Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Kuwait: New Freelance Residency Scheme

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 16 February 2026: Kuwait has announced a new freelance residency category, set to launch within two months, with fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000.

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior announced a broad package of labour‑market reforms, including the introduction of a new freelancer residency permit designed to curb visa trading and offer a regulated framework for independent workers. The permit will carry government fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000, and is expected to be implemented within the next two months.

Strict penalties would be imposed for labour‑law violations, especially where workers are found operating outside their authorised sponsorship. Employers were warned that violations could trigger criminal action, and authorities have been directed to streamline procedures and expand communication channels to support compliant companies.

Last year, 39,000 illegal workers were deported following intensified inspections targeting unlawful employment and residency breaches. Parallel measures were also announced, including inspections of nurseries, delivery‑app companies, and health institutes operating in violation of labour rules, as well as upcoming regulations for subcontracting arrangements involving foreign entities.

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News developments

Dubai: New Inspection Standards for Delivery‑Bike Registration

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 14 February 2026: Dubai has introduced new technical inspection standards allowing delivery motorcycles to renew registration for an extra operational year, strengthening safety oversight and regulatory governance in the fast‑growing sector.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that delivery bikes may now extend their operational life to a fifth year, provided they pass newly introduced inspection standards developed in line with global guidelines. The inspection is optional but becomes necessary for any company seeking to renew bike registration beyond the existing four‑year limit. Service access is available through designated RTA inspection centres or via the RTA website under the “Delivery Bikes Operational Life Extension” service.

The initiative supports rider safety, enhances service quality, reduces operating costs, and improves operational efficiency across an expanding delivery market. The programme forms part of wider sector reforms, including dedicated stations for riders, designated delivery‑bike lanes, and the introduction of yellow number plates to improve visibility. Additional measures such as charging stations and rest areas were also introduced to reduce rider fatigue and advance sustainable operations.

Delivery companies can complete the renewal process by logging into their corporate accounts, selecting the relevant service, identifying bikes that have reached maximum age, and completing inspections at authorised centres.

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News developments

Bahrain: Justice Ministry Launches New Service for Managing Minors’ Movable Assets

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Digital News, 16 February 2026: Bahrain’s Justice Ministry has introduced a new service allowing guardians to request approval for the purchase or sale of movable assets belonging to minors.

As part of wider government efforts to enhance and streamline public services, the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry has developed a mechanism enabling guardians and legally authorised individuals to submit applications to buy or sell movable assets owned by minors. The service covers transactions involving valuable items, electrical appliances and similar property.

According to the ministry, applicants can now file and track requests through the Minor Affairs and Funds Service Centre, ensuring clearer oversight and improved transparency within the authorisation process. The initiative forms part of the ongoing digital transformation of justice‑sector services and aims to reinforce legal protections for minors’ financial interests.

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News developments

Ajman: Institution Upgrades Boost Rehabilitation Services for Inmates

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 February 2026: Ajman’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Institution implemented new development projects to strengthen inmate rehabilitation, improve living conditions, and enhance service delivery across the facility.

Senior officials reviewed multiple upgrades introduced to advance welfare and reintegration programmes. These included establishing a nursery for inmates’ children and upgrading essential medical units such as the dental clinic, medical laboratory, and pharmacy. Authorities also expanded vocational workshops and training facilities designed to equip inmates with practical skills for reintegration after release.

The inspection covered several departments, including inmate affairs, security operations, rehabilitation services, and both male and female accommodation wards. Officials assessed ongoing rehabilitation programmes and commended staff for maintaining high service standards while safeguarding inmates’ rights and well‑being.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Judiciary Adopts Facial Recognition to Replace Digital Signatures

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 February 2026: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department introduced a new facial‑recognition system to authenticate legal transactions, replacing traditional digital signatures in a first‑of‑its‑kind rollout for the region.

Authorities confirmed that the initial phase of the project would apply to power of attorney procedures for lawyers, allowing approvals to be completed through smart devices without requiring a digital signature. The system uses encrypted biometric data and real‑time verification against official government records to ensure a high level of identity security.

The Judicial Department plans to gradually expand the use of facial recognition to notary and authentication services in upcoming phases.

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News developments

UAE: Non‑Commercial Sports Bodies Get Corporate Tax Break

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 February 2026: UAE has introduced a corporate tax exemption for eligible non‑commercial sports entities to boost sector growth and transparency.

The Ministry of Finance has issued UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/2026 to exempt certain sports organisations that operate on a non‑commercial basis from corporate tax, aligning the regime with international best practice and supporting the UAE’s ambitions as a global sports hub.

Exemptions apply to international sports entities, domestic sports bodies, and specified ancillary entities whose primary purpose is to promote, organise, manage, or develop sport at a regional or international level, provided they are recognised by the competent sports authority.

Qualifying organisations must confine activities to their sporting objectives, ensure all income and assets are used solely to advance those objectives or cover necessary expenses, and avoid any private benefit to members or founders except where beneficiaries are approved public‑benefit or government‑linked bodies.

To access the relief, entities must apply to the Federal Tax Authority with supporting documentation so that eligibility and ongoing compliance can be verified; this process is intended to preserve oversight while directing the exemption to genuine non‑profit sports development.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Commerce Ministry Issues Nearly 2,000 Licences for Ramadan Sales

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 9 February 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has issued 1,987 licences for Ramadan sales and promotional offers across the Kingdom

The Ministry of Commerce has announced the issuance of 1,987 licences authorising discounts and promotional offers for the Ramadan sales season, which began on 1 February and will continue until after Eid al‑Fitr. The licences apply to both commercial establishments and online stores across the Kingdom.

According to the Ministry, the approved promotions cover more than five million products, including food and consumer goods, electrical and electronic appliances, perfumes and cosmetics, clothing and fashion items, and other Ramadan and Eid essentials.

Authorities also urged online shoppers to place orders early in anticipation of peak demand in the parcel‑delivery sector as Ramadan approaches. The Ministry, along with the Transport General Authority and the E‑Commerce Council, highlighted that early ordering improves shipping flow, reduces delays and enhances consumer experience.

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News developments

Oman: Tourist VAT Refund Scheme Announced

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 5 February 2026: Oman’s Tax Authority has said the government will implement a VAT refund service for tourists once it has agreed costs and refund percentages with the companies that will operate the service.

The announcement was made during the Tax Authority’s first media briefing, which reviewed recent performance indicators and upcoming plans for the tax system. The Tax Authority said the tourist VAT refund service will be rolled out only after agreements with service providers have been finalised, and no launch date was provided in the reporting.

In the same briefing, the Director-General of Operations and Tax Services reported that the number of registrants rose in 2025 compared with 2021, including 88% for income tax, 120% for VAT, and 222% for excise tax. The authority also said it was working on advanced systems to strengthen efficiency and compliance, including electronic invoicing, the “Ta’akad” application, a tax risk management system, and the use of AI technologies. It further reported that Oman had signed about 39 effective double taxation agreements up to 2025.

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News developments

Dubai: Tokenised Property Resale Opened in Next Phase

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 February 2026: Dubai moves its real estate tokenisation project into a trading phase, allowing resale of property stakes through a controlled secondary market.

Dubai Land Department announces Phase II of its Real Estate Tokenisation Project, shifting the work from pilot testing to operational execution. The new phase will enable resale activity in the secondary market, with trading set to begin on 20 February.

The pilot phase had been launched in March under the REES Real Estate Innovation Initiative and had tested the regulatory, legislative and technical set-up for tokenising real estate assets on title deeds. The pilot had been run with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and other partners, and the department said it confirmed tokenisation could work within a regulated environment.

Under Phase II, around 7.8 million real estate tokens will be made available for trading as part of a controlled framework, while authorities will monitor market functioning, governance, transparency and investor protection under real trading conditions. Dubai Land Department said future expansion will be guided by data and coordination with regulators, and it is working with VARA and technical partners to develop standards for later phases. Authorities are also studying whether they could bring in more participants and onboard additional platforms, subject to regulatory approval and performance reviews.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: January-February 2026 Edition

10/02/202610/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The January–February 2026 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert delivers essential insight into the latest legal, regulatory, tax, and financial developments across the Middle East. This issue features an in-depth analysis of key amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, Bahrain’s strengthened anti-money laundering framework impacting notaries, and major regulatory changes across the GCC. It also covers evolving tax and finance regimes, capital market liberalisation, AI governance and digital transformation, alongside expert commentary, case analysis, and a roundup of significant leadership moves across the region.

This edition offers a comprehensive yet concise look at the shifting legal and regulatory landscape in the Middle East.

FEATURE: IN BETTER COMPANY

Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2025 introduces amendments to just 15 articles of the UAE Commercial Companies Law, but as Ashley Connick of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP explains, these targeted changes are likely to be far-reaching.

FEATURE: AML CHANGE OF NOTE

Noor Al Rayes and Fatema Sarha of Al Tamimi & Company explore how a new Bahraini decision is transforming notaries into key gatekeepers in the battle against money laundering.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: AN AI ON EXPANSION

Roula Khaled, General Counsel and Head of Ethics and Compliance at Khazna Data Centres, shares her insights on how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping legal practice and opening up new pathways for business expansion.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Nick O’Connell of Bird & Bird unpacks Saudi Arabia’s AI Adoption Framework, offering insight into how the Kingdom is shaping responsible AI use.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Promotions, appointments, and leadership changes—discover the career moves driving change across the region’s legal sector.

CONTRACT WATCH: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co highlights Saudi Arabia’s new employment contract reforms, introducing dual registration, standardised contracts, and faster wage enforcement, with phased implementation through 2026.

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Keep pace with the region’s evolving tax and finance landscape, including important updates on the GCC sugar tax.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2026

Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July-August 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May-June 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay up to date with our latest legal round-up, including updates on the UAE Civil Code and other significant regulatory developments.

LAW MONITOR

Discover the latest legal developments across the GCC, including key amendments to the Kuwaiti Capital Market Authority legislation.

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