Newsletter Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: National Media Authority Established to Oversee Media Sector

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 18 December 2025: The UAE has announced the creation of a National Media Authority under a new Federal Decree-Law, consolidating key media entities and strengthening the country’s media governance framework.

The newly formed authority will operate as a federal public body affiliated with the Cabinet. It will have full legal personality and administrative independence. It will replace the Emirates Media Council, the National Media Office, and the Emirates News Agency (WAM), assuming all their responsibilities under a unified structure.

Key functions of the National Media Authority will include shaping strategic media directions, coordinating policies across media entities, and managing national messaging. The authority will also monitor stories, work to enhance the UAE’s global reputation, and oversee media crisis management in line with other relevant stakeholders.

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Saudi Arabia: Central Bank Cuts Banking and Payment Fees Under New Framework

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Business, 23 December 2025: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has unveiled a new regulatory guide aimed at reducing banking and payment fees, enhancing transparency, and strengthening consumer protection across the financial sector.

SAMA announced the introduction of the “Fees Guide for Financial Institutions’ Services,” which will replace the existing Banking Tariff. The guide sets out revised fee structures for services offered by banks and payment companies, including reductions in administrative charges for financing products, card reissuance, international transactions, and fund transfers. The move is designed to promote financial inclusion, improve pricing clarity, and encourage digital adoption.

In addition to the fee reforms, SAMA issued updated Implementing Regulations under the Saudi Arabia Regulation No. 4/1434 on Implementing Regulation of the Finance Companies Control Law. These updates modernise licensing requirements, adjust aggregate finance limits, and clarify procedures for expired licenses. The changes also repeal outdated rules on microfinance activities, reflecting a broader effort to streamline oversight and support sustainable sector growth.

Both the Fees Guide and the updated regulations are available on SAMA’s Rulebook portal.

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Oman: State and Shura Councils Reach Consensus on Draft Anti‑Cyber‑Crime Law

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 17 December 2025: Oman’s State Council and Majlis Ash’shura have finalised an agreement on all disputed articles in the draft Anti‑Cyber‑Crime Law, moving it closer to enactment.

A joint committee comprising members of both legislative bodies met on 16 December 2025 to resolve 42 points of contention within the draft law referred by the Council of Ministers. The meeting included representatives from the secretaries-general of both councils and other specialists, ensuring a comprehensive review of the provisions.

The committee’s report will now be submitted to a joint session of the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura for further discussion and formal approval.

Once passed, the legislation will bolster Oman’s cybercrime framework, enhancing protections for individuals, businesses, and digital infrastructure. The agreement demonstrates the collaborative legislative process between the two councils and reflects the Sultanate’s commitment to fortifying its cyber‑regulatory regime.

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Kuwait: New Residency Rules for Expats Come into Force

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 22 December 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior will introduce comprehensive new residency rules for expatriates from 23 December 2025, aiming to streamline procedures and enforce stricter controls.

Kuwait has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 2249/2025, which brings into effect updated executive regulations under the Decree‑Law on the residence of foreigners, starting 23 December 2025. All categories of entry and visit visas will incur a standard fee of KD 10 per month.

Domestic workers must now return to Kuwait within four months or risk cancellation of their residence permit unless an official exit permit is obtained. Additionally, newborns of expatriates must be registered within four months of birth. Failure to do so will result in fines starting at KD 2 per day for the first month, increasing to KD 4 per day afterwards.

New age restrictions for domestic workers will also be enforced: sponsors can bring in workers aged between 21 and 60 only. The entry visa must be requested by the employer.

Kuwait is introducing a residence-entry visa for foreign investors under Kuwait Law No. 116/2013, administered via the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Successful applicants may receive residence permits for up to 15 years, subject to Council of Ministers guidelines and KDIPA support.

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Dubai: New Service Launched for Donations Through Cryptocurrency

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 19 December 2025: Dubai has introduced a new service allowing charities to receive donations in cryptocurrency under regulated and transparent procedures.

Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has launched a service enabling donations to be made using cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets. The department will oversee and regulate all fundraising activities involving virtual assets to protect donors’ money, ensure transparency, and maintain compliance with approved regulatory standards.

Workshops have been organised to guide charities on the procedures and requirements for adopting the service. The Executive Director of the Charitable Work Sector encouraged charities to apply for initial authorisation so the activity can operate safely and in line with Dubai’s future vision. The new service will allow charities to accept donations through a wider range of methods that suit donors’ preferences.

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Bahrain: Anti-Corruption Cooperation Law Ratified Under OIC Framework

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 23 December 2025: Bahrain has enacted a new law, ratifying the Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation, reinforcing its commitment to regional efforts against corruption.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has approved Bahrain Law No. 43/2025 following its passage by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The law, which came into effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette, formalises Bahrain’s adherence to the Makkah Al Mukarramah Convention—a multilateral agreement among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states aimed at enhancing collaboration in combating corruption.

Officials say the move underscores Bahrain’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in tackling financial crimes and promoting good governance.

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ADGM: Registration Authority Issues New Commercial Permits Rules for Events, Promotions and Temporary Activities

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The ADGM Registration Authority has issued new rules under the Commercial Permits Regulations 2024 to regulate events, sales and promotions, and temporary commercial activities within the financial free zone.

The Registration Authority has expanded its permission framework covering Entertainment and Events, Temporary Commercial Activity, and Sales and Promotion. These rules aim to strengthen consumer protection by ensuring that commercial, promotional, and temporary activities within ADGM are conducted transparently and responsibly.

Under the updated framework, businesses wishing to operate on a temporary basis within ADGM must obtain a temporary commercial permit for a defined period. This requirement applies to entities who are not permanently established in ADGM but want to conduct short‑term commercial operations.

The Rules also introduce a mandatory sales and promotions permit for ADGM‑licensed entities and temporary permit holders engaging in specific promotional or sales‑related activities. This ensures that marketing practices are properly supervised and aligned with ADGM’s consumer‑protection standards.

In addition, an entertainment and events permit is now required for certain activities, including events, entertainment productions, photography sessions, and speaking engagements. These permits ensure that public‑facing activities meet ADGM’s operational, safety, and regulatory expectations.

The Rules also establish conditions and compliance obligations on the issue of all permit types, setting out eligibility criteria, operational standards, and regulatory expectations for applicants.

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UAE: Amendment of Corporate Tax Law to Simplify Settlements and Enable Refunds

18/12/202518/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 15 December 2025: The UAE has altered its corporate tax framework, introducing clearer settlement rules and allowing businesses to claim refunds on unused tax credits.

A new Federal Decree-Law has been enacted, amending key provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. The changes aim to streamline the calculation and settlement of corporate tax obligations and establish a formal process for refunding unutilised tax credits derived from eligible incentives and reliefs.

Under the amendment, corporate tax liabilities will be settled in a defined sequence. Businesses must first offset their liability using withholding tax credits under Article 46 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, followed by foreign tax credits under Article 47 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022. Additional reductions may then be applied using other approved incentives or relief balances as specified by the Cabinet. Any remaining tax due must be paid in accordance with Article 48 of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.

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Sharjah: Beekeeping Licensing System Introduced

18/12/202518/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 December 2025: Sharjah has introduced a licensing mechanism for beekeepers and site usage in order to regulate practices, safeguard local bee species, and enhance food security.

The new licensing framework will help support and empower beekeepers by providing them with access to licences and will also enable them to benefit from government and financing programmes.

A key objective is to protect indigenous bee species from diseases and pests, preserving biodiversity and ensuring high-quality local honey production. It is also hoped that it will improve food security through regulated practices and reduce violations and irregularities in this sector.

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Saudi Arabia: Digital Health and Safety Transformation

18/12/202518/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab News, 15 December 2025: Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced a number of new digital health and safety systems.

The digital tools are being used to strengthen pharmacovigilance and oversight of cosmetic safety. The transformation began with the launch of the fully digital “Saudi Vigilance” platform, which has replaced paper-based adverse reaction reporting. Smart reporting forms and behavioural nudges have also improved data quality and completion rates, while centralised dashboards are providing real-time analysis of adverse events, enabling early detection of safety signals.

In addition, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has been used to streamline medication safety processes by automating repetitive tasks such as report sorting and data checks, significantly improving efficiency. The SFDA has also integrated digital safety measures into hospital systems, delivering alerts and training materials directly to healthcare professionals. Finally, the Saudi Name Registration (SNR) platform is now improving drug name safety checks in both Arabic and English, reducing the risk of medication errors.

SFDA also plan to deploy artificial intelligence tools for cosmetic product safety, including automated ingredient checks and consumer feedback analysis.

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