai South has rolled out a package of incentives aimed at attracting and retaining businesses, particularly in sectors such as logistics, aviation, and trade. The initiative includes reductions in licensing fees, flexible payment plans, and simplified company set-up procedures designed to lower entry barriers for firms.

The incentives are implemented within the free zone’s regulatory framework governing company formation, licensing, and operations. They apply to both new and existing businesses, offering cost reductions and administrative flexibility to support business continuity and expansion.

The measures are intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Dubai South as a commercial hub, increase foreign investment, and support economic activity within the emirate.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: CMA Issues Comprehensive Virtual-Assets Regulatory Framework

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The National, 13 April 2026: The UAE’s Capital Market Authority has issued a robust Virtual Assets Framework, establishing a specialised regulatory regime governing the virtual-asset sector.

The framework consists of five core modules:

General Requirements – overarching obligations for virtual-asset providers.
Conduct of Business – licensing, governance, compliance and risk-management rules.
Alternative Trading System (ATS) – dedicated governance for trading platforms, covering virtual and tokenised securities.
Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) – targeted safeguards.
Prudential Requirements – capital adequacy, client protection and operational resilience.

The framework expands regulated activities from three to eight, including:

Dealing in virtual assets as principal
Dealing in virtual assets as agent
Providing custody
Arranging custody
Arranging investment deals
Providing investment advice
Portfolio management
Operating a multilateral trading facility

A dedicated ATS module now regulates trading venues for virtual assets and tokenised securities, reflecting market convergence and evolving business models.

The CMA emphasised that the framework enhances investor protection, market integrity, and innovation, aligning with IOSCO and FATF standards, and upholding the principle: “same activity, same risk, same regulatory outcome”

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: HR Ministry Begins Phase Two of Enforceable Contracts Initiative

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 8 April 2026: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has commenced the second phase of making notarised employment contracts legally enforceable, expanding direct wage enforcement rights for workers under fixed-term agreements.

The initiative had been introduced after labour authorities had identified persistent delays and inefficiencies in resolving wage disputes through traditional court procedures. Previously, employees were required to pursue lengthy administrative and judicial routes to claim unpaid salaries.

In the second phase, fixed-term contracts are now eligible to be treated as enforceable documents once updated or renewed. Employers and employees must notarise or update relevant contracts via the Qiwa platform and obtain an enforcement number from the Ministry of Justice’s Documentation Center.

If an employee has not received full wages within 30 days of the due date, or only partial wages after 90 days, they can file an enforcement request through the Najiz platform. The employer then has five days to raise an objection before enforcement action begins. This avoids traditional court filings and accelerates recovery of due wages.

Background: the first phase, launched in October 2025, already allowed newly notarised contracts to be directly enforceable. The third phase will extend the regime to open-ended contracts, completing the rollout.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Qatar: Full Maritime Traffic Resumes Amid Security Controls

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 11 April 2026: Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has reinstated full maritime traffic for all vessels from Sunday, 12 April 2026, operating daily from 6 am to 6 pm, while licensed fishing boats may continue around the clock.

The resumption follows a phased return after operators had previously restricted vessel movements to mitigate regional tensions. Under the updated directive, all vessel types can now navigate Qatari territorial waters within set hours. Licensed fishing vessels continue to enjoy 24/7 passage.

Vessels must comply with safety regulations: operators are required to verify safety and security equipment prior to and during voyages. Authorities also cautioned against unjustified price increases, warning that surcharges during the transition would be monitored under commercial and maritime laws.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Oman: Ministry Enacts Unified IT Risk‑Management Policy for Government

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 8 April 2026: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has issued a mandatory IT Risk Management Policy applicable to all government agencies, aimed at strengthening cyber resilience and protecting public digital assets.

The policy was introduced after the Ministry identified inconsistent IT risk oversight across government units. Previously, entities operated under fragmented practices, leading to varied levels of preparedness and potential vulnerabilities.

Under the new framework, all units of the State’s administrative apparatus—including contractors and IT service providers—must integrate IT risk management into their core operations. The policy requires entities to maintain documented risk registers, regularly conduct risk assessments, establish incident‑response and risk‑treatment plans, escalate high‑impact risks to senior leadership, and embed risk clauses in IT contracts.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Kuwait: New Decree Tightens Citizenship Rules and Expands Revocation Powers

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 13 April 2026: Kuwait has enacted Kuwait Decree-Law No. 52/2026, amending its Citizenship Law under Kuwait Emiri Decree No. 15/1959 On Kuwait Nationality Law to tighten nationality rules, expand revocation authorities, and bolster state control over naturalisation.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 52/2026 was published in the Official Gazette and is immediately effective. It replaces key provisions and removes outdated sections of the existing law, providing a comprehensive update to the nationality framework.

Key reforms include:

Revised eligibility: Citizenship by descent is confirmed for anyone born to a Kuwaiti father, regardless of birthplace. Eligibility definitions for those of Kuwaiti origin (pre‑1920) have been refined.
Naturalisation rules revamped: Foreign spouses will no longer automatically acquire citizenship; children of naturalised parents are now classified as naturalised and may opt for nationality at adulthood.
Women’s nationality rights: Kuwaiti women retain nationality if they marry foreigners, unless they voluntarily renounce it. Special provisions now allow children of Kuwaiti mothers to acquire nationality temporarily.
Strengthened revocation and withdrawal: Citizenship may be lost for voluntarily acquiring foreign nationality, fraud, criminal conduct, disloyalty, or service to hostile states. Restoration is permitted under specified conditions including residency and renunciation requirements.
Enforcement tools: Minister of Interior gains expanded authority to decide nationality issues, including for children born to Kuwaiti mothers. Use of scientific evidence such as DNA and biometrics is now authorised. Penalties for false claims include up to 3 years’ imprisonment and KD 3,000 fine, increasing to 7 years and KD 5,000 for deliberate fraud.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.