Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Oman: State Council Reviews Amendments to Personal Data Protection Law

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 30 March 2026: Oman’s State Council examined proposed amendments to Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022 Promulgating the Personal Data Protection Law aimed at clarifying scope, automated processing, and data‑retention obligations.

Oman’s State Council discussed draft amendments to Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022 during its seventh session of the third regular convening of the eighth term, as part of a package of legislative proposals referred by the Council of Ministers. The review was undertaken pursuant to Article 50 of the Council of Oman Law.

The proposed amendments introduce an explicit definition of “automated processing” and clarify the scope of the law to apply to the processing of personal data of natural persons both within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, where such processing relates to individuals in Oman. The amendments seek to align the legal framework with evolving technological practices and cross‑border data‑processing activities.

Under the draft provisions, data controllers and processors would be required to delete personal data once the purpose of processing has been fulfilled. However, the law allows for retention of personal data where necessary to resolve disputes between the data controller and the data subject, or to comply with legal obligations arising from legislation, court rulings, orders, or judicial decisions.

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News developments

Kuwait: National Emergency System Activated

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Times Kuwait, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior activated a national early‑warning system to deliver emergency alerts to the public through smart devices in response to current security and safety conditions.

The Ministry has conducted field assessments before activating the system, which sends alerts based on real‑time security indicators continuously monitored by the relevant authorities. The alerts are intended to support rapid preventive action, enabling authorities to protect the public during emergencies.

The Ministry instructed residents to take the messages seriously, immediately move to safe areas upon receiving an alert, and avoid windows and open spaces. It warned against going out to observe or photograph incident sites, emphasising that such actions can expose individuals to danger and may lead to legal consequences. Community awareness and strict adherence to official guidance were described as essential pillars in maintaining public safety.

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News developments

Dubai: Regulatory Framework Introduced for Virtual Asset Derivatives Trading

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai establishes a regulatory framework governing the trading of exchange‑traded derivatives linked to virtual assets.

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for exchange‑traded derivatives in virtual assets, setting out a dedicated and enforceable regime under Version 2.1 of its Exchange Services Rulebook. The framework allows licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers to offer derivatives products within a clearly defined regulatory perimeter, subject to explicit authorisation and compliance requirements.

According to VARA, the framework imposes binding obligations covering client suitability and classification, margin and leverage controls, segregation of client assets, enhanced disclosure requirements and regulatory intervention powers. The measures are intended to address the higher risks associated with derivatives trading and to safeguard market integrity as demand for complex virtual asset products grows.

The updated rulebook takes immediate effect and applies to all VARA‑licensed exchanges operating within Dubai, reflecting the emirate’s approach of aligning innovation in the virtual‑assets sector with robust governance and oversight.

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News developments

Bahrain: MP Urges Labour Ministry To Ensure Timely Payment Of Unemployment Allowances

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 31 March 2026: A Bahraini MP called on the Labour Ministry to rectify technical faults in its electronic services and ensure that unemployment allowances and compensation payments are made without delay.

Bahraini MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi urged the Ministry of Labour to promptly resolve a technical fault affecting its online services and to guarantee the uninterrupted payment of unemployment allowances and compensation. His remarks followed an announcement by the ministry on its official social‑media account stating that a technical issue had affected its electronic services and that work was under way, in coordination with the relevant authorities, to address the problem.

The ministry had assured beneficiaries that the technical disruption would not result in the loss of unemployment allowances or compensation payments due to claimants. Al Olaiwi stressed that the ministry must adhere strictly to this assurance, noting that large numbers of jobseekers rely on these payments as their principal source of income.

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News developments

Ajman: New Taxi Fare Takes Effect from April 2026

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 31 March 2026: Ajman introduces a revised taxi fare structure starting April 2026 as part of updates to local transport services.

Ajman authorities announce a new taxi fare structure that comes into force from April 2026, adjusting starting fares and per‑kilometre charges for taxi services across the emirate. The update applies to all licensed taxis operating within Ajman and reflects changes in operational costs and service regulation.

According to the announcement, the revised tariff sets a new base fare for trips and updates distance‑based pricing, with fares calculated using updated digital meters installed in taxis. Officials state that the changes aim to ensure service sustainability while maintaining reasonable pricing for passengers.

Transport authorities confirm that fare details are displayed inside taxis and through official channels, and drivers are required to adhere strictly to the approved rates.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Real Estate Rules Tighten Governance and Investor Protection

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 28 March 2026: Abu Dhabi has issued a new package of regulatory decisions to strengthen governance across its real estate sector, signalling a further tightening of legal oversight aimed at boosting transparency, investor confidence, and market stability.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced four administrative decisions designed to implement Abu Dhabi Law No. 3/2015 Concerning the Regulation of the Real Estate Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which governs real estate activities in the emirate. The measures were introduced to respond to market growth and to align regulatory practices with international standards.

The decisions addressed key stages of real estate development and management. They imposed stricter controls on withdrawals from escrow accounts, limiting disbursements before projects reach 20% completion in order to safeguard purchasers’ funds. They also clarified ownership rights and management responsibilities in jointly owned properties, ensuring the sustainable operation of shared facilities and common areas.

Further measures standardised the bylaws and operational procedures of owners’ committees, strengthening community participation and governance in residential developments. In addition, the decisions set clear compensation ratios, refund periods, and procedures for buyers affected by cancelled off‑plan projects, balancing the legal rights of purchasers and developers when units are resold.

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News developments

UAE: Expired‑Visa Residents Allowed to Return During Crisis

26/03/202626/03/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 24 March 2026: UAE authorities have permitted residents stranded abroad to re‑enter the country even if their residency visas had expired, as part of crisis‑response measures easing immigration procedures.

According to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, the policy formed part of temporary leniency measures allowing re‑entry without penalties, while also enabling individuals in violation of residency rules to exit the UAE without complications.

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News developments

Qatar: QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure On LNG Contracts

26/03/202626/03/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 24 March 2026: QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on several long‑term LNG supply contracts after Iranian missile strikes damaged LNG Trains 4 and 6, cutting 12.8 MTPA of production—around 17% of Qatar’s exports.

The force majeure affects counterparties in Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China, with supply disruptions expected to last three to five years, the estimated period needed to repair the damaged facilities. The company confirmed that the outage has forced a halt in production of LNG and downstream products, including urea, polymers, methanol and aluminium.

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News developments

Kuwait: KFH Expands Digital Money Transfer Services

26/03/202626/03/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has enhanced its money‑transfer services by expanding its digital partnership with Western Union, enabling customers to conduct fast, secure local and international transfers directly through the KFHOnline app.

Through this integration, customers can send funds in cash, to bank accounts or to digital wallets across Western Union’s global network of over 200 countries, supported by KFH’s strengthened e‑banking framework. The collaboration forms part of KFH’s broader digital‑transformation strategy, which includes virtual card issuance, online account opening, and real‑time currency‑exchange tools.

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News developments

UAE: Authorities Activate New Rule to Break Monopoly on Medical Products

27/02/202627/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 24 February 2026: The UAE has activated a first‑of‑its‑kind mechanism requiring pharmaceutical companies to appoint multiple agents for each medical product to break long‑standing monopolies and strengthen national pharmaceutical security.

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) said it has activated the new mechanism under Federal Decree‑Law No. 38/2024 on Medical Products, the Pharmacy Profession, and Pharmaceutical Establishments, marking the first time the UAE has obliged pharmaceutical firms to register more than one authorised agent per medical product. The move is part of a national strategy to enhance pharmaceutical security, diversify supply chains, and ensure the continuous availability of medicines and medical products across the country.

Officials explained that the reform aims to end exclusive‑agent control, reduce the risk of supply disruptions during emergencies or operational challenges, and improve the efficiency and resilience of medical‑product distribution. The EDE added that expanding the number of authorised agents will accelerate delivery times, improve inventory management, and boost the UAE’s attractiveness as an investment destination in the pharmaceutical sector.

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