Newsletter Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Ministry Launches Instalment Payment Scheme Through Eight Banks

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 8 November 2025: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced an instalment payment service for ministry fees and administrative fines through eight approved banking institutions, allowing credit card holders to spread the cost of ministry services across multiple payments.

Under the ‘Easy Payment Plan’, customers can access different instalment thresholds depending on their banking provider. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank have set a minimum instalment amount of 1,000 dirhams, while First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Commercial Bank International, National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah and Emirates NBD offer instalments starting from 500 dirhams.

The service is available to customers holding credit cards from any of the participating banks, subject to standard terms and conditions. The ministry has confirmed that payments can be arranged according to customers’ specific financial circumstances.

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Saudi Arabia: Tax Authority Sets November Deadline for Excise Tax Returns

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Riyadh, 10 November 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has announced that businesses subject to excise tax must submit their returns for September and October 2025 by 15 November 2025.

The authority has warned that late submissions will incur penalties of 5% of the tax value for every 30 days of delay. Businesses can submit their returns through the authority’s official website.

The excise tax applies to products with potential negative health or environmental impacts, including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, and tobacco products. The tax rates vary depending on the product category.

All affected businesses have been urged to submit their returns promptly to avoid financial penalties. The submission deadline applies to all enterprises dealing with products subject to excise tax regulations.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: Announces National Day Holiday Rules and Worker Compensation

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 9 November 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Labour has issued guidelines for the upcoming National Day holidays on November 26 and 27, 2025, confirming compensation arrangements for employees required to work during the official break.

The announcement establishes the two-day holiday period for all government, public sector, and private sector workers across the sultanate.

According to the ministry’s statement, organisations that need to maintain operations during the holiday must provide affected staff with either alternative leave days or additional compensation as specified under current labour regulations.

The directive applies to all employees in government units, legal entities, and private sector establishments throughout Oman. The ministry has emphasised that while work may continue in essential services, employers must ensure proper compensation for staff who work during the designated holiday period.

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Kuwait: Launches Smart Licence System for Business Permits

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Qabas, 10 November 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a directive requiring government agencies to implement a new smart licence system featuring integrated barcodes for business permits.

The new system mandates the use of embedded barcodes as the primary method for regulatory authorities to electronically verify commercial licence data.

Under the new directive, regulatory bodies must transition from paper-based procedures to the digital verification system when checking business permits. The smart licence will serve as the standard format for commercial licensing documentation across government departments.

The ministry has instructed all relevant government agencies to begin implementing the new system immediately. The digital licences will incorporate barcode technology to enable swift electronic verification of business permit details by regulatory authorities.

This development represents the latest phase in Kuwait’s transition towards fully digital government services, with the smart licence system designed to standardise business permit verification across all government departments.

For the full story, click here.

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Dubai: Free Zones Introduces Multiple Share Classes for Registered Companies

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai World Trade Centre Authority has launched a new regulatory framework allowing companies in its free zone to issue multiple classes of shares, expanding beyond traditional ordinary shares.

The framework enables registered businesses to implement varied share structures including preference shares, founder’s shares, restricted shares and tiered structures through class A/B/C/D categorisation. Companies can now customise these arrangements through their Memorandum of Association to specify different rights regarding dividends, voting powers, transfer conditions and redemption options.

Under the new regulations, businesses must incorporate specific governance measures to protect shareholder rights and maintain transparency in their operations. The framework includes provisions for minority shareholder protection and clear guidelines for implementing different share classes.

The free zone authority has confirmed that while ordinary shares will remain the standard option, registered companies now have the flexibility to adopt more complex share structures. These arrangements can be used for various purposes including investment attraction, succession planning and equity-based compensation.

The free zone currently hosts businesses from more than 40 sectors, operating under regulations that permit full foreign ownership and simplified licensing procedures.

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Abu Dhabi: Introduces Insurance Coverage for Autonomous Vehicles

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 10 November 2025: Abu Dhabi has established an insurance framework for self-driving vehicles operating within the city.

The Advanced Technology Research Council revealed that insurance coverage for unmanned vehicles was secured within a week, enabling autonomous cargo vehicles to operate legally on city streets. The implementation followed a 45-day testing period during which vehicles underwent extensive field trials and gradual pilot programmes across different zones of the city.

The new insurance framework addresses one of the primary challenges in deploying autonomous transport systems, which has been a significant hurdle both locally and internationally.

The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council continues to develop regulations for the autonomous ecosystem, with plans to expand the framework for future technological developments, including flying taxis slated for introduction in the near future.

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UAE: Mandates Laboratory Testing under Sugar-Based Drinks Tax

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has outlined new requirements for beverage producers and importers ahead of a tiered sugar tax implementation planned for early 2026.

Under the new system, manufacturers must obtain Accredited Conformity Certificates verifying the sugar content of their products. The certification process requires laboratory testing from approved facilities to determine precise sugar levels per 100 millilitres.

The tax structure will feature four distinct categories: drinks with 8g or more sugar per 100ml: highest tax rate, drinks containing 5-8g sugar per 100ml: moderate tax rate, beverages with less than 5g sugar per 100ml: lower tax rate and sugar-free drinks with artificial sweeteners: zero tax.

Products without proper certification will automatically be classified in the highest tax bracket until laboratory results prove otherwise.

The new framework will apply to all beverages containing added sugars or sweeteners, including concentrates, powders, and gels. Natural sugar-only drinks will be exempt from the tax, while energy drinks will maintain their current 100% excise rate.

Businesses can now apply for certification through the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s online platform. Acceptable test results must come from laboratories accredited by recognised bodies such as the Emirates National Accreditation System or those certified under ISO/IEC 17025.

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Saudi Arabia: Introduces Updates on the Five-Year Rent Freeze in Riyadh

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Argaam, 29 October 2025: Saudi authorities have announced sweeping changes to rental regulations, on the five-year rent freeze in Riyadh and new protections for tenants across the kingdom.

The reforms, which affect both residential and commercial properties, introduce several key measures: a complete suspension of rent increases within Riyadh’s urban boundaries for five years, mandatory registration of all rental contracts through the official platform, automatic contract renewal unless 60 days’ notice is given, fixed rental rates for vacant properties based on last recorded values and new electronic system for processing rent adjustment requests.

Under the new regulations, landlords can only decline contract renewals under specific circumstances: non-payment of rent, structural safety concerns and personal or immediate family use of the property.

For properties outside Riyadh, landlords must seek tenant approval through the official platform for any rent modifications. The changes must be proposed at least 90 days before contract expiry, with tenants required to respond within 30 days.

The reforms also address contract validity, stipulating that unregistered agreements will not be legally enforceable. Additional service charges, such as parking and cleaning, must be clearly stated in the initial contract.

Enforcement measures include penalties for violations, with authorities implementing verification systems to prevent circumvention of the regulations. Property ownership changes will not affect existing rent caps.

The new system maintains these restrictions regardless of pre-existing agreements, including long-term contracts with built-in increase clauses. Officials will consider extending similar measures to other cities based on market conditions.

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Qatar: Updates Customs Duty Exemption Rules for Travellers and Residents

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 2 November 2025: Qatar’s General Authority of Customs has outlined comprehensive duty exemption policies covering personal luggage, postal parcels, and household relocations, establishing clear guidelines for different categories of arrivals into the country.

Under the new regulations, travellers can bring personal items and gifts duty-free, provided individual gifts do not exceed QR3,000 in value. The policy permits specific allowances for tobacco products, including up to 400 cigarettes or 20 cigars, with a total value cap of QR3,000.

For postal items, the authority has set a duty-free threshold of QR1,000 for personal parcels and mailings. The exemption applies only to unrestricted items imported under an individual’s name.

The framework includes special provisions for household relocations. Qatari citizens returning from abroad may import used personal effects and household goods duty-free for personal use. Non-Qatari residents must import their household items within six months of arrival and provide employer documentation and residence permits.

New residents must also sign an agreement not to sell imported items for at least one year after entry, with penalties and duties applying for breaches. The authority notes that new household appliances or furniture may not qualify for exemption.

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Oman: Central Bank Warns Media Over Incorrect Logo Usage

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Times Of Oman, 3 November 2025: Oman’s central bank has issued a formal notice to media outlets regarding the misuse of its official logo in publications and digital platforms.

The notice specifically addresses instances where incorrect versions of the bank’s logo have appeared across various media channels. The bank has instructed all media organisations to verify and update their visual assets to ensure they are using only the officially sanctioned version of the institution’s logo.

The regulatory body has emphasised that strict adherence to its official branding guidelines is now mandatory for all media representations. Media outlets have been directed to remove any unauthorised variations of the logo from their platforms.

The central bank’s notice serves as a formal reminder to publishers and broadcasters about their obligations regarding the use of official institutional symbols. The bank has not specified potential consequences for continued non-compliance with these requirements.

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