Benjamin Filaferro, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Abu Dhabi: E-Link Project Between Four Freezones Completed

28/11/202228/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Albayan, 24 November 2022: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has announced the completion of an e-link project with four free zones, which aims to integrate and create a unified database of economic licences in the Emirate.

The free zones include the KEZAD Group – which comprises 12 economic zones – Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, the Media Free Zone and Masdar City Free Zone.

The e-link will provide information about the owners of economic establishments in line with federal laws and regulations.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

LexisNexis and BSA Ahmad bin Hezeem & Associates LLP host a UAE Mock Trial!

24/11/202224/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Thank you to everyone who participated in the UAE Mock Trial on 21 November 2022!

In partnership with BSA Ahmad bin Hezeem & Associates LLP, LexisNexis Middle East was pleased to host a ‘UAE Mock Trial’. This interactive event showcased the journey of a bankruptcy case through the Dubai Courts, from the initial sessions before the Court of First Instance to the Final Verdict and ultimately arriving at the Court of Appeal.

The BSA team provided step-by-step guidance through the Courts procedure when handling bankruptcy cases and delved into how the recently amended UAE Bankruptcy Law

Impacted Director liabilities in the event of bankruptcy;
Provides a rescue culture and a remedy to struggling firms needing debt relief.

They also looked at the punitive provisions of the law. Thank you to all participants, specifically the BSA team, for making this event a success!

News developments

LexisNexis Hosts the 6th Kuwait Business Law Forum Conference in Kuwait City, Kuwait!

24/11/202212/12/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Kuwait Business Law Forum 2022 – 6th Edition on 23 November 2022!

LexisNexis Middle East is pleased to have hosted, in partnership with Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group, the Kuwait Business Law Forum 2022 – 6th Edition in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on 23 November 2022.

The conference covered Kuwait’s latest legal developments and trends and gathered leading professionals from the Kuwaiti legal and business community. The following topics were covered over three sessions:

First Session – PPP as a Tool for Sustainable Development
Second Session – The Future of the Legal Profession in Kuwait and the Middle East
Third Session – Arbitration and Mediation

Special thanks to our incredible speakers and moderators:

Khalifah H. Al-Yaqout – Managing Partner, Al-Yaqout and Al-Fouzan Legal Group
Saleh Al-Salami – CEO of Union Investment Companies
Eric Bonnet-Maes – LexisNexis CEO of CEMEA
Dr Khaled A. Mahdi – PhD, PMP, CEng, GCCarb, P2F – General Secretary, General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD)
Dr Ahmad Al-Shorbagy – Head of Projects, Al-Yaqout and Al-Fouzan Legal Group
Dr Majdouline Scheit – Corporate Counsel, Alghanim Industries
Thamer Ibrahim Arab – CEO, Dhaman Hospitals
Kapil Kumra – Deputy General Manager & Head of Project Finance at Foreign Corporate Group, National Bank of Kuwait
Dr Mona Al Hajri – Assistant Professor of Constitutional and Administrative Law at Kuwait University – College of Law
Abdullah Al-Baker – Founder & CEO, Al Baker & Associates Law Firm
Dr Fahad Al-Zumai – Associate Professor, Faculty of Law – Kuwait University
Adnan Abul – Vice President, Kuwait Bar Association and the Kuwait Association for Protecting Public Funds
Dr Yousef Al-Yaqout – Assistant Professor at the College of Law at Kuwait University
Floriane Lavaud – Counsel, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Dr Anwar Al-Fuzaie – General Counsel
Huda Al-Sawan – Chancellor, Department of Legal Advice & Legislation, Council of Ministers (Fatwa and Legislation)

Thank you to our partners and sponsors for your support:

Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group – LexisNexis Exclusive Partner in Kuwait
Kuwait Bar Association – Strategic Partner
General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development – Strategic Partner
Alghanim Industries – Gold Sponsor
United Real Estate Company (URC) – Gold Sponsor
Al Baker & Associates Law Firm – Silver Sponsor
Kılınç Law & Consulting – Bronze Sponsor
Advocates Group Academy – Bronze Sponsor

Lastly, thank you to all attendees for making the conference a success. We look forward to welcoming you in 2023 for the 7th Kuwait Business Law Forum!

News developments

Abu Dhabi: Public Warned About Issuing of Forged Commercial Licences

24/11/202224/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

23 November 2022: Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Registration Authority (RA) has issued an alert to the public to look out for people issuing forged RA commercial licences under the name Emirates Commercial Insurance LLC.

The RA stresses that Emirates Commercial Insurance LLC is not incorporated in the ADGM or licensed to conduct business in the ADGM.

Falsely claiming registration to conduct business in the ADGM can lead to a fine of up to US$15,000 per contravention.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Consultation Launched to Seek Views on Regulation of Money Laundering

24/11/202224/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Arabian Business, 22 November 2022: The UAE’s Public-Private Partnership Sub-Committee (PPPSC) has issued a draft report as a consultation paper, seeking comments and feedback from relevant stakeholders on a proposed regulatory approach to curb money laundering and terrorism financing activities.

The PPPSC has recommended a formal sharing agreement relating to strategic information and intelligence between the public and private sectors, as well as strict rules for confidentiality and data protection for information sharing.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: The Saudi National Information Technology Development Program Launches Lendtech

22/11/202222/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Aleqtisadiya, 20 November 2022: The Saudi National Information Technology Development Program has launched the LendTech initiative, which aims to support micro, small and medium-sized technology companies with funding to grow their businesses.

Medium companies will have a maximum financing option of 8.5 million Riyals, small firms 2.5 million Riyals and micro firms will have a maximum of 900,000 Riyals.

The initiative aims to close the financing gap faced by these companies so they can increase their contribution to the sector.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Dubai: Roadmap Targets Emission-Free Public Transport by 2050

21/11/202224/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

WAM, 16 November 2022: The Dubai government has issued a roadmap setting out how the emirate intends to make public transport emission-free by 2050, in line with the UAE’s commitment to climate action.

The roadmap is based on a set of initiatives relating to infrastructure, the circular economy and green mobility, which aims to cut nearly eight million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 132 million trees.

It consists of an integrated strategy to adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the deployment of clean energy vehicles.

The Roads and Transport Authority will also add electric and hydrogen vehicles to its fleet of public transportation buses, school transport, taxis and limousines.

The use of clean energy will be expanded to encompass buildings and facilities and recycle waste to support the circular economy.

The move expects to lead to financial savings of AED 3bn by 2050.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

United Real Estate Company (URC) participates as a Gold Sponsor of the Kuwait Business Law Forum Conference 2022 – 6th Edition!

20/11/202224/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

LexisNexis Middle East is pleased to announce that United Real Estate Company (URC) will participate as a Gold Sponsor at the Kuwait Business Law Forum Conference 2022 – 6th Edition held on 23 November 2022.

The conference is specifically designed for in-house counsel and will cover the latest legal developments and trends in Kuwait. It will be held in English and Arabic (simultaneous translation).

We hope you will join us for this unique and exclusive opportunity to meet existing and potential clients on 23 November 2022 in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

If you would like more information, you can click here.

News developments

Qatar: Registration Process for Prepaid SIM Cards Amended to Help World Cup Fans

17/11/202217/11/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Gulf Times, 16 November 2022: Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority has agreed with telecoms service providers to amend the registration process for getting a prepaid mobile SIM card to help fans attending the World Cup while maintaining regulatory requirements.

Fans can now apply for a SIM card online and verify their identity digitally by using the Hayya card, moving the need for them to visit mobile phone retail outlets.

Each fan can register for two cards, as can minors under the age of 18, provided they have parental permission.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

The latest edition of the Lexis® Middle East – HR Alert is out now!

16/11/202229/04/2024
by Benjamin Filaferro

We are pleased to share the latest edition of our HR magazine, the Lexis® Middle East – HR Alert!

The HR Alert is a complimentary magazine that updates the latest labour and employment law developments and cases and advises on region-specific HR policies and templates.

It also includes interviews with leading regional HR professionals and guidance on the latest industry trends.

In this edition:

When I’m Sixty-Four: New Pensions Legislation in Qatar

On 3 January 2023, Qatar Law No. 1/2022 will introduce changes to the pension rights of all working Qatari nationals. Emma Higham of Clyde & Co explains their current understanding of the impact this will have on employers and employees

Quiet Quitting: Has this global trend reached the UAE?

Quiet quitting occurs when an employee decides that they will undertake the bare minimum to carry out their duties. Thenji Moyo and Naba Noor of Gateley UK LLP (DMCC Branch) talk about this trend in the UAE and positive ways to tackle it.

Immigration Focus: Recent GCC Immigration and Visa Changes

The dynamic team at Vialto Partners share the latest immigration and visa changes in the region, including the latest developments relating to the UAE Job Exploration Visas. From 3 October 2022, a new type of visa has allowed job seekers to enter or remain in the UAE without needing a sponsoring employer. It allows individuals to come to the UAE to look for work or investment and business opportunities without a sponsoring host.

Law Changes: Employee Share Schemes and Remuneration Developments in Saudi Arabia

The new Saudi Companies Law, which comes into effect in January 2023, brings with it changes to employee share schemes and directors’ remuneration as Richard Bell and Faisal Alassiri of Clyde & Co explain.

In an Ever-Changing World

Madelein du Plessis, HR and Finance Officer at RELX PLC in Dubai, explains the approach she has taken to support an ever-expanding team in a continually changing regulatory environment.

On the other hand, Raka Roy of Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants explains how leave entitlements have changed under the new UAE Labour Law.

Equality Policies

Sarah Malik of SOL International Ltd shares pointers for employers on how they can ensure their equality policies cover all types of discrimination, bullying, harassment, assault, and any verbal, physical, or psychological harm to an employee in the workplace in order to be compliant with Federal Decree-Law No 33/2021 On the Regulation of Labour Relations.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert – November 2022

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – June and September 2022 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert – September 2022