Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Certain Real Estate Transactions Exempted from VAT

26/09/202426/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al-Riyadh, 19 September 2024: The Saudi Council of Ministers, during its session held on 17 September 2024, chaired by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has approved the Real Estate Transactions Tax System.

The law imposes a rate of 5% on the total value of real estate transactions involving the transfer of property ownership, such as sales, exchanges, or similar transactions.

However, certain transactions are exempted according to the executive regulations, including the distribution of inheritance among beneficiaries, the disposal of property for family or charitable endowments, and the transfer of ownership to licensed charitable associations.

The real estate transaction tax was introduced at the beginning of the year 1442 AH, replacing the 15% VAT on real estate sales.

Additionally, the state’s support for the tax on the first home for citizens increased from 850,000 riyals to one million riyals.

Recent amendments to the executive regulations require all real estate transactions to be registered on the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority’s real estate transaction portal, with details on the property and the type of transaction specified before documentation with the competent authorities.

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News developments

Qatar: Qatari Trademark Database now on WIPO System

25/09/202425/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al Sharq, 22 September 2024: The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched Qatar’s trademark database on the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)’s Global Brand Database.

Those interested in Qatari trademarks can now search the database through the Global Brand Database (wipo.int) website before applying for trademark registration and learn about trademarks in markets of interest to both the government and private sectors. The changes come after Qatar’s accession to the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Trademarks, which aims to achieve international legal protection for trademarks.

The move is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, to enhance the frameworks for protecting intellectual property rights in Qatar and achieve the highest standards of transparency in government procedures.

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News developments

Oman: Plans for Zero Emissions in Energy Sector

25/09/202425/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Daily Observer, 23 September 2024: The Omani Ministry of Energy and Minerals has announced its plans for the energy sector in the Sultanate.

These include the aim to reach zero omissions by 2050. The strategy covers areas including energy efficiency, carbon capture, transport and storage. It is based on five principals. These include the organised transition to decarbonisation, enhancing local capabilities for energy transformation and promoting a low-carbon economy.

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News developments

Kuwait: Inspections Reveal Food Violations

25/09/202425/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 21 September 2024: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition has revealed a recent inspection campaign has revealed 27 food safety violations.

These included selling food which was unfit for human consumption which included spoilt items with a different shape, colour or smell. Other violations included displaying food outside designated areas, operating as a food establishment with an expired license and transporting food without the necessary authorisation from the authority.

In addition, there were workers handling food without the necessary health certificates and staff who had been employed without the required documentation. Several premises also failed the necessary hygiene standards.

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News developments

Dubai: Unveils New Law Streamlining Law Enforcement Capacities

25/09/202425/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 18 September 2024: A new law aims to streamline regulations on the law enforcement capacities granted to community members, employees, and organisations tasked with managing public facilities.

Issued by the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Administrative Decision No. 19/2024 seeks to ensure proper implementation of legislation by those granted law enforcement capacity and enhance public-private partnerships in managing public facilities.

It empowers community members to assist government entities and actively prevent actions or omissions that violate Dubai’s laws.

The regulations apply to employees of government entities, employees of private companies contracted by government entities, institutions granted law enforcement capacity to manage public facilities, and citizens and residents granted law enforcement capacity, excluding members of the judiciary and police officers.

To be granted law enforcement capacity, community members must be at least 30 years old, though exceptions may be granted by senior government officials when necessary.

Individuals must possess the necessary knowledge, qualifications, expertise in the field they supervise, familiarity with enforced legislation, and the ability to identify violations.

They are required to complete training and demonstrate proficiency in using modern technology.

The law mandates the use of Arabic in investigations and sets guidelines for the duties and performance evaluations of judicial officers.

It also specifies how law enforcement capacities can be revoked, subject to a decision issued by the chairman of the Supreme Legislative Committee.

Dubai Administrative Decision No. 19/2024 replaces Dubai Law No. 8/2016 pertaining to the regulation of granting law enforcement capacity.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Disclosure Rules Announced for ADX Listed Companies

25/09/202425/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 21 September 2024: Companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) are now required to disclose the agenda and schedule of their board meetings if matters affecting the firm’s stock price are to be discussed.

The disclosures must be made at least two business days prior to the meeting date, Decisions taken during these meetings must also be disclosed immediately after the meeting ends, excluding the day of the meeting itself. If a company’s board of directors decides to hold a meeting on Friday, 27 September 2024, to discuss matters affecting the company’s stock price, the company must disclose the agenda and meeting schedule no later than Tuesday, 24 September 2024. Failure to disclose by the deadline would be considered a violation of market disclosure regulations.

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News developments

Kuwait: Biometric Registration Suspends Civil and Bank Transactions

23/09/202423/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al-Watan, 19 September 2024: The Interior Ministry has urged citizens to promptly complete the biometric fingerprint process before 30 September 2024.

Failure to do so will result in the suspension of civil cards and all government and banking transactions.
Starting 1 October 2024, fingerprint offices in mall centres will be closed. Citizens must visit designated centres at the Personality Investigation Departments of the General Department of Criminal Evidence, which operate from 8 am to 10 pm daily.

Advance appointments are required through the Sahl application.

For bedridden individuals and those with moderate to severe disabilities, mobile biometric fingerprint devices will be available starting 18 August 2024.

Citizens can send relevant documents to the WhatsApp number 94458124 to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting at their location.

The Ministry aims to enhance services, facilitate security procedures, and reduce hardship for people with special needs, ensuring their access to government services.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

UAE: Federal Authority Introduces Unified Employment Contract Model for Federal Sector

19/09/202419/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Law Reporters, 16 September 2024: The UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has unveiled a unified model for employment contracts within the federal government sector, a move aimed at streamlining and standardising employment terms for both Emiratis and expatriates.

This legal reform signifies a major advancement in the UAE’s employment framework, reflecting its commitment to fostering an inclusive, efficient, and well-regulated public sector.

The newly introduced employment contract model applies to all employees within the federal government, covering various employment types and work patterns.

It clarifies the different work patterns allowed under federal government employment, giving room for diverse roles and responsibilities while maintaining operational efficiency.

The reform includes provisions for flexible working hours, recognising the growing need for adaptable work schedules in a modern work environment.

One of the model’s most significant aspects is the specification of contract durations, providing clarity and transparency for both employers and employees.

Whether an individual is employed on a permanent, temporary, or project basis, the duration of the employment will be clearly stipulated.

The unified model is applicable to both Emiratis and expatriates employed in the federal government.

This inclusivity is in line with the UAE’s broader policies to integrate Emiratis into the public sector while ensuring that expatriates have clear and structured employment terms.

From a legal standpoint, this initiative represents a significant step towards reducing ambiguity and employment disputes in the public sector.

By standardising terms and conditions, the model enhances legal certainty for all stakeholders.

Employees now have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations, and employers can ensure compliance with unified guidelines.

The introduction of this contract model comes at a time when governments worldwide are reassessing employment frameworks to adapt to new work environments shaped by technological advancements, global mobility, and shifts in labour markets.

The UAE has consistently been at the forefront of such reforms, with this unified model being a testament to its proactive approach to labour governance.

The unified model also aligns with the UAE’s ongoing Emiratisation efforts, which aim to increase the number of Emiratis employed in the public and private sectors.

By creating a transparent, structured, and attractive employment framework, the federal government aims to encourage more Emiratis to join the workforce, knowing that their employment terms are safeguarded under this unified system.

The UAE’s move to introduce a unified employment contract model is a landmark reform that reflects the country’s legal sophistication and its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the workforce.

It provides much-needed clarity on work patterns, flexible timings, and contract durations, ensuring fairness and legal consistency for both Emirati and expatriate employees in the federal sector.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Launches Tourist Tax Refund Scheme

19/09/202419/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 11 September 2024: Saudi Arabia has launched a tourist tax refund scheme to attract more visitors and enhance its competitiveness with neighbouring Gulf countries.

In late August, the Zakat, Customs, and Tax Authority initiated a public consultation on proposed changes to tax regulations.

These changes are designed to improve compliance with value-added tax (VAT) laws and provide relief to certain VAT payers.

While Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax, excise duties were introduced in 2017, and VAT was increased to 15% in 2020 from 5% when it was first implemented in 2018.

The new tourist refund follows the recent suspension of licensing fees for hotels, hotel apartments, and resorts, part of the government’s strategy to increase tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) to 10% by 2030.

This will place Saudi Arabia as a global touristic destination.

Saudi Arabia aims to attract 50 million religious tourists annually by 2030.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia plans to simplify foreign investor registration starting in January to boost its foreign direct investment figures.

The Capital Markets Authority is considering eliminating the 5% withholding tax on interest payments to corporate bondholders.

Currently, non-GCC investors in Saudi Arabia face a 20% corporate income tax, which can rise to at least 50% for oil and hydrocarbon producers.

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News developments

Qatar: CRA Issues Consumer Protection Policy & Regulation for Postal Sector

19/09/202419/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

GCC Business News, 16 September 2024: Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has introduced the draft Consumer Protection Policy and Regulation for postal sector.

The document, aimed at strengthening consumer rights and services, is now available for public consultation.

The CRA invites stakeholders and the public for their feedback until 24 September 2024.

The draft Consumer Protection Policy and Regulation for Qatar’s postal sector provides a comprehensive framework.

The document sets high standards for postal Service Providers while safeguarding consumer rights.

Furthermore, the regulation elaborates on the expected standards that all postal licensees must comply to, remaining both reliable and transparent.

Standardised complaints resolution process is another important thing highlighted in the draft.

When applied, the regulation will help the consumers to escalate unresolved complaints from Service Providers to CRA.

This process will reinforce consumers’ trust in postal services as their grievances will be resolved efficiently and fairly.

With this initiative, the regulation provides a strong solution than Service Providers’ internal complaint-handling procedures.

The new policy and regulation is set to revolutionise Qatar’s postal sector, ensuring that consumers get improved service, greater transparency and an efficient and reliable way to have their accusations resolved.

On the other hand, postal sector Service Providers will operate with clear guidelines and standardised procedures.

For CRA, the launch of the new policy and regulation will provide a robust framework to uphold compliance, consumer rights as well as the regulatory structure.

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