Tanya Jain, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: Electricity Bill Relief for Businesses

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 18 March 2026: MPs in Bahrain have approved measures to compensate businesses for water and electricity costs.

The proposal had been submitted by four MPs calling for urgent support of businesses affected by the regional crisis. It was stated some sectors had faced disruption and declining footfall as a result. The measure aims to reduce the fixed cost burden of these costs by studying mechanisms to compensate them or reduce their costs, allowing these businesses to remain in operation.

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News developments

Bahrain: MPs seek temporary freeze on personal‑loan repayments

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Digital News, 17 March 2026: Bahraini MPs have submitted an urgent proposal calling for a three‑month freeze on personal‑loan instalments for citizens, without interest or additional charges, in response to financial pressures caused by regional tensions and recent Iranian attacks.

Five legislators, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk, placed the proposal on the agenda for debate during today’s parliamentary session. The MPs said the measure aims to support families experiencing economic strain, noting that recent security events have had direct repercussions on household finances.

If adopted, the suspension would apply to Bahraini citizens’ personal loans issued by banks and financing institutions, and would pause repayments without imposing penalties, fees or compound interest—similar to relief measures enacted during previous national emergencies.

The proposal is now pending parliamentary discussion, after which it may be escalated to the government for formal action.

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News developments

Kuwait: New Laws to Protect Military Interests

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 18 March 2026: Two new laws designed to protect military interests in Kuwait and combat terrorism have been published in the official gazette with immediate effect.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 is on combating terrorism crimes and Kuwait Decree-Law No 13/2026 covers securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities. The new legislation aims to respond to evolving security threats, which have become organised, complex, and transnational, and now require an integrated legal framework which combines prevention, deterence and protection.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 defines ‘terrorist acts’ as offenses targeting individuals, property, public facilities, transportation, or cyberspace, which are aimed at spreading fear, undermining societal security, or influencing authorities.

It distinguishes between a ‘terrorist organisation’, ‘terrorist’, and a ‘state of terrorist danger’, and applies to acts committed inside or outside Kuwait if related to its security or interests. Penalties for these crimes are severe, and include life imprisonment or the death penalty in certain cases. The law criminalises assisting perpetrators, failing to report crimes, and provides for incentives for cooperation with authorities, such as immunity if the crime is reported before execution or if help is provided in identifying an offender.

It also criminalises attacks on vital facilities, diplomatic premises, recruitment, training, or affiliation with terrorist entities, and introduces precautionary measures under judicial supervision through the ‘state of terrorist danger’ concept, which include monitoring and rehabilitation programmes. In addition, the law establishes a National Committee for Combating Terrorism which will set national strategy, coordinate efforts, and ensure compliance with international obligations.

Meanwhile Kuwait Decree-Law No. 13/2026 provides a comprehensive framework to protect military interests, enabling efficient operations by regulating access to military sites, safeguarding classified information, and managing security procedures.

It criminalises unauthorised entry, dissemination of false information affecting military morale, and exploitation of military assets, with penalties of up to life imprisonment for severe violations. The Public Prosecution will have exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute crimes under these laws, strengthening procedural efficiency while balancing security and legal safeguards.

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News developments

UAE: Authorities Confirm Commitment to Economic Openness

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 19 March 2026: Authorities in Dubai have shared a fact check statement refuting reports claiming the UAE had introduced strict laws to prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their capital and leaving the Emirate.

The false reports had alleged that the measures included freezing bank accounts and imposing restrictions on money transfers and capital movement in order to retain investors. Dubai media office made it clear that the UAE economy was strong, and Dubai would continue to remain a global economic hub and magnet for investors. The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism had denied the reports which circulated on social media on imposing restrictions on the movement of capital or preventing foreign investors from transferring or managing their funds in line with the applicable laws and regulations.

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News developments

Dubai: Customs Announce Green Corridor with Oman

25/03/202626/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 18 March 2026: Dubai Customs have announced a ‘Green Corridor’ between the emirate and Oman for maritime and air shipments.

Shipments will now be diverted through Omani ports to Dubai through a streamlined route.

The procedure will work seamlessly with transit declarations first being submitted in Oman, under fast customs procedures, before the shipment is transferred through the Green Corridor.

Then, the shipping agent’s seal will be applied to Green Corridor containers, verifying the integrity of the goods across inter-border ports until arrival in Dubai. Once at the Hatta Border Crossing, the cargo manifest and bill of lading will be submitted. Finally, shipments will proceed to customs clearance at the relevant centres.

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News developments

UAE: Expired residency holders abroad allowed to return without entry permit

17/03/202617/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Qatar Peninsula, 12 March 2026: The UAE has introduced a temporary measure allowing expatriate residents whose residency visas expired while they were outside the country to return without obtaining a new entry permit.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the decision applies to residents who were unable to return due to current regional conditions, including airspace closures and suspended flights. The exemption is valid from 28 February to 31 March 2026.

Eligible residents may re‑enter the UAE during this period without applying for a fresh entry permit, easing travel disruptions caused by the ongoing regional security situation.

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News developments

Kuwait: Eid gatherings and weddings banned over security concerns

17/03/202617/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 12 March 2026: Kuwait has imposed a temporary ban on Eid Al Fitr gatherings, weddings, concerts and theatre events as a precaution amid heightened regional security tensions.

The Ministry of Interior announced that all public celebrations including plays, concerts, parties and wedding events are prohibited until further notice. The decision aims to limit large gatherings and reduce security risks linked to the current domestic and regional situation following Iran’s recent attacks.

Authorities said the restrictions are intended to enhance public safety, ensure readiness to respond to potential emergencies and support the stability of the country during what it described as a “sensitive period.”

The ministry urged citizens and residents to cooperate fully, warning that violations will result in legal action. It also called on the public to demonstrate national responsibility and prioritise the wider public interest.

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News developments

UAE: Police crackdown on explosive‑sound modified vehicles

17/03/202617/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 13 March 2026: Police across the UAE have intensified enforcement against motorists using illegally modified vehicles that generate explosion‑like engine sounds, following late‑night disturbances reported in residential neighbourhoods.

Authorities stated that the alarming noises — often mistaken for blasts amid heightened regional tensions — were caused by teenagers and young drivers revving engines or using exhaust systems designed to create deliberate “backfire” effects. Police stressed there is no security threat, reaffirming that the UAE remains safe and closely monitored by security agencies.

Residents in Dubai and Sharjah reported sudden loud bursts at night, prompting police to increase patrols and deploy advanced monitoring systems. Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei of Dubai Police said enforcement campaigns target violations such as excessive vehicle noise and unauthorised modifications to “ensure the comfort and tranquillity of residents.”

Sharjah Police also launched targeted inspections and set up checkpoints to detect illegally modified vehicles. Brigadier Khalifa Al Khassouni emphasised that the measures are intended to reassure communities, particularly during a period of heightened public sensitivity to sudden loud sounds.

Motorists driving excessively noisy vehicles face a Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points and possible vehicle impoundment. Additional penalties, including confiscation and release fees up to Dh10,000, apply to vehicles modified without authorisation.

Police urged parents to monitor young drivers and encouraged residents to report reckless behaviour through official channels. Authorities reiterated that the enforcement drive aims to maintain calm, protect public peace and reinforce the UAE’s strong safety environment during ongoing regional developments.

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News developments

Iran: UN Security Council demands halt attacks on Gulf states

17/03/202617/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 12 March 2026: The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding that Iran immediately stop its missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries amid escalating regional conflict.

The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia), and was co‑sponsored by a record 135–136 UN member states, signalling unusually broad international support. It demands the cessation of all Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, and condemns attempts to obstruct maritime navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz.

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News developments

Bahrain: Prosecution seeks maximum penalties in terrorism‑related cases

17/03/202617/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 11 March 2026: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution has urged the Criminal Court to impose the maximum penalties on several defendants accused of promoting, justifying and encouraging acts of terrorism linked to the IRGC attack.

During hearings, prosecutors presented evidence showing the defendants had circulated materials supporting the terrorist act, possessed content glorifying terrorism, and taken photographs of restricted locations in violation of national‑security laws. The Prosecution stressed that such behaviour amounts to a betrayal of the country whose citizenship and resources the defendants benefitted from.

It argued that these acts instil fear, threaten citizens and residents, destabilise public security and undermine social stability, particularly amid the current regional challenges arising from Iranian aggression.

The Public Prosecution reiterated its commitment to confronting any conduct that violates Bahraini law or endangers national security, emphasising that the rule of law remains essential for protecting rights, freedoms and public order.

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