Hannah Gutang, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: RTA Update Rules for Outdoor Advertising

22/08/202422/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 15 August 2024: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released an updated manual governing outdoor advertising across the city

The 112-page Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising Manual which has been issued in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism covers areas including the types of images, measurements, lighting, dimensions, locations, which can be used for outdoor advertising.

Signages must not obstruct building facilities and emergency exits. The required clearance area will be determined according to the type and capacity of escapes from exits.

Signs should be oriented in a way that does not create headlight reflections in a driver’s line of sight. It is advised advertisers angle a sign five degrees away from right angle to the driver’s line of sight to minimise headlight reflections.

Signage or signage structure must not protrude onto road carriageways or paved parking surfaces..

All freestanding signage within row must not overhang over the road carriageway, and should be setback from the carriageway at a reasonably safe distance. There must also be a reasonably safe vertical clearance from the level of the carriageway or footpath.

Certain freestanding signs must be setback at a reasonable distance from traffic signals.

Advertisements must not imitate a traffic control device such as traffic lights.

Certain freestanding large and medium advertisements (such as unipole or megacoms) must not have dominant colours that compete with the colour of large traffic signs (including directional, tourist and information signs)/ Advertisements must not contain reflectors, which could be mistaken for a traffic control device at night.

Advertisements should not contain messages that are distracting or otherwise inconsistent with road safety.

They should also be legible and a clear font of at least 150mm high is advisable.

Advertisements should not contain large areas of red display if they are illuminated as in wet, night-time conditions these could be confused with traffic lights or vehicle lights.

Finally, video and animated signs, including any signs which contain any portion of video and/or animated content, will not be approved on road reserves or if they are visible to drivers.

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News developments

Bahrain: Housing Policy Changes

22/08/202422/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 20 August 2024: A number of new changes to housing policy in Bahrain have been introduced including the lifting of wives using inherited property for benefits.

In addition, there will be a new streamlined property allocation process and a shift in income assessments to the nomination stage rather than the allocation stage as was previously the case. The Cabinet has approved the revised housing regulations. As result of a new rule children over 21 will not be considered if the applicant is a widow or divorcee with minor children. The amendments have been made to Bahrain Decision No. 909/2015.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Official Rental Index

22/08/202429/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 20 August 2024: Abu Dhabi has launched its first official rental index for the capital,

The index has been launched by the capital’s real estate sector regulator, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

The platform serves both tenants and landlords, and is designed to increase market transparency, provide indicative rental values, and help support the stability of Abu Dhabi’s growing real estate market.

It will provide indicative quarterly rental pricing for properties located in areas across the city. Residents will be able to get easy access to reliable data on residential, commercial and industrial properties.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Tadawul Suspends Trading for Companies Failing to Disclose Financial Statements

15/08/202415/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al-Eqtisadiya, 12 August 2024: The Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) has temporarily suspended trading in the shares of three companies.

This action was taken due to the companies’ failure to announce their financial statements for the period ending on 30 June 2024.

The announcement was required within the regular timeframe specified by the Capital Market Authority’s rules for securities offerings and ongoing obligations.

The affected companies are Food Development Business, Saudi Industrial Exports, and Al-Naifat Finance Company.

Tadawul has announced the suspension in a statement, citing its powers stipulated in the listing rules and procedures for suspending trading of listed securities.

Trading in the shares of these companies was halted for one trading session.

However, Tadawul has granted a grace period of twenty trading sessions commencing from the 6 August 2024 session, during which the companies must publish their financial statements before the deadline of 9 September 2024.

Tadawul has emphasised that if any of the companies fail to announce their financial statements within the specified period, trading in their respective shares will be suspended again, effective 10 September 2024, until they comply with the disclosure requirements.

The suspension underscores Tadawul’s commitment to maintaining transparency and upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.

By enforcing strict compliance with disclosure regulations, the stock exchange aims to protect investors’ interests and ensure a fair and efficient trading environment.

Market participants and investors are advised to closely monitor the situation and stay updated on any developments regarding the affected companies’ financial reporting.

Timely disclosure of financial statements is crucial for making informed investment decisions and maintaining market integrity.

Tadawul’s decisive action serves as a reminder to listed companies of their obligations to provide accurate and timely financial information, enabling investors to make well-informed decisions and fostering confidence in the Saudi capital market.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Qatar: CRA Launches Public Consultations on Postal Services Licences

15/08/202415/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 13 August 2024: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has invited all stakeholders interested in the postal sector to participate in public consultations on the draft licences for providing postal services.

The consultations aim to create a transparent and fair legal and regulatory environment.

CRA has issued three draft licences for public consultation, which include the Postal Service Licence for Qatar Postal Services Company, Courier Licence for Domestic Services, and Courier Licence for International Services.

CRA stated that these consultations represent an opportunity to open the postal market in Qatar and increase competition.

They also aim to support growth, enhance the business environment and innovation, and improve the quality of postal services provided, thereby boosting e-commerce and the digital economy.

These efforts align with international developments, technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and Universal Postal Union (UPU) recommendations, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, and the Digital Agenda 2030.

The public consultations aim to understand the needs of all concerned and interested parties and consider them in an organised and transparent manner, allowing CRA to better regulate the postal sector and improve the quality of services provided.

In July 2024, CRA had hosted a successful workshop focused on enhancing the postal services complaint handling process, thus enhancing transparency and quality of service.

Additionally, in line with the efforts to open the postal sector for competition, CRA will hold another workshop in September 2024 to discuss the feedback and comments received from concerned and interested parties regarding the postal services licences.

CRA will be issuing further regulations regarding the postal sector for public consultation later, including postal licence applications, licence fees, the definition of reserved services and universal services, consumer protection and complaints, resolving disputes, and quality of service.

Interested parties and stakeholders in the postal services sector can submit their feedback and comments via email by 29 August 2024.

The new Law Regulating Postal Services empowers CRA to regulate the sector, set licensing conditions, protect consumer rights, and ensure fair competition.

It also aims to improve service quality, expand consumer choices, and create opportunities for both local and international postal Service Providers.

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News developments

Oman: Contractors Must Comply With Omanisation Targets

15/08/202415/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 13 August 2024: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has notified all contractors and suppliers who deal with it for various tenders regarding purchases and services to submit an electronic certificate issued by the Labour Ministry.

The certificates should prove that they are complying with requirements, including the Omanisation percentages approved by the government, provided that the certificate is valid for one month from the date of its issuance.

The certificate should be submitted when competing for government tenders and when requesting government services.

The ministry has also added that construction and service tenders will be awarded to companies that offer a 100% Omanisation rate in electricity, water, and maintenance services.

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News developments

Kuwait: Tax Reforms Being Considered

15/08/202415/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Al-Qabas, 12 August 2024: Kuwait is undertaking a comprehensive reform of its tax system to align with global standards and reduce its reliance on oil revenues.

As part of this initiative, the country has signed its first-ever double tax treaty with another Gulf state, the UAE.

According to a Partner in Tax and Regulatory Services at BDO Accounting and Consulting in Kuwait, the Kuwaiti government is implementing several measures to address its budget deficit, including increasing tax revenues.

The partner has stated that the tax treaty with the UAE comes at an opportune time to prevent or mitigate double taxation between the two countries.

Such agreements provide tax clarity and predictability, which can encourage an environment conducive to boosting investments.

While Kuwait currently imposes a 15% tax on business income, this tax has primarily been applied to non-Gulf foreign companies and non-Gulf foreign shareholders.

However, he has further indicated that the corporate profits tax will now be extended to all companies operating in the country.

The move is a significant shift for Kuwait towards establishing a more equitable tax system, where companies will contribute a larger share to government revenues.

The reforms are part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports, which have traditionally been the primary source of government revenue.

By aligning its tax policies with global standards and encouraging a more favourable investment climate, Kuwait aims to attract foreign investment and promote sustainable economic growth.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Dubai: Four Day Week Trial

15/08/202415/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 7 August 2024: Government Authorities in Dubai have announced the launch of a pilot to reduce the working hours in participating government entities during the summer.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has stated it will also see work on Fridays suspended.

The ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative will see work hours reduced to seven hours at 15 government entities in Dubai from 12 August to 30 September 2024.

Most government employees in Dubai have a two-and-half-day weekend (Friday half-day, Saturday and Sunday) at present this initiative, will see employees at participating government departments having a longer weekend for a period of seven weeks.

The DGHR has not specified which entities will be part of the pilot scheme, but explained it aims to “enhance workplace flexibility”.

The DGHR will then gauge the impact of the initiative on employees and overall productivity.

Sharjah, which already has a three-day weekend, has previously stated its employees reported an 88 per cent increase in productivity.

The DGMR will produce a final report summarising the initiative’s outcomes, recommendations, and adaptability to various government entities.

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News developments

Bahrain: Labour Market Regulatory Authority Conducts Extensive Inspections

15/08/202415/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 6 August 2024: The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain has intensified its efforts to combat illegal and undocumented workers, as well as other labour market violations.

Between 21 July and 3 August 2024, the LMRA has conducted 1,411 inspection campaigns and visits across various governorates of the Kingdom.

These inspections led to the apprehension of 100 illegal and undocumented workers, while 350 violators were deported during the same period.

The inspections have revealed numerous violations related to the LMRA Law, the Residency Law of Bahrain, and other relevant regulations.

The LMRA has conducted 1,378 inspection visits to commercial establishments across all governorates, along with 33 joint inspection campaigns.

These campaigns were carried out in collaboration with various government entities, including the Interior Ministry, security directorates, the General Directorate for Execution of Judgments, the Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the Electricity and Water Authority, the Health Ministry, and the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

The joint efforts aimed to ensure comprehensive inspections and effective enforcement of labour regulations.

The campaigns were distributed as follows: 23 in the Capital Governorate, three in Muharraq Governorate, five in the Northern Governorate, and two in the Southern Governorate.

Legal action has been taken against the identified violations, as stated by the LMRA.

The authority emphasised its ongoing coordination with government entities to intensify inspection campaigns across the Kingdom.

This initiative aims to combat practices that negatively impact the labour market’s stability, competitiveness, or harm the economic and social security of Bahrain.

The LMRA has reiterated its call for community members to support government efforts in tackling illegal practices in the labour market and irregular employment, protecting the community as a whole.

Individuals are encouraged to report any complaints related to labour market violations and irregular employment by filling out the designated electronic reporting form on the LMRA’s official website (www.lmra.gov.bh), using the National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul), or contacting the LMRA’s call center at 17506055.

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News developments

UAE: Reveals VAT Guidelines for Charities

08/08/202408/08/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the UAE has released comprehensive guidelines outlining the VAT treatment for charities operating in the country.

The guidelines, titled “Charities VAT Guide,” provide clarity on various aspects of VAT compliance for charitable organisations.

One of the key highlights of the guidelines is the introduction of the concept of “designated charities.”

These are charities that meet specific criteria, such as being approved by the Community Development Ministry, operating on a not-for-profit basis, and being primarily funded by grants or donations.

Designated charities will be eligible for a special VAT recovery scheme, allowing them to reclaim VAT incurred on expenses related to both taxable and non-taxable activities, except for exempt supplies.

A spokeperson from the FTA has stated that the guidelines aim to support the charitable sector in the UAE by providing a clear framework for VAT compliance.

Designated charities will benefit from the special VAT recovery rules, enabling them to maximise their resources for charitable purposes.

The document outlines the criteria for a charity to be recognised as a designated charity and the process for obtaining this status.

It also clarifies the VAT treatment of various activities undertaken by charities, such as business activities subject to VAT, non-business activities, and donated goods and services.

For charities that do not qualify as designated charities, the guidelines explain the standard VAT recovery rules.

These charities can only recover VAT on costs related to taxable supplies, following a prescribed input tax apportionment method.

The guidelines also address special situations, such as the VAT treatment of sales or leases of new buildings to charities.

The first supply of a new building specifically designed for a designated charity’s relevant charitable purpose will be subject to VAT at the zero rate, providing a cash-flow benefit.

The UAE Cabinet has issued several decisions listing the charities recognised as designated charities, eligible for the special VAT recovery rules.

The guidelines provide an updated list of these designated charities.

The FTA has emphasised the importance of charities familiarising themselves with the guidelines and ensuring compliance with the VAT regulations.

Failure to comply may result in penalties and other legal consequences.

With the release of these comprehensive guidelines, the UAE aims to support the charitable sector while ensuring a fair and transparent VAT system.

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