Tanya Jain, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Administrative Penalties for Commercial Agency Law Violations Decision Issued

21/09/202321/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 11 September 2023: The UAE’s Economy Ministry has issued a Decision specifying the administrative penalties which will be imposed for Commercial Agency Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 3/2022) violations.

Among other penalties under Cabinet Decision No. 89/2023, an international business who sells its goods and services to entities or individuals other than the contracted commercial agent will receive a warning first and may then be fined between 100,000 and AED 400,000. Their goods may also be seized by UAE Customs.

In addition, other offences may see a warning given first and then fines of between 100,000 and 200,000 AED imposed. Goods may also be seized by UAE Customs.

Some repeat offences could see offenders fined up to 400,000 AED.

In addition, the new legislation will apply automatically to existing commercial agency contracts drafted before the new Commercial Agency Law came into force in June. Only contracts not being renewed or being terminated early will be exempt..

The Cabinet Decision has been published in the Official Gazette.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Final Version of Artificial Intelligence Principles Approved

21/09/202321/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Arabia’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has announced it has approved the final version of the Artificial Intelligence Principles. They made the announcement via social media.

The Authority has analysed global practices and standards to develop these Principles. They are designed to help entities adopt standards and ethics when building and developing Artificial Intelligence-based solutions to ensure their responsible use and protect the privacy of data subjects and their rights with respect to the collection and processing of their data.

It will apply to all Artificial Intelligence stakeholders designing, developing, deploying, implementing, using, or being affected by Artificial Intelligence systems in the Kingdom. This will include public entities, private entities, non-profit entities, researchers, public services, institutions, civil society organisations, individuals, employees and consumers.

The Principles cover Fairness, Privacy and Security, Humanity, Social and Environmental Benefits, Reliability and Safety and Transparency and Explainability and Accountability and Responsibility.

The final version has introduced a new Artificial Risks section. This outlines the categories of risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence. There are four categories. These are little or no risk where no restrictions will be placed on Artificial Intelligence provided those systems are ethically compliant. There is also a limited risk category where Artificial Intelligence systems will be subject to the Principles. In addition, there is a high-risk category. Artificial Intelligence systems must undergo pre- and post-conformity assessments, consider the relevant statutory requirements and comply with Artificial Intelligence ethics in this category. Finally, there is an unacceptable risk category. These Artificial Intelligence systems cause harm to people’s safety, livelihood and rights are not allowed.

The new Principles also state Principle 5 on Reliability and Safety, in deployment and monitoring will be adopted. This means continuous monitoring is required to assess the alignment of an Artificial Intelligence model’s operations with its design and frameworks while ensuring the system’s safety to prevent malicious exploitation of data and results that could harm entities or individuals. Ongoing implementation and development efforts are necessary to maintain the system’s reliability over time.

The Authority is responsible for reviewing and updating the Artificial Intelligence ethics principles and monitor compliance with them. It will also develop the necessary national guides, standards and directives to ensure the effective management of Artificial Intelligence and ensure the goals are met.

The latest version includes Optional Registration as well. The aim is to encourage relevant entities to adopt Artificial Intelligence ethics when developing these systems.

Motivational Badges have also been added. This means the Authority may grant entities implementing the principles motivational badges that reflect the level of compliance and progress on Artificial Intelligence ethics implementation.

Finally, as part of the Artificial Intelligence Ethics tools, particularly privacy and security standards, the ISO 23894 risk standard has been explicitly defined along with the standards issued by the Saudi Standards and Metrology Organisation. ISO 23894 provides guidance on how organisations that develop, produce, deploy or use products, systems, and services deploying Artificial Intelligence can handle Artificial Intelligence risks. In addition, the final version has introduced additional data protection methods like data loss prevention, data governance and data minimisation.

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News developments

Qatar: Artificial Intelligence to be Used in Justice and Legal Systems

21/09/202321/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Qatar Tribune, 14 September 2023: Qatar’s Justice Minister has announced Artificial Intelligence is going to be used in the country’s justice and legal systems. The Minister was addressing the Law and Artificial Intelligence Conference at Lusail University earlier this week.

The Minister is seeking recommendations to help draft an Artificial Intelligence Law.

Also reported in Raya on 13 September 2023. For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Oman: Omap Platform Launched

20/09/202320/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 18 September 2023: Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones has announced it has launched an Omap platform. It aims to provide a digital portal to allow comprehensive geographical data, masterplans for special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities overseen by the Authority to be accessed.

It will provide detailed information and services via interactive digital maps and tools. It has been launched as the first step in the Authority’s online land allocation service.

The platform will simplify and expedite procedures, save time and effort, ensure equitable opportunities for all investors and prevent plans overlapping. It provides access to precise spatial information through detailed interactive maps for all zones, even pinpointing land available for investment and associated economic activities.

Investors can examine the land’s elevation, regardless of whether or not they are in Oman. They can also understand the land’s surface area and decide whether the power line is near enough or the required water capacity is available. They can also decide whether that particular plot is suitable for their specific industry, hotel, or commercial activity. It will enable them to understand whether roads are planned for the future or if there is a fibre optics or a telephone network as well.

In addition, investors will be able to remotely reserve the land, whether inside or outside Oman for 20 days and finalise the land acquisition process.

Investors can also interact and learn more about the specific plot available within all zones. Its features also include location searches for investment properties and comprehensive information on nearby landmarks and facilities like hospitals, restaurants, schools, stores and hotels. Users can also obtain land details by type, usufruct rates, location coordinates, size, and nearby utilities such as electricity, telecommunications, water, and transportation networks.

Users can also measure distances between different locations and their proximity to transportation networks relevant to shipping goods. Users will be able to get informed about drone-specific locations and restricted drone flying zones too.

A service for photographing projects at the request of the investor will be provided later on.

The platform has a toolkit that helps users, offers measurement tools as well as planning, drawing and annotation features, proximity service searches, cadastral drawing capabilities or Krooki, map printing and a site selection tool for digitally recording coordinates.

Biodiversity sites, reserves, tourist attractions, camping areas and more can also be disclosed. It provides insights into weather and climate conditions through connections to climate monitoring stations in the zones. It also offers information related to soil tests in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, which is a focal point for future and Artificial Intelligence technologies.

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News developments

Kuwait: New Controls for Granting Leave for Accompanying Sick Patients Announced

20/09/202320/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Alrai, 17 September 2023: The Managing Director of Human Resources at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has issued a Circular regarding the rules, controls and conditions for leave to accompany a patient in the oil sector.

The Circular states it is permissible to extend the leave of a non-relative to accompany a patient suffering from an incurable disease after the accumulated annual leave balance of the employee has been exhausted.

The extension request will have to be made after the first 90 days of leave for a patient’s non-relative companion has expired. A report from the relevant medical authority will have to be provided and presented to the institution’s CEO to consider and approve.

It will be implemented on its issued date.

Read the full story here.

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News developments

Dubai: New Training Programme for Prospective Employees to be Launched

20/09/202320/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates), 18 September 2023: Dubai’s Health Authority has announced it is going to launch a new training programme for prospective employees.

The Elite Programme will give prospective Emirati employees training across specialised and advanced programmes to develop their personal, scientific, and professional skills and capabilities.

It will give them the chance to gain experience and gradually take on additional roles, tasks, and responsibilities for one year.

Those who prove their competency during training will be appointed based on their progress.

The Programme has been launched to improve Emiratisation rates at the Authority and attract more specialist Emirati talent.

Trainees will receive monthly financial rewards as well as the opportunity to be trained and gain hands-on experience in tasks and responsibilities necessary for the industry.

The Programme will be launched soon and Emiratis interested in applying can apply via the Dubai Careers website.

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News developments

Bahrain: Central Bank Introduces New Investment Firm Category

20/09/202320/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Bahrain’s Central Bank has amended Volume 4 of its Rulebook on Investment Business Regulations to introduce a new category of investment firms. The new category will be allowed to provide regulated investment and wealth management services to family offices that are supervised by the Bank.

They will be able to provide wealth management, investment management, custody services, trust services, fund management and insurance advice.

The regulations were developed to help meet the needs of these businesses, support the growth of the asset management industry in the Kingdom and ensure regulatory requirements relating to governance and internal controls are upheld.

Existing family offices will not be included in the new regulations unless they expand the scope of their activities by providing investment services to other parties which requires a Central Bank licence under the new regime to be obtained.

Also reported in Al Watan on 18 September 2023. For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Penalties for Throwing Waste from Vehicles Clarified

20/09/202320/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 15 September 2023: The Abu Dhabi Police have clarified the penalties, which will be imposed on those who throw waste from their vehicles. Offenders will be fined 1,000 AED and have six black traffic points imposed on them.

The penalties will be imposed in line with Article 71 of Federal Law No. 21/1995.

The Police and the Centre for Monitoring and Control issued a joint appeal for waste to be disposed of responsibly.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2023 Edition

13/09/202313/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

We are excited to introduce the newest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax. Our complimentary magazine provides valuable insights into the latest tax and financial developments throughout the region.

In this issue, we delve into the finer points of free zones in the UAE, where recent Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions have shed light on the operation of Corporate Income Tax. Discover the clarifications and implications that may affect your business.

In this edition:

FEATURE: FINER POINTS ON FREEZONES

Explore how recent Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions have brought clarity to the operation of Corporate Income Tax within UAE freezones. Mourad Chatar of Value Square unravels surprises in determining liabilities.

FEATURE: E-INVOICING: WHAT NEXT?

Dive into the adoption of new technology across the GCC to enhance tax compliance. Discover how tax regulators are leveraging mandatory e-invoicing for improved tax regulation. Insights provided by Ekansh Agrawal and Shashank Chandak of KPMG.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

Stay informed about the latest updates in tax treaties and regulations throughout the region.

WHAT’S CHANGED?

Discover the significance of the new UAE clarification procedure within the dynamic tax landscape. Brought to you in partnership with Crowe.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: TAX AND M&A

Gain valuable insights from Mourad Chatar and Ismail El Koundi of Value Square, tailored for tax and M&A professionals.

INHOUSE TAX PROFILE: SUSTAINABLY MINDED

Explore the intersection of sustainability and tax planning with Rajpal Bal, Global Head of Tax, Treasury & Customs at Aramex.

ANY QUESTIONS? – HOW DOES TAX RETENTION OPERATE?

Delve into the workings of tax retention in Kuwait with insights from Rami Alhadhrami of BDO Kuwait, shedding light on the requirements that apply to entities trading in Kuwait.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax| Autumn 2023

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring and Summer 2023 editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax |Spring 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2023

News developments

Umm AlQuwain: New Property Laws Introduced

13/09/202313/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Arabian Business, 6 September 2023: Umm Al Quwain’s Ruler has introduced new property laws for the Emirate. The laws will regulate new rules on mortgages, property prices and investors’ rights, among other things. They have been issued to help develop and implement plans to drive growth in the sector and support the Emirate’s urban development plans.

Umm Al Quwain Law No. 2/2023 will allow an Interim Real Estate Register to be established and property registration activities in the Emirate to be regulated.

Umm Al Quwain Law No. 3/2023 will regulate real estate development activities in the Emirate, the pricing of all real estate projects and provide real estate escrow accounts, in line with regulations that ensure the rights of investors, real estate companies and property developers are protected.

Umm Al Quwain Law No. 4/2023 amends Umm Al Quwain Law No. 3/2007 on real estate escrow accounts in the Emirate. It sets out guidelines to help regulate real estate sales transactions better and ensure the compliance of all relevant parties with the regulation issued by the Real Estate Foundation.

Umm Al Quwain Law No. 5/2023 covers the regulation of mortgage registration activities through the Umm Al Quwain Municipality Department in line with the regulations issued by the UAE Central Bank and the settlement of issues and violations related to unregistered mortgages.

Umm Al Quwain Law No. 6/2023 relates to protecting the rights of investors where there are delays or hurdles in real estate development projects, as well as ensuring these projects are completed, when possible. It also provides for a special committee to handle issues related to cancelled and incomplete real estate projects to be established.

Finally, Umm Al Quwain Law No. 7/2023 amends Umm Al-Quwain Law No. 2/2005 on the regulation of real estate brokerage activities in the Emirate and sets out legislation and guidelines to regulate all brokerage activities.

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