Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: Government Rejects Proposal to Audit Sports and Labour Unions

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

The Daily Tribune, 18 September 2024: The government has rejected a legislative proposal that aimed to place sports and labour unions under the supervision of the Financial and Administrative Audit Bureau.

The government has argued that the funds of these organisations are private, not public.

In a memorandum to the Council of Representatives, the government has stated that the Bahrain Olympic Committee is an independent body with legal personality and financial, administrative, and technical autonomy.

It operates under the provisions of the Olympic Charter and its president issues a unified statute covering the formation, administration, dissolution, meetings, and international participation of sports federations, along with their administrative and financial matters.

The government has emphasised that the federations operate in accordance with laws and regulations issued by the international federation for each sport.

It has also highlighted that the Olympic Committee receives financial support from the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, further solidifying the private nature of their funds.

Purpose Regarding labour unions, the government explained that their purpose is to protect the interests and rights of workers.

They are granted independent legal personality upon registration with the Labour Ministry and are required to include provisions in their statutes regarding the preservation of their funds, financial systems, and financial records.

The government’s response to the Council of Representatives emphasised that the law does not classify the funds of labour unions as public money and does not grant them the protection afforded to public funds.

Their financial resources are limited to membership fees, contributions, grants, donations, bequests, proceeds from events, and other sources that comply with the law and the organisation’s statutes.

Oversight While the government maintains that these organisations are private entities and their funds are not subject to the Financial and Administrative Audit Bureau’s oversight, it acknowledged a potential for oversight.

The Minister of Youth and Sports can request the Bureau to audit the financial records of sports federations, based on the Associations Law.

This provision allows the minister to review the income and expenses of sports associations and clubs, ensuring the integrity of their resources and the legitimacy of their spending.

However, this oversight is discretionary and not mandatory.

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News developments

Oman: Passenger Rights Protection Decision Issued

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

Al-Roya, 8 September 2024: The Official Gazette has published Oman Decision No. 757/2024 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority to issue the Regulation for the Protection of Passenger Rights.

Under this regulation, passengers cannot request compensation if they are informed by the airline about the cancellation of the journey 14 days before the planned departure date.

Additionally, airlines shall be responsible for damages caused by changing the date of the planned journey earlier than planned when international flights are cancelled or destinations are changed within 14 days from the original date, and they must compensate the passenger.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Kuwait: New Decree Issued to Amend Real Estate ‘Rental Law’ in Kuwait

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

Arab Times, 14 September 2024: Kuwait Law No. 95/2024 has been issued to amend certain provisions of Kuwait Law No. 35/1978 related to real estate rental.

This amendment aims to streamline the legal process for rental disputes and enhance the enforceability of lease agreements.

The amendment requires all pending lawsuits before the Court of Appeal to be referred to the Court of First Instance, except for cases already reserved for judgment, which must be decided within one month.

The lease agreement between the lessor and lessee is now ratified as an enforceable tool for collecting unpaid rent, provided notification is sent to the lessee and a certificate proving non-payment is submitted.

Lease agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and specify the full rent amount and designated payment date.

Lease contracts must be documented according to Kuwait Law No. 10/2020 and appended to the executive formula.

Appeals against rulings issued by rental departments must be filed with the Court of First Instance in its appellate capacity.

The decree is effective from the date of its publication in the official gazette, Kuwait Alyoum.

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News developments

Dubai: AI Security Policy Launched

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

Al-Fajr, 13 September 2024: The Dubai Electronic Security Centre has launched the Dubai AI Securing Policy, in a proactive step that enhances confidence in AI solutions and supports their development with the aim of protecting Dubai from cyber risks.

This policy represents a qualitative shift in the Centre’s efforts to achieve the vision of the wise leadership and the directives to make the UAE a leader in the field of AI by 2031.

The policy reflects the Centre’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of AI technology, in line with the Dubai Annual Plan and the Dubai Economic Strategy “D33”, which aims to double the size of the economy over the next decade.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

DIFC: Case Management System Upgrade

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

The DIFC Courts will be upgrading its digital infrastructure with the implementation of a new, improved and streamlined Case Management System (CMS).

The new system implementation will take full effect as of 30 September 2024.

As a result, all DIFC Courts eServices will be suspended as of 4:00 pm on 26 September 2024, until 8:00 am on 30 September 2024.

Services affected during this system transition will include but are not limited to all filings (including claim forms and electronic filing cover sheets), payments of fees, Wills Registry, and bundling services.

Any deadlines that fall within the above stipulated period will be rescheduled to fall on 30 September2024.

Following the launch of the new system, all registered DIFC Courts users will be required to update their respective profiles via a link, which will be shared upon the launch of the upgraded system.

For any urgent applications to be made within the above stipulated period, please contact the Registrar on +971 50 213 8049.

For any further information, please contact the Registry via email: registry@difccourts.ae.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Interest Free Loan for Marriage Announced

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

Emaratalyoum, 13 September 2024: The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi has announced the start of registration for the six initiatives of the Emirati Family Growth Program (Nomu).

This program aims to enhance family formation and stability, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Family Quality of Life Strategy and the wise vision of the leadership.

The program is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen family cohesion and support young couples and newly formed families of Emirati citizens in the emirate.

The six initiatives offer various benefits, including an interest-free marriage advance of up to AED 150,000 for those about to get married, a discount on housing loans up to AED 40,000, an extension of the repayment period for housing loans, extended maternity leave for mothers working in the private sector, rental assistance of up to AED 75,000 for newlyweds, and home visits.

These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting families and promoting a stable and nurturing environment for the growth and well-being of Emirati families.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Dubai: New Law Establishes Advertising Company

13/09/202413/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 12 September 2024: A private joint-stock company (PJSC) named Mada Media Company has been launched.
This company is tasked with managing, developing, and operating advertising sites.
It is also responsible for investing in advertising technology, conducting related research, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The law allows Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality to delegate all or part of their advertising-related functions and permit issuance to Mada Media.
A concession agreement will facilitate the transfer and registration of advertising-related assets, rights, and obligations from government entities to the company or its subsidiaries.
The law outlines mechanisms for subscription and ownership of the company’s shares, the powers of its Board of Directors, and the human and financial resources it may use.
The company’s shares may be offered for public subscription in ratios determined by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

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News developments

UAE: Streamlined Process for Withdrawing Absconding Reports Introduced

13/09/202413/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 6 September 2024: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced a simplified process for both domestic workers and employers to file or withdraw absconding reports.

This initiative aims to provide a fair and transparent resolution for all parties involved.

According to the new guidelines, domestic workers can initiate the withdrawal process through MoHRE’s website, application, or by visiting designated domestic worker centres or Tawseel vehicles.

The service is available in all emirates except Dubai, where it can be accessed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

To withdraw an absconding report, domestic workers must provide a copy of their Emirates ID, passport, and have a record of an absconding report lodged by their employer.

After filling out the application and paying the required fee (Dh115 online or up to Dh72 at business centres), MoHRE will verify the validity of the complaint.

Once approved, the worker can cancel the complaint without involving the employer within a week of the cancellation date.

Employers, on the other hand, can log into MoHRE’s portal or use their UAE Pass to submit an application for withdrawing the absconding report.

They must provide copies of the domestic worker’s Emirates ID and passport, and have a record of lodging a complaint against the worker for absence from work.

After paying the applicable fee and verification by MoHRE and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the employer will receive final approval.

The new process aims to streamline the resolution of domestic worker disputes, with the latest amendments mandating that such cases be taken up at the Court of First Instance as a last resort if an amicable settlement cannot be reached with MoHRE.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Waives Fees for Exports

13/09/202413/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 8 September 2024: The Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced new customs service fees starting 6 October 2024.

The new rules include waiving the fees for all customs services for exports.

The authority has also reduced customs service fees for imports through a new mechanism for calculating import service fees, which involves a fee of 0.15% of the value of the incoming goods for customs declaration processing services.

Additionally, the Fee Document on Customs Services stipulates a fee of SAR15 for customs declaration processing services on individuals’ shipments arriving through online stores, provided that the value of these shipments does not exceed SAR1,000.

The ZATCA has clarified that the customs services for exports for which the fees have been waived include customs declaration processing service, lead seal, land port loading services, X-ray inspection, customs data exchange, and sample analysis exchange at specialised laboratories.

The authority has added that previously the customs service fees for imports included a charge of SR100 for each container inspected by X-ray, an additional SR 100 for “information exchange” services, and SR20 for customs declaration processing services.

With the new decision, the fee shall be based on 0.15% of the value of the incoming goods, including insurance and shipping, with a maximum of SR 500 and a minimum of SR15 and a special cap of SR130 for shipments exempt from customs duties and taxes.

ZATCA invites customers and taxpayers to contact it if they have any inquiries via the unified 24/7 call centre number (19993), its X Account (@Zatca_Care), e-mail (info@zatca.gov.sa), or instant chatting through its website (zatca.gov.sa).

The new mechanism for calculating import service fees aims to reduce import costs and enhance the importers’ capability to pre-calculate customs service fees for imports and set a higher limit for such fees.

The new decision also ensures the elimination of any cost increases against importers and unifies the calculation mechanism for the various land, sea and air ports while supporting and enhancing trade facilitation objectives.

ZATCA has also announced that through the new measures, it seeks to provide customs services in accordance with the best practices, leading to realising positive income across the logistics ecosystem and supporting its strategic objectives.

The new measures also aim to promote the confidence of importers and exporters and improve transparency.

ZATCA has reiterated its commitment to develop its customs services in line with its strategic objectives by contributing to turning Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub in line with Vision 2030.

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News developments

Qatar: CRA Unveils Network Neutrality Guidelines

12/09/202412/09/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 8 September 2024: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has published new Guidelines for Network Neutrality to encourage a fair and competitive digital environment.

The new guidelines aim to protect digital media companies, ensure consumers have equal access to internet content without discrimination, attract investment to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and support the development of the digital economy in Qatar.

Network neutrality is the principle that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally, without discrimination or preferential treatment based on content, application, or user.

This ensures that all users have equal access to online services, protecting user rights and fostering innovation by providing a level playing field for all content providers.

The guidelines mandate that ISPs comply to this principle, that is crucial for promoting healthy competition, which encourages investment in Qatar’s digital economy.

Before being finalised, the guidelines were issued for public consultation to gather input from stakeholders across the industry.

This feedback helped refine the guidelines, addressing concerns while maintaining flexibility in pricing and innovation.

According to the Network Neutrality Guidelines, ISPs must clearly communicate their traffic management practices and service impacts.

CRA will monitor Internet ISPs compliance and engage stakeholders to keep the guidelines aligned with technological advancements.

As part of its broader strategy to enhance Qatar’s telecommunications, information technology, and postal sectors, CRA is focusing on improving connectivity and embracing digital transformation to drive economic growth and improve quality of life.

This aligns with the Third National Development Strategy 2024 – 2030, which prioritises improving residents’ quality of life and delivering services that meet global standards.

The guidelines signal to foreign investors that Qatar’s digital sector is open and competitive, contributing to Qatar’s economic growth.

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