Tanya Jain, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: Public Prosecution Launches ‘Reconciliation is Better’ Initiative

08/05/202508/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 30 April 2025: The “Reconciliation is Better” initiative has been launched by Dubai Public Prosecution, as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance dispute resolution through amicable settlements.

This initiative, aligned with international best practices, aims to establish a global benchmark for judicial excellence and support the objectives of the Dubai Plan 2030. It provides a practical alternative to traditional legal proceedings, promoting a culture of tolerance and social harmony, which are central to Dubai’s leadership vision of a cohesive society.

The decision impacts parties involved in legal disputes by offering them a pathway to resolve issues amicably. It allows prosecutors to guide willing parties towards fair and lawful settlements, reducing the reliance on lengthy legal proceedings.

By streamlining the process, the initiative will conserve resources and significantly reduced legal costs, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to providing exceptional services and quality of life.

The law prohibits concealing infections or spreading them, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and requires individuals to comply with measures to prevent the spread of disease, following guidelines issued by relevant authorities and healthcare providers.

It has established a comprehensive framework to promote public health and safeguard community and environmental well-being. It outlines a focus on disease prevention, healthcare, food and product safety and sustainable efforts to improve overall quality of life.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Approves Proposal to Cap Work Permits

08/05/202508/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Akhbar Al Khaleej, 7 May 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament approved a proposal to amend the Labour Market Regulation Law (Bahrain Law No. 19/2006), introducing a cap on the total number of work permits issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.

The proposal aims to address concerns about unlicensed labour and ensure that work permits are issued based on project size and necessity, in order to protect local employment opportunities and maintaining market balance.

There has been an emphasis on the need to regulate work permit numbers, and it has been suggested permits should be aligned with project requirements. The proposal also included suggestions on using technology, such as centralised databases and GPS tracking, to monitor and manage labour movements effectively.

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News developments

UAE: FTA Clarified VAT Treatment of Barter Transactions

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Federal Tax Authority has issued a public clarification on the VAT treatment of barter transactions in the UAE.

The announcement clarified that, with barter transactions, the value of a supply is determined by combining any monetary consideration received with the market value of the non-monetary component, after excluding the tax element. This clarification specifically relates to taxable persons and VAT registrants – including social media influencers, restaurants, farmers, accounting firms, and furniture dealers – and has imposed an obligation on each party to issue tax invoices and account for VAT on both monetary and non-monetary components in accordance with the prescribed valuation rules. The clarification referenced Federal Decree-Law No. 8/2017 on Value Added Tax and Cabinet Decision No. 52/2017. This reinforces the way the current legal framework operates.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Enforces Executive Regulations of Investment Law

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Eye Of Riyadh, 27 April 2025: The Saudi Minister of Investment has approved the executive regulations for the Investment Law (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 40/1446)

The regulations aim to enforce the provisions of the Investment Law and achieve its goals, focusing on equal treatment and non-discriminatory practices for both local and foreign investors under similar circumstances.

Article 3 of the Executive Regulations will entitle investors to equal treatment and non-discriminatory practices, ensuring fairness between local and foreign investors. The ministry will retains the right to regulate in accordance with local laws and regulations, prioritising public interest, including national security, public safety, and public order.

Article 7 of the Investment Law Executive Regulations, will grant investors the right to freely transfer funds related to their investments to and from Saudi Arabia. These transfers include initial capital, profits, capital gains, dividends, royalties, fees, loan repayments, proceeds from liquidation or partial sale of investments, and earnings of employees contracted abroad. However, these provisions do not apply to measures taken by competent authorities involving financial services for justified reasons, such as protecting investors, depositors, and policyholders, or ensuring the stability of the financial system

The ministry also has to notify foreign investors in writing when procedures which relate to national security have been initiated, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. It will also have the right to request information or documents deemed important for assessing the impact of foreign investment on national security. Foreign investors will have the right to express their views and submit relevant information during these procedures. The ministry may also engage in discussions with foreign investors to explore alternative measures to mitigate national security risks.

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News developments

Qatar: QFCRA Proposes Amendments to Prudential Rules for Banks

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The QFCRA has issued a Consultation Paper outlining proposals, set out in the draft BANK and IBANK (Market Risk and Miscellaneous) Amendments Rules 2025.

The amendments aim to introduce the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s simplified standardised approach as the default method for assessing market risk, particularly for banks with less complex trading portfolios.

The proposals would require a bank’s net open position in any foreign currency other than the US dollar not to exceed 5% of its Tier 1 capital. The net open position in the US dollar would be unable to exceed 25% of the bank’s Tier 1 capital and the higher of the total net open positions in surplus or deficit across all foreign currencies (including the US dollar) would have to remain within 30% of the Tier 1 capital.

These amendments would apply to all QFC-authorised banks. The decision was issued as a Consultation Paper, allowing the Regulatory Authority to gather feedback from conventional and Islamic banks operating under the specified prudential rules.

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News developments

Oman: New Regulations for Independent Water and Sanitation Tanker Operations

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Arabian Stories, 27 April 2025: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) in Oman issued APSR Decision No. 31/2025, establishing new regulations for independent tanker operations in the water and wastewater sectors.

The new regulations specifically targeted independent tanker operators involved in water transport, wastewater collection, and treated water transport. Under these regulations, operators must obtain permits and adhere to a Unified Service Level Agreement approved by the APSR. The responsibilities of both operators and licensees, are outlined including quality standards, complaint mechanisms, and testing protocols.

The regulations set specific requirements for the operation, maintenance, and branding of independent carriers, including designated colours for different types of tankers to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. According to Article 6 of APSR Decision No 31/2025, potable water tankers will be painted blue with “potable water” written on them, non-potable water tankers green with “non-potable water,” and sewage tankers yellow with “sewage.”

Independent tanker operator must regularise their status within one year from the enactment of the regulations. They were also required to meet documentation and operational requirements, including installing tracking devices on tankers and undergoing regular inspections to ensure compliance with technical standards.

The regulations stipulated penalties for violations, with fines ranging from RO 50 to RO 50,000 depending on the severity of the violation. Repeat violations could lead to additional fines, with continuing offenses attracting daily penalties.

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News developments

Kuwait: Changes to Criminal Law

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 26 April 2025: The Kuwait Council of Ministers approved amendments to the Penal Code, originally enacted under Kuwait Law No. 16/1960.

The amendments have increased fines for manslaughter and unintentional injuries and introduced new articles which alter penalties under aggravating circumstances. A provision was also added to protect the financial system from debtors falsely claiming insolvency.

In addition, amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and Trials Kuwait Law No. 17/1960 found in Kuwait Decree-Law No. 62/2025 have included electronic notification of in-absentia judgments to expedite delivery and ensure convicts are informed, reducing litigation delays. Article 230 of Kuwait Law No. 17/1960 has been was amended to facilitate the collection of criminal fines, allowing the Public Prosecution to deduct fines from salaries or arrange instalment payments.

The Council has also approved amendments to Article 5 of Kuwait Law No. 71/2020 on Bankruptcy, reinstating arrest and detention for debtors who evade financial obligations and enhancing enforcement authority for financial disclosures.

A draft decree-law amending the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law ,Kuwait Decree-Law No. 38/1980, has been introduced, which will allow the Enforcement Department to notify a Credit Information Company of non-payment, impacting the debtor’s credit record.

The Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha) was reinforced through amendments to Kuwait Law No. 2/2016 On the Establishment of the Public Authority for Anti-Corruption and the Provisions Related to Financial Disclosure, broadening the definition of corruption and mandating electronic submission of financial disclosures.

Kuwait Ministerial Decision No. 194/2025 to have also been issued to regulate payment procedures for official documents, in order to combat money laundering and enhance transparency in the real estate market.

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News developments

Dubai: New Public Health Law Impacts Travellers

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 25 April 2025: Travellers entering Dubai are to be required to follow specific health protocols as a result of a new health law.

Dubai Law No. 5/2025 on Public Health outlines a wide-ranging framework to improve community health, reduce disease transmission, and align public health practices with international standards.

It introduces strict obligations for travellers, individuals, and healthcare providers, while also clarifying the roles of government entities in safeguarding health and the environment.

Travellers must adhere to official health protocols, provide requested information at Dubai’s entry points and report any suspected or confirmed communicable diseases.

Anyone who is infected or suspected of having a communicable disease must avoid contact that could spread their illness. The law states individuals must refrain from travelling or moving, except to healthcare facilities, without the approval of the Dubai Health Authority.

Those who are travelling while ill, must observe hygiene measures such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing in line with approved guidelines.

It aims to minimise any health risks affecting individuals and communities in Dubai through precautionary measures and evidence-based practices that align with both local and international health regulations.

It also promotes greater coordination and collaboration at all levels to strengthen preparedness and response to any public health challenges in the emirate. and aims to increase public awareness of health risks and prevention methods by fostering a sustainable environment that attracts investment.

In addition, it has also formally defined the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities in managing communicable diseases.

These authorities include local government entities tasked with overseeing public health in Dubai, such as Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, the Dubai Academic Health Corporation and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

The law has outlined the responsibilities of the relevant authorities in food safety, specified obligations for food-related establishments and set out some rules for consumer product activities.

It has also detailed responsibilities in areas such as built environmental health, labour accommodations, pest control and the Dubai Health Authority’s role in managing health risks, emergencies and crises.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Passes Bill Mandating Advance Notice or Full Compensation

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 30 April 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a bill amending Bahrain Law No. 36/2012 (labour law), which would require employers to provide advance notice or full compensation for economic dismissals

The bill, has now moved to the Shura Council for review, and will set stricter conditions for terminating employment due to economic reasons, such as business closures or changes in production methods.

The proposal would require employer to pay full compensation unless they have notified the Labour Ministry 60 days before informing the workers of dismissal, and have provided recent audited financial statements or financial records covering the last three years, depending on the circumstances. In cases where both a Bahraini and a foreign worker hold the same job with similar experience and skill, the Bahraini must be retained unless the company is closing entirely. Failure to meet these conditions would lead to all payments under Article 111 of Bahrain Law No. 36/2012 being made. If the requirements are met only half the amount would be payable.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Rights for Caregivers

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 23 April 2025: The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi has announced programmes under its Barakatnu initiatives which will give new rights to the elderly and their caregivers.

These include the right to obtain temporary alternative care for senior citizens. Care is provided for up to eight hours a day once a week for a total 48 days a year to enable caregivers to attend to their personal responsibilities and spend time with their families. In addition, the Government Empowerment Authority is offering to Obtain Approval for Flexible Working Systems for Caregivers. This scheme will allow caregivers to obtain a certificate which grants them access to flexible work policies in government entities.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport is offering a service to Additional Units for Special Cases Approval, which will allow families to make structural modifications to their homes in order to create dedicated, private, and comfortable living spaces for senior family members.

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has also set up a number of initiatives which will allow senior citizens to obtain home improvements, extend the repayment of housing loans to reduce pressure on caregivers and provide buying and selling house grants to allow families to move closer to each other.

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