Benjamin Filaferro, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Out Now: The latest edition of the Qatar Business Law Review!

07/10/202211/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Qatar Business Law Review, sponsored by LexisNexis Middle East Strategic Alliance Partner, the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre! In this edition:

Insights on Qatar Law No. 20/2021 on Mediation, by Dr Zain Al Abdin Sharar (QICDRC)

On 4 November 2021, Qatar issued Law No. 20/2021 on Mediation in Settlement of Civil and Commercial Matters, contributing to the increasing role of mediation as an alternative and essential means of dispute resolution in Qatar. This article discusses some of the most important provisions of the Mediation Law.

Jurisdictional Challenges in Arbitrations in Qatar, by Paula Boast, Peter Smith and Marjan Mirrezaei – MCIArb (Charles Russell Speechlys)

In this article, we explore jurisdictional challenges in arbitrations within the State of Qatar, both under Qatar law and the law of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).

Amendments to the QFC Data Protection Regulations, by Khadeja Al-zarraa (Al-Ansari Law Firm)

On 21 December 2021, the QFC amended its Data Protection Regulations (the “2021 DPR”), which came into force on 19 June 2022. The key amendments include establishing a Data Protection Office, imposing significant fines on violations, and expanding the rights of individuals concerning processing their personal data.

Qatar’s Withholding Tax Regime, by Mourad Chatar (Value Square)

This article aims to summarise critical observations from the practical experience dealing with the Qatar withholding tax regime and related withholding tax refund processes.

An Update on QICDRC Judgments, by Professor Khawar Qureshi QC and Catriona Nicol (McNair International)

This article considers critical judgments issued by the Qatar International Court (both by the First Instance Circuit and the Appellate Division) since the publication of the handbook Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre – A Guide to the Court and Regulatory Tribunal: Procedure and Jurisprudence. It also considers the introduction of the Small Claims Procedure.

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LexisNexis Qatar Business Law Review No. 1_2022

Have you read the previous editions of the Qatar Business Law Review? Click the links below to access and read previous editions.

LexisNexis Qatar Business Law Review No. 2_2021

News developments

Qatar: Regulation for Government Telecommunications Duct Infrastructure Design and Construction Approved

07/10/202207/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Peninsula, 5 October 2022: Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority has announced it has issued the regulations for government telecommunications duct infrastructure design and construction standards.

They set technical requirements and standards related to the telecommunications duct infrastructure.

They will have to be applied by all third parties involved in planning, designing, constructing and installing ducts. This will include contractors and consultants for all Government telecommunication duct infrastructure projects.

They have been issued to establish and set common standards and requirements which fit the country’s Government telecommunications duct infrastructure needs and requirements.

They were developed in line with best practices in neighbouring countries and globally.

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 MENA Business Law Review No. 03/2022 is out!

06/10/202211/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

We are pleased to share the third edition of the MENA Business Law Review, the definitive business law reference in the Middle East and North Africa! In this edition:

ARBITRATION: Outcome-Related Fees Structures for Arbitration the UAE by Dr Tariq Mahmood FCIArb (33 Bedford Row), James Ng (Zhong Lun Law Firm) and Usama Munir (Schleuter Graf)

We explore the basic features and types of outcome-related fee structures (ORFS) for dispute funding and provide a detailed analysis of the UAE legal landscape of the acceptability of ORFS in arbitration proceedings.

LITIGATION: Comment on IPGL General Trading v. Horton Holding by Anson Cheung, Outer Temple Chambers

We share comments on this case, which raised interesting issues regarding the application and scope of the Duomatic principle to acts assented to by shareholders, with far-reaching practical consequences for a common practice in the UAE.

COMPANIES: A Guide to Saudi Arabia’s New Companies Law by Dr Qaisar Hamed Metawea, Lamisse Bajunaid, and Aziza Al Abbasi (Dr Qaisar Metawea Law Firm)

In this article, we provide a guide to the main areas of reform in Saudi Arabia’s new Companies Law concerning commercial and non-profit entities and analyse the impact of these reforms.

The New Regulation of Musataha Agreements over Commercial Land in the Emirate of Dubai by Jeremy Scott, Addleshaw Goddard (Middle East) LLP

In this article, we look in more detail at musataha arrangements in Dubai and assess the changes made regarding granting musataha rights over commercial land by government or government-related entities against its stated objectives.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: Solution to Executive Succession in UAE Family Businesses: The Board of Directors by David Chekroun (ESCP Business School), Megha Bansal (Deloitte) and Tanya Bansal (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED))

This article assesses the rules and regulations regarding the corporate governance of family-owned businesses in the UAE, including the composition of the Board and its role in succession planning undertaken by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. It also sets forth a series of recommendations on empowering the Board to facilitate a smooth transition of power amongst family businesses.

CYBERSECURITY: Financial Crime Challenges as We Enter Internet 3.0 by Karl Massi, Charles Russell Speechlys

The developing “crypto-economy” will become a significant part of the real economy in a very short time. This new digital mechanism for assigning, buying, selling and transferring assets brings with it novel issues regarding financial crime risk and security while mirroring some of the same vulnerabilities of the real economy. This article will explore some of the critical areas and how the UAE approaches them.

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

LexisNexis MENA Business Law Review No. 03_2022

Have you read the previous editions of the MENA Business Law Review? Click the links below to access and read previous editions.

LexisNexis MENA Business Law Review No. 02_2022

LexisNexis MENA Business Law Review No. 01_2022

News developments

Qatar: Implementing Regulations to Health Insurance Law Published

05/10/202205/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Raya, 3 October 2022: The Implementing Regulations to the Health Insurance Law have been published in the Official Gazette.

Qatar Ministerial Decision No. 17/2022 specifies the health insurance premium for visitors is 50 Riyals.

The insurance premium will be the same when the visa is extended.

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

Kuwait: Electric Vehicle Charger Regulations Issued

04/10/202204/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Alanba, 2 October 2022: Kuwait’s Minister of Works and Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has issued a Decision on the technical specifications and rules regulating the use of electric vehicle chargers.

The Decision will be implemented 60 days after the Decision is published in the Official Gazette.

The first phase will start from the date the Decision comes into force. It will be in force until 31 December 2025.

The second phase will start on 1 January 2026 and end on 31 December 2030.

Under the Decision, vehicle charging equipment must not be installed near water sources such as a fountain, pond or water sprinkler.

Charging equipment must be installed in light places, and the charger’s dimensions and height must not obstruct traffic or impede the movement of disabled people.

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

PwC Legal Middle East participates as a Silver Sponsor at the Qatar Business Law Forum Conference 2022 – 7th Edition!

04/10/202204/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

LexisNexis Middle East is pleased to announce that PwC Legal Middle East will participate as a Silver Sponsor at the Qatar Business Law Forum Conference 2022 – 7th Edition held on 12 October 2022.

The conference is specifically designed for in-house counsel and will cover Qatar’s latest legal developments and trends. 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 12 October 2022 in Doha, Qatar. For more information, visit: www.qatarbusinesslawforum.com.

News developments

The Qatar Business Law Forum Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony 2022 – 7th Edition shortlists are in!

03/10/202213/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

We are pleased to announce the shortlists for the Qatar Business Law Forum Conference, Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony 2022 – 7th Edition.

Sponsored by Pinsent Masons, the Qatar Business Law Forum Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony recognises exceptional achievement within Qatar’s legal community. The awards are judged by an independent panel composed of industry leaders, academic practitioners and government officials. You can view the shortlisted candidates here.

LexisNexis Middle East thanks all who submitted an entry! The winners in each category will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas in Doha, Qatar on 12 October 2022.

Join us as we celebrate the Qatar legal community’s achievements! Book your seats or table here.

News developments

Oman: Penalties for Negligent Pet Owners in Public Places Announced

03/10/202203/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Times of Oman, 30 September 2022: Muscat Municipality has announced fines will be imposed on negligent pet owners in public places.

Owners of pets should remove their pet’s waste when roaming in public places, take the necessary precautions to prevent the pet from disposing of waste in these places and ensure their pets wear collars.

The pet must be licensed by a competent veterinary authority at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

If they fail to comply with these regulations, they will be fined 50 Rials.

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

News developments

Kuwait: Decision to Suspend Issuing Licences for New Pharmacies Cancelled

03/10/202203/10/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Alanba, 26 September 2022: Kuwait’s Health Minister has issued a Decision cancelling the Ministerial Decision to suspend consideration of new requests to grant licences to open pharmacies in the private sector.

The Decision also lifts the suspension of considering requests for licences to practice pharmacy by non-Kuwaiti applicants.

The Chairman of the Pharmacy Association welcomed the Decision.

For the full story, click here. Also reported in Alraqeeb.

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: New Unified Regulator for Insurance Sector to be Established

30/09/202230/09/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Saudi Gazette, 28 September 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister has announced a new unified regulator for the insurance sector in the Kingdom will be established.

It will be established soon and will help develop the sector. They announced this at the 6th Saudi Insurance Symposium.

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/.