News developments Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: RTA Launches Technical and Future Competency Framework

10/04/202610/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority launched a Technical and Future Competency Framework to align workforce capabilities with emerging technologies and long‑term government priorities.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the launch of the Technical and Future Competency Framework on 2 April 2026, marking a strategic step towards preparing its human capital for future technological and organisational demands. The framework establishes a clear vision for workforce capabilities by aligning current and future skills with rapid technological change and global shifts, reinforcing RTA’s commitment to modern human‑resources development and corporate excellence.

The framework identifies and structures both core and specialised technical competencies, alongside future‑focused competencies linked to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation. It also defines professional proficiency levels for each role, outlines technical career pathways, and enables the design of advanced training programmes and modern performance and competency‑management systems. RTA stated that these measures enhance organisational readiness and support the development of talent capable of leading the future of mobility and government services in Dubai.

According to RTA, the initiative strengthens its ability to anticipate future job requirements and proactively design solutions that ensure long‑term workforce preparedness. By embedding future competencies into career planning and skills development, the authority aims to improve operational performance while contributing to Dubai’s global competitiveness in transport, infrastructure, and advanced technology sectors.

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Bahrain: Shura Panel Moves to Block Companies Law Amendment

08/04/202610/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 5 April 2026: Bahrain’s Shura Council is reviewing a proposal to amend Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 On the Issuance of the Commercial Companies Law, as its Financial and Economic Affairs Committee recommends rejecting the draft over long‑term economic risks.

The Shura Council is examining the report of its Financial and Economic Affairs Committee on a draft law amending Article 264 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001. The draft, submitted by the Council of Representatives in an amended form, is currently under consideration.

Committee member Khalid Al‑Maskati said the committee recommended rejecting the amendment, warning that it could impose additional burdens on businesses and weaken Bahrain’s competitiveness. He stressed that the Kingdom’s long‑standing policies to attract investment and build confidence had delivered strong results and should not be undermined.

Al‑Maskati cited Bahrain’s more than 91,000 commercial registrations, dominated by small and medium‑sized enterprises, and noted significant growth in foreign direct investment, including over $2 billion in industrial FDI. He said these gains reflected coordinated legislative and executive efforts and a free, competitive economic environment.

The committee concluded that altering the framework in a way that disrupts this balance could harm the national economy over the long term. It therefore urged rejection of the draft to preserve investment appeal and support sustainable growth.

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Bahrain: Faster Rebuilding Path for Homes Damaged by Fire

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

7 April 2026: Families in Bahrain which have lost their home in a fire will be able to benefit from humanitarian exceptions to the planning law under proposals.

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has given in principle approval for to a proposal by a Northern Municipal Council Member which would allow building permits to be issued for the rebuilding of fire damaged homes even where they would fall under the Cities and Villages Development Project guidelines regulations.

The Ministry has confirmed that administrative and regulatory procedures are now underway to formally integrate the proposal into official guidelines.

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Bahrain: Proposal to Ease Rent

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

7 April 2026: Five Bahraini MPs have proposed rent relief for Bahraini shopkeepers and factory owners as a result of the economic impact of the Iranian attacks.

The MPs want there to be six month waiver of industrial plot lease fees and shop rents.

It was stated that the move is needed as trade has slowed in some areas while costs have increased.

The MPs have stated the waiver should cover Bahraini owners of factories and industrial establishments, as well as commercial tenants in municipally managed premises, including craft shops and repair workshops.

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Saudi Arabia: TGA extends road‑transport compliance deadlines to August

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

2 April 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has extended key road‑transport compliance deadlines to August 2026 to allow operators additional time to meet regulatory requirements.

The decision applies to establishments involved in heavy and light freight activities and forms part of regulatory changes which aim at raising compliance levels and enhance operational efficiency across the sector.

The extension will allow companies additional time to complete rectification procedures and align with approved regulatory requirements. These include reclassifying vehicle registrations from private to public transport for heavy‑goods activities and improving fleet utilisation within the authorised regulatory framework.

In parallel, the TGA has also extended the deadline for drivers to obtain a professional driver card, giving drivers more time to complete required documentation and meet regulatory conditions.

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Qatar: Excise tax warehouse service launched to support business cash flow

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

2 April 2026: Qatar’s General Tax Authority (GTA) has launched an excise tax warehouse licensing service as part of efforts to enhance the implementation of excise tax and support business cashflow. The service enables licensed premises to produce, process, store or receive excise goods—whether locally manufactured or imported—under a tax‑suspension regime, allowing excise tax liability to be deferred while goods remain in approved warehouses.

The new regime will allow businesses to suspend tax payments until excise goods are released into the local market. By permitting the import and storage of excise goods and raw materials under tax suspension, the service will improvs cash‑flow efficiency, support production planning and enhances supply‑chain stability. Authorities have said the new framework will also contribute to improved inventory management and more efficient operational planning for registered taxpayers.

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Saudi Arabia: Expired visit visa holders may exit without fines until 18 April 2026

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

4 April 2026: Expired visit visa holders will be allowed to leave Saudi without paying overstay fines, provided they exit before 18 April 2026, following temporary relief measures issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Saudi authorities have announced a grace period for visitors whose visit visas expired on or after 25 February 2026, allowing them to depart Saudi without paying fines or penalties if they leave before 18 April 2026. The measure was introduced in response to regional travel disruptions that prevented many visitors from exiting on time.

The relief applies to visit visas, Umrah visas, transit visas, and final exit permits. Affected individuals may either exit Saudi Arabia directly through any international airport or border crossing without extending their visa or paying fees, or apply for a temporary extension through the Absher platform, subject to payment of the applicable government fees.

Saudi authorities have urged all eligible visa holders to act before the 18 April 2026 deadline, warning that standard overstay fines and legal consequences will apply once the grace period expires. The measure is described as temporary and exceptional, aimed at preventing penalties for overstays caused by circumstances beyond travellers’ control.

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Oman: Drone spraying halted as farm and water safety rules tighten

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

4 April 2026: Authorities in Oman have banned drone‑based pesticide spraying and have launched a nationwide well safety inspections as they tighten controls to protect public health and the environment.

Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has confirmed that the use of drones for pesticide spraying is currently prohibited, with only ground‑based spraying permitted under existing regulations. The ministry has said the ban is intended to ensure proper oversight, environmental protection, and operational safety in pesticide use.

The measures were announced during a briefing on the ministry’s recent performance and priorities, signalling a stricter regulatory stance on agricultural practices and environmental safeguards. Authorities have indicated that compliance monitoring and inspections will continue under existing agricultural and water resource regulations.

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Oman: Central bank sets rules for replacing damaged bank notes

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

5 April 2026: The Omani Central Bank has clarified formal procedures for replacing damaged banknotes, outlining conditions and documentation required for exchange.

The Central Bank has issued guidance setting out how members of the public can exchange damaged Omani banknotes, confirming that torn, burned and physically damaged currency may be replaced if specific conditions are met. Replacements will be made with notes fit for circulation once eligibility requirements are satisfied.

In the case of burnt banknotes, applicants must present the damaged currency in person alongside a police report or official certificate which has been issued by the Royal Oman Police or the relevant wali confirming the fire incident, in addition to a valid national ID or resident card.

In cases involving torn banknotes, the Central Bank requires that more than half of the note remains intact, including at least one complete serial number and a visible signature. Where damaged currency does not meet these criteria, the Central Bank has said exceptions may be considered if supported by an official letter from the Ministry of Social Development or the wali, explaining the individual’s circumstances and requesting the exchange.

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Dubai: Customs open Oman route to keep cargo moving

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

5 April 2026: Authorities in Dubai have introduced new customs rules allowing cargo to be rerouted through Oman, formalising a temporary land‑based corridor to maintain trade flows amid ongoing logistics disruptions.

Dubai Customs has issued a new directive setting out a detailed framework for routing cargo through Oman using a temporary land corridor via the Hatta border crossing. The measures were introduced under Customs Notice No. 06/2026 and are aimed at ensuring continuity of supply chains during disruptions affecting sea and air routes across the region.

Under the framework, cargo arriving in Dubai from international markets, as well as goods originating in Dubai for export, may be transported by road to Omani ports or airports before continuing to global destinations. The system applies to both sea and air cargo, allowing shipments to be sealed, moved in bonded trucks, and processed under coordinated customs supervision by Dubai and Oman authorities.

All cargo movements must be handled by approved bonded operators, with DP World Logistics designated for sea cargo and dnata for air cargo. The directive sets out mandatory documentation, seal verification, and inspection procedures at each stage of transit, reinforcing customs control while enabling faster rerouting during operational disruptions.

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