Benjamin Filaferro, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Penalties for Trademark Violations Increased

02/08/202202/08/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 29 July 2022: The UAE authorities have approved increases to the fines imposed on those who commit trademark violations.

Offenders could be fined up to one million AED.

Under legislative changes, intellectual property protection will now be extended to investors and owners of foreign companies and owners of projects and companies in the UAE and authorised registration agents, lawyers and legal service providers.

Protections have also been extended to anyone concerned with trademark infringement protection, registration or prevention.

The amendments will help designers, talented investors, relevant local and federal government agencies, and public interest organisations.

In addition, new categories of trademarks are given protection, including those related to smell and sound and holograms.

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: Final Phase of Building Code Implementation Begins

01/08/202201/08/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Al Madina, 28 July 2022: Saudi Arabia’s National Committee of the Saudi Building Code has announced the implementation of the fifth and final phase of the Saudi Building Code has started.

The implementation timeframe is stated in the Saudi Building Code Application Law.

The Committee explained the application of the Code in this stage includes all types of buildings classified in it as well as the entities covered in earlier phases.

This will include all types of warehouses, open and closed car park lots and auto repair workshops.

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

Qatar: Penalty for Issuing, Selling or Exchanging World Cup Tickets Without Licence Clarified

01/08/202201/08/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Al-Sharq, 27 July 2022: Qatar’s Justice Ministry has clarified the penalty for issuing, selling, reselling or exchanging World Cup tickets without a licence from FIFA.

Under Qatar Law No. 10/2021 on measures to host the World Cup, anyone who issues, sells, resells or exchanges tickets without a licence from FIFA will be fined up 250,000 Riyals.

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: Wages Protection System Amended

01/08/202201/08/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

The UAE’s Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued Ministerial Decision No. 346/2022, amending Ministerial Decision No. 43/2022 on the Wages Protection System.

Under the amendments, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will take various administrative procedures against establishments that do not comply with the System.

The measures taken will depend on the length of delay in paying salaries, the size of the establishment and the number of employees who have not been paid.

The Ministry will also monitor establishments registered in its database, regardless of their size, through field visits and an electronic monitoring and inspection system to ensure it pays its employees on time.

In addition, the Ministry will issue reminders and notifications to non-compliant establishments. Where no action is taken following the receipt of notifications, the issuing of new work permits for these entities will be suspended.

The amendments include procedures which will be taken gradually against establishments that employ 50 or more people, where the relevant Public Prosecution will be notified. The establishment information will be sent to the appropriate local and federal authorities for further legal action.

The respective department in the Ministry will follow up on the establishment.

All non-compliant establishments, regardless of their size, that fails to pay wages four months after the date they are owed will not be able to apply for any new work permits. If the employer operates other establishments listed with the System, similar penalties will be applied to each after notifying the affected establishments about the suspension of work permits.

If the establishment repeats the same violation within six months, an administrative fine will be imposed on them in line with Cabinet Decision No. 21/2022.

The establishment will also be downgraded to Tier three under the Ministry’s establishments classification system.

Establishments will be able to submit requests for exemption from transferring their wages through the System if they are seamen or sailors working on board vessels or ships and workers of foreign establishments or their subsidiaries operating in the country who receive their wages from outside the country, subject to the workers’ consent.

These exemptions are in addition to exemptions for fishing boats owned by UAE nationals, public taxis owned by UAE nationals, banks and places of worship and also reported in Al Bayan on 28 July 2022. 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

Qatar: Limit Imposed on Cash Transactions

27/07/202227/07/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Gulf Times, 26 July 2022: Qatar’s Central Bank has announced limits have been imposed on cash transactions.

The decision has been made in line with Qatar Cabinet Decision No. 10/2022, banning the use of cash in transactions exceeding 50,000 Riyals in value.

The Decision applies to the sale, purchase and rental of all properties or modifications. It also applies to all kinds of vehicles and their unique numbers, maritime transportation, all precious metals, gemstones and jewellery, single camels, horses, livestock and falcons, or flocks.

Also reported in Al-Sharq on 26 July 2022. 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

Meet our Gold Sponsors of the Qatar Business Law Forum Conference 2022 – 7th Edition!

27/07/202222/08/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

LexisNexis Middle East is pleased to announce that DWF, Crowell & Moring, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm and Thani Bin Ali Al-Thani Law Firm will participate as Gold Sponsors at the Qatar Business Law Forum Conference 2022 – 7^th Edition being held on 12 October 2022.

The conference is specifically designed for in-house counsel and will cover the latest legal developments and trends in Qatar. 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

Oman: Household Business Activities Decision Issued

26/07/202226/07/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Times of Oman, 24 July 2022: Oman’s Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Ministry has issued a Ministerial Decision promulgating a regulation on making homemade business products.

Oman Ministerial Decision No. 473/2022 streamlines and legalises the activities of owners of household business activities undertaken by citizens to generate income, protect the rights of sellers and buyers and secure customer confidence in commercial transactions in the Sultanate and abroad.

The Decision bans any home-based business from being practised before the individual, or the family obtains a licence from the Ministry and the relevant authorities.

Everyone who engages in a home business activity must correct their status within six months from the date of their work.

To obtain a licence, the applicant must be an Omani national; the applicant should be at least 18, not have another licence to practice any commercial, professional, craft or industrial activity and pay the relevant fee.

Along with the licence application, the applicant should submit the title deed of the house where the activity is carried out, the lease contract, or the homeowner’s approval where the house is rented and their ID card or passport. They should also submit details of the home production work to be licenced.

The licence will be issued for three years and cost three Rials. The licence may be renewed for similar periods. The same procedures and conditions will apply.

The renewal application must be submitted 30 days before the expiry of the licence period.

The licensee must comply with the legislation regulating the licensed domestic production activity and the regulations governing the licensed activity from the relevant authority. They will also have to be familiar with practising licensed home business and not employ foreigners.

In addition, they should not assign the licence to others, even temporarily, and not place any advertising or promotional billboards on the house or external walls. A small board can be placed at the house entrance showing the licensee’s name, the licence number, the type of activity, and the phrase home business provided its area does not exceed 30cm x 60cm and the board must be flat.

They should not store any goods, equipment or machines outside the house or any toxic, dangerous or flammable materials or any other materials which may cause harm to public health in the place of activity.

The licensee cannot practice the activity after the licence has expired or in a place other than where it is licenced to work.

An administrative fine of 100 Rials will be imposed on licensees who violate the Decision. The penalty will only be set after the relevant authorities have issued a written warning of the reasons for the violation and given three days to remove it. The fine will be doubled for repeat violations.

Where the violation is not corrected, the Ministry can suspend the licence for up to three months. The Ministry may cancel the licence after this period has expired without the violation being removed.

The licensee may appeal the penalties under the Decision to the Minister within 60 days from the date of their notification of it.

The grievance will on within 30 days from the date of its submission, and the lapse of this date without a response will be considered a rejection.

In all instances, the refusal decision must be justified.

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: Requirements for Real Estate Advertisements Announced

26/07/202226/07/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Al Bayan, 22 July 2022: Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency has set requirements that all real estate companies wanting to market or promote real estate through various advertising channels, including platforms or social media channels, must comply with.

The requirements include obtaining an official permit from the Agency and writing the permit number in the advertisement.

The advertisement must include the name of the announced real estate company.

For real estate projects sold off-plan, the advertisement must include the developer’s name, project name, project number, location, and approved escrow account number.

For 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: Implementing Regulations to Federal Decree-Law on Foreigners’ Entry and Residency Issued

25/07/202225/07/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Alkhaleej, 21 July 2022: The UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, and Dubai Ruler has issued Cabinet Decision No. 65/2022 approving the Implementing Regulations to Federal Decree-Law No. 29/2021 on foreigners’ entry and residency.

It will come into force on 5 September 2022.

Under the Decision, an entry visa granted to a foreigner determines the purpose of the holder’s entry into the country.

The entry visas include visit visas, temporary or emergency entry visas, employment visas, residency visas and entry visas for GCC residents and their foreign escorts.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security may, after the approval of the competent authorities, grant the foreigner a visa which allows them to enter the country for a brief visit, whether for single or multiple entries.

For 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: Amendments to Implementing Regulations of Excise Tax Law Approved

25/07/202225/07/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Okaz, 20 July 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has approved amendments to the Implementing Regulations to the Kingdom’s Excise Tax Law. The amendments relate to Articles 29-32.

They state that a licensee or license applicant must provide the financial guarantee owed to each tax warehouse before the application’s final approval to fulfil any other conditions specified by the Authority in the licence application.

For full story, click here. see https://www.okaz.com.sa/news/local/2110585.

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/.