Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Allows 100% Foreign Ownership in Most Business Sectors

02/08/202402/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Saudi Vice Minister of Commerce and CEO of the National Competitiveness Centre (NCC) noted that the Kingdom allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors, a significant factor in attracting international investment.

This was highlighted during the Saudi-Korean Business Forum, where the Commerce Minister has emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has led to substantial economic diversification, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, and encouraging innovation across various business sectors.

The forum, attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Korea and approximately 400 representatives from both public and private sectors, has highlighted the strategic trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Korea.

The Commerce Minister highlighted the collaborative efforts to boost economic prosperity, noting that trade volume between the two nations reached $35 billion from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, 174 commercial records were issued to Korean companies up to last April.

The Korean Minister of Trade emphasised the expanding Saudi-Korean economic and trade partnership across vital sectors such as automotive and shipbuilding, as well as emerging areas like AI, data centres, and smart cities.

He also noted the growth in trade services and stressed that the Korea-GCC Free Trade Agreement would elevate economic cooperation to a new level.

The NCC CEO outlined significant reforms aimed at boosting the Kingdom’s competitiveness.

She has highlighted the positive transformations in the Saudi economy and business environment.

Notably, 820 economic reforms have been implemented by 60 government agencies since 2016 in nine key areas, with 1,200 laws and regulations issued and updated to strengthen the legal framework.

The NCC CEO has also emphasised the digitisation of government services, which has reached 97%, and the activation of virtual commercial court sessions at a 99% rate, significantly improving litigation efficiency.

She has also mentioned that the establishment of the Saudi Business Centre has streamlined business licensing requirements by 55%.

The forum, organised by the NCC, the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, and the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aimed to expand economic partnership opportunities between the two nations.

It included two dialogue sessions: “Innovation and Technology,” featuring representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Monshaat, SDAIA, and Korean companies Naver and Rebellions, which discussed the role of government initiatives in promoting innovation and technology adoption.

The second session, “Advanced Manufacturing and Infrastructure,” was attended by representatives from various ministries and institutes, and tackled key developing sectors in advanced manufacturing and the challenges and opportunities posed by digital transformation in infrastructure development.

Nine agreements were signed by companies from both sides, marking a successful conclusion to the forum.

The event was held on the second day of the Saudi delegation’s visit to Korea from 29 July 2024 to 31 July 2024.

It was preceded by meetings between the Commerce Minister and Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Minister of Trade, where discussions focused on strengthening trade relations and cooperation in global trade issues, particularly in removing trade barriers and increasing exports.

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News developments

Qatar: Central Bank Issues DTL Guideline

01/08/202401/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 26 July 2024: In line with Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy, FinTech Strategy, and Qatar Central Bank’s commitment to regulating and developing the financial sector, the bank has issued the “Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Guideline”.

This guideline aims to establish a regulatory framework for financial institutions to develop smart solutions using DLT.

DLT provides a transparent and secure platform for recording transactions, enabling instant settlement and reducing the need for intermediaries.

Its benefits include increased efficiency, lower costs, enhanced transparency, and improved security, ultimately streamlining processes and fostering greater trust in the financial sector.

Qatar Central Bank has affirmed its ongoing efforts to create a favourable environment for the financial technology sector in the country.

This guideline supports the financial sector’s development, aligning with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, the final stage towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.

The vision aims to build a digital economy while stimulating widespread technology adoption and encouraging technological innovations, including in the financial sector.

The guideline is available on Qatar Central Bank’s official website.

Earlier, Qatar Central Bank had launched a national campaign, “Stay Aware,” in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, National Cybersecurity Agency, and Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority.

The campaign aims to enhance awareness of cybersecurity risks and build a cyber-resilient society.

The campaign seeks to spread awareness among the public about the importance of data privacy and the dangers of financial fraud, highlighting cyber threats arising from rapid technological and digital development.

It identifies the main channels of cyber fraud, such as phone calls, social media, emails, SMS messages, and URL links, and provides the public with best practices and practical strategies to avoid falling victim to such threats.

Qatar Central Bank and its partners in this campaign emphasise the vital role of ongoing awareness efforts in building a safer electronic society capable of responding to cyber threats.

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News developments

Oman: FSA Implements Unified Life Insurance Policy for Borrowers

01/08/202401/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Atheer, 25 July 2024: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has confirmed the implementation of a new unified template for life insurance policies for borrowers.

This policy aims to standardise the terms and provisions governing the contractual relationship between borrowers, banks, and insurance companies.

Effective 1 June 2024, all parties involved in the insurance relationship, including insurance companies, banks, and borrowers, are required to comply to the provisions outlined in Oman Capital Market Authority Decision No. H/4/2024.

The FSA has emphasised the importance of compliance with the new policy.

The CEO of the Financial Services Authority had previously issued a decision to introduce the new unified template for life insurance policies for borrowers, establishing a legal framework to regulate the contractual relationship between the borrower, the bank, and the insurance company.

The document provides a unified framework for the terms and conditions of insurance coverage contracts offered by insurance companies to borrowers from financial institutions.

In the event of death or permanent total disability, the insurance company will bear the remaining balance of the loan, ensuring financial protection for the borrower and their heirs.

One of the key features of the document is that it guarantees the protection of the rights of life insurance policyholders for borrowers by specifying the basic and optional benefits of insurance coverage.

This initiative enhances the social safety net for citizens and residents in Oman by facilitating access to appropriate financing while providing protection for the borrower and their beneficiaries.

The document also states that insurance companies cannot reject a claim on the pretext of non-disclosure of any diseases after four years from the policy’s effective date.

The implementation of the unified life insurance policy for borrowers is expected to bring transparency, standardisation, and enhanced protection for all parties involved in the insurance relationship.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Kuwait: Minister Takes Firm Action Against Academic Fraud

01/08/202401/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 25 July 2024: In line with the directives of the Amir to combat corruption and promote national progress, the Education Minister and Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister has taken decisive steps to address academic fraud.

The minister has announced the approval of recommendations from the investigation committee within the Higher Education Ministry, resulting in the referral of several post-secondary school certificates to the Public Prosecution.

This second batch of referrals involves documents that were found to be falsified, with altered data to secure certificate equivalency.

The minister has emphasised that this action is part of a series of measures by the ministry to enforce the law and uphold the integrity of education.

They have revealed that additional groups will be referred to the Public Prosecution in the near future as the ministry continues to take all necessary steps to protect the reputation and status of education in the country.

The minister has reiterated the commitment to ongoing reform and the fight against corruption, stating that efforts to address forged academic certificates will be rigorous and unwavering.

They have also assured that there will be no leniency or exceptions for those involved in academic fraud, as addressing this issue is seen as both a national and religious duty, as well as a security mission.

The minister has stressed the importance of creating a transparent and just environment that provides equal opportunities for all and strengthens trust in national institutions.

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News developments

Dubai: Smart Vehicles to Detect Violations Around Metro, Tram networks

01/08/202401/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 30 July 2024: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of these vehicles that are equipped with cameras and use advanced intelligence systems.

‘Smart’ inspection vehicles will now monitor detect violations, restricted activities and damages within Dubai Metro and Tram networks.

They will detect rail right-of-way areas.

The director of Rail Right of Way, has stated the smart vehicles will help protect Dubai’s rail infrastructure.

This technology will not only improve the efficiency of our inspections but also help us quickly identify and address any issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of our rail services.

The smart inspection vehicle uses artificial intelligence to keep up with rail network advancements.

The initiative aims to achieve full coverage of inspection areas, double the speed of preparing reports, and ensure the reliability of outputs.

It also seeks to reduce human errors in the inspection process and provide solid support for making well-informed decisions.

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News developments

UAE: AI Use in Tax Management Being Considered

25/07/202425/07/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Emaratalyoum, 17 July 2024: The Federal Tax Authority is studying the implementation of a number of future projects, including managing the tax system in the country using artificial intelligence.

The authority is also studying the establishment of offices to provide services to taxpayers at the state level, while a parliamentary report by the Authority called for the necessity of accelerating the implementation of the joint project with the Finance Ministry regarding electronic invoicing.

A parliamentary report has stated that VAT is one of the most common consumption taxes worldwide, applied as “value-added tax” or “goods and services tax” in over 150 countries, including all 29 EU member states, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The report has confirmed that tax revenues contribute to the continuity of providing distinguished, high-quality government services that keep pace with the country’s advanced position in global competitiveness indicators.

According to the parliamentary report, VAT was implemented in the country in coordination with the GCC countries, as they worked on this framework jointly, especially since they are linked by an economic agreement and a customs union.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Sharjah: Decree Reorganising Business Women Council Issued

25/07/202425/07/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Albayan, 12 July 2024: The Ruler of Sharjah has issued a decree regarding the reorganisation of the Sharjah Businesswomen Council.

According to the decree, the Council has a legal personality and full capacity to carry out the necessary legal actions to achieve its goals and exercise its powers.

It has financial, administrative and technical independence, and it is considered one of the institutions affiliated with the President.

The decree states that the name of the Council will be adopted in English as “Sharjah Business Women Council” and known for short as “SBWC”.

The Council’s headquarters and main office will be in the city of Sharjah, and it is permissible, by a decision of the President, to establish branches and offices in the rest of the cities and regions of the emirate.

The decree states that the Council aims to strengthen the position of the Sharjah Business Women Council locally and globally.

It will do this by providing a sustainable and enabling environment for businesswomen and entrepreneurs, changing the trends and general culture of women towards different business sectors, encouraging the principle of competitiveness among businesswomen, and working to encourage women to practice economic work and overcome the difficulties they face.

According to the decree, in order to achieve its objectives, the Council shall draw up public policy and develop strategic plans.

It will strengthen strategic partnerships with women decision-makers and institutions that have similar goals, both locally and globally.

The Council will also coordinate with relevant government agencies and encourage investment activities. Additionally, it will work to enhance women’s skills and capabilities in the field of entrepreneurship.

The Council is also tasked with proposing plans and designing programmes to support women’s status and participation in various economic sectors.

It will establish investment portfolios with financial institutions.

The Council will provide business development opportunities through consultations, trade missions, conferences and exhibitions.

It can conclude contracts, agreements, memorandums of understanding and partnerships after approval by the President.

The Council will grant facilities and benefits to its female members in cooperation and coordination with government agencies and competent authorities.

It will also carry out any other tasks assigned by the President.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Oversight And Anti-Corruption Authority Law Approved

25/07/202425/07/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al-Eqt, 23 July 2024: The Council of Ministers has approved the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Law.

The Authority’s Chairman has stated that the law will contribute to strengthening the role of the Authority in exercising its powers with regard to combating financial and administrative corruption in all its forms and manifestations.

The law will contribute to strengthening the role of the Authority in combating financial and administrative corruption.

It aims to preserve public funds and protect the nation’s capabilities.

Additionally, it ensures that perpetrators of corruption crimes are prosecuted and held accountable as per legal and regulatory requirements.

The law also facilitates the recovery of funds and proceeds resulting from these crimes to the state’s public treasury.

The law affirms the complete independence of the authority and empowers it by granting the necessary powers to exercise its duties, perform its tasks, and consolidate its role with complete impartiality.

He has stated that the system identifies the types of corruption crimes the Authority is responsible for.

These include bribery, assault on public funds, abuse of power, and any other crime classified as a corruption crime under statutory provisions.

The law also outlines the authority’s powers in administrative oversight, investigation and administrative prosecution, safeguarding integrity, promoting transparency, and international cooperation with regional and international bodies and organisations within the authority’s remit.

It covers investigating aspects of financial and administrative corruption, as well as criminal investigation and prosecution.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Qatar: Opens New Post Outlet to Enhance Services for Investors

25/07/202426/07/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 18 July 2024: Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has announced the opening of the newest outlet of Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post) at the Investor Relations Centre in the Business Innovation Park at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.

The new postal outlet opening follows a recently signed MoU between QFZ and Qatar Post.

This emphasises establishing strategic partnerships to jointly attract more foreign direct investments.

The outlet aims to offer companies operating in the free zones a wide range of tailored postal solutions, providing easy access to comprehensive services that cater to their needs.

This will support operational efficiency and drive business growth.

The new Qatar Post outlet will offer various postal services to free zone companies, including mail collection, mailboxes, international shipping, Connected services, and specialised solutions enhancing operational efficiency and global connectivity.

This joint cooperation between QFZ and Qatar Post is part of Qatar’s free zones’ efforts to provide an advanced business environment for investors.

It offers an integrated platform for companies to obtain necessary permits and certificates.

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News developments

Oman: Tightens Labour Market Regulations to Prioritise Omanisation

25/07/202425/07/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al-Roya, 24 July 2024: Oman has unveiled a comprehensive set of stringent labor market regulations aimed at boosting Omanisation in the private sector.

The Labour Ministry has issued a statement outlining several measures to be implemented.

Firstly, all government entities and state-owned companies will be prohibited from contracting with private sector establishments that fail to comply with the prescribed Omanisation percentages.

Additionally, private sector establishments must obtain an electronic certificate from the Ministry of Labour, confirming their compliance to labour standards and Omanisation requirements.

Furthermore, the Ministry has added more than 30 new professions to the list of jobs restricted for non-Omanis.

All private sector establishments will be mandated to employ at least one Omani citizen in suitable professions and jobs, subject to forthcoming guidelines from the Ministry.

A financial package has also been approved to support the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at increasing Omanisation rates.

The Labour Ministry will review work permit fees, with incentives for compliant establishments and doubled fees for non-compliant ones.

Moreover, intensified inspection campaigns will be conducted to ensure private sector compliance with labour market regulations.

The Ministry will provide further details on these decisions before their implementation in September 2024 and has urged all stakeholders to cooperate in the national interest.

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