Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

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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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Government Allowed Exemptions for Contracting with Firms Lacking Regional HQ

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

Saudi Gazette, 19 February 2026: Saudi Arabia has introduced a formal exemption mechanism permitting government entities to contract with international companies that do not maintain a regional headquarters in the Kingdom.

The decision, announced by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, aims to balance the Kingdom’s strict “Relocation of Headquarters” policy—effective since early 2024—with the practical needs of major projects requiring specialised technical expertise or strong financial competitiveness. Under the earlier rule, all government bodies, funds, institutions, and affiliated agencies had been prohibited from contracting with foreign companies whose regional headquarters were located outside Saudi Arabia.

The authority confirmed that government entities may now request an exemption for specific projects, groups of projects, or defined periods, provided the request is submitted before issuing a tender or initiating direct contracting. The electronic service for submitting such exemption requests went live on the “Etimad” digital platform in November 2025, offering an official channel for regulated applications. Requests for older tenders or tenders issued outside the platform will continue under the previous mechanism.

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News developments

Qatar: MoCI Rolls Out 36 New E‑Services

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

The Peninsula, 24 February 2026: Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched 36 new e‑services to simplify licensing procedures and accelerate the country’s digital‑government agenda.

The Ministry said the newly introduced services cover a wide spectrum of commercial and regulatory activities, including licensing for prize draws, annual and seasonal sales, loyalty programmes, “Scan and Win” campaigns, special offers, festivals, initiatives, promotional campaigns and final‑clearance sales. The platform also expands brokerage‑activity services, enabling the issuance, renewal, amendment, cancellation and replacement of broker licences and cards, all completed electronically.

The initiative targets full digitalisation of government services, enhanced business efficiency and stronger innovation within the commercial, industrial and investment sectors.

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News developments

Oman: Regulators Review Children’s Social Media Use Amid Digital‑Safety Concerns

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

Gulf News, 20 February 2026: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has begun reviewing children’s use of social media as part of plans to introduce a new regulatory framework addressing online‑safety risks.

Authorities said the review have been prompted by studies indicating risks such as exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time. The TRA confirmed that the initiative would reassess the legal responsibilities of platforms accessed by minors, including potential measures on parental controls, age‑verification requirements and oversight obligations for service providers.

The regulator announced it would conduct consultations with families, educators, technology companies and other relevant stakeholders before finalising the framework, expected by the end of the third quarter. Officials also noted that international regulatory models—particularly from Europe—would be examined to align Omani standards with global best practices on child‑online protection.

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News developments

Kuwait: National Service Law Amended by New Decree

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

Kuwait has issued a new decree amending the national military service framework, updating eligibility rules, exemptions and procedural requirements.

Kuwait Decree‑Law No. 9/2026 introduced amendments to Kuwait Law No. 20/2015 on Military National Service. The Armed Forces said the update aims to resolve legislative and procedural gaps that had caused delays in processing cases and handling situations not covered under the original law. Under the amendments, national service will apply to all Kuwaiti males turning 18, starting with those born on 1 January 2012, while those born before that date are exempt. Any procedures taken in violation of this cutoff will be cancelled.

The amendments also ensure that employed conscripts retain their salaries, allowances and bonuses throughout their service, with the service period counted toward total employment years. Additional provisions include exempting an only son, extending the registration deadline from 60 to 180 days, and granting firefighters employed by Kuwait Oil Company the same exemptions as those given to the Kuwait Fire Force. The National Military Service Authority is now authorised to assign conscripts to the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard and the Kuwait Fire Force.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Extends Social Insurance to Freelancers

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

Bahrain Moments, 19 February 2026: Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved amendments extending mandatory social‑insurance coverage to freelancers and self‑employed workers.

The amendment updates Article 2 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 24/1976 promulgating the Social Insurance Law, expanding compulsory coverage beyond traditional employment contracts to include self‑employed individuals and members of the liberal professions. The categories eligible for enrolment will be designated by ministerial decision and require approval from the Social Insurance Organisation’s board, ensuring a controlled regulatory rollout.

Lawmakers confirmed that penalties, funding mechanisms and implementation remain governed by existing statutory structures, noting the measure does not impose additional burdens on the state budget. The law takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

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