News developments Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

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.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

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.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

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.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

QFC: Proposed New Rules for Wholesale Advisory Firms

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

The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) has issued a consultation 2025/03 proposing amendments to the Investment Management and Advisory Rules 2014 (INMA), which would introduce a dedicated regime for Wholesale Advisory Firms (WAFs).

These WAFs would provide advisory services exclusively to the largest, most sophisticated customers.

The aim is to create a transparent and proportionate regulatory regime for firms serving wholesale clients, which reflects their lower risk profile and reduces unnecessary compliance burdens.

The new wholesale customer category would be restricted to government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and Qatar Stock Exchange-listed companies with assets exceeding 20 billion Riyals.

WAFs would have to operate as QFC branches, leveraging home jurisdiction oversight and existing risk management frameworks.

The full anti-money laundering rules would be replaced with a simplified framework in these cases, with basic reporting, an AML policy, training, and an MLRO required, but no deputy needed. The customer protection rules would also mostly be disapplied, except principles on fair treatment, client classification, conflicts of interest, and record keeping.

In terms of governance, there would be reduced controlled functions (senior executive, MLRO, senior management), simplified internal control requirements, and a reliance on head office systems. On the competency rules, core competency would be retained for key roles, but training requirements would be removed.

The Investment Management and Advisory Rules 2014 would mostly apply, but there would be exemptions for professional indemnity insurance and prescriptive investment research requirements.

The consultation ends on 8 February 2026, and comments should be sent to consultationpapers@qfcra.com

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: Ministry Launches Digital Service for Accessing Full Court Rulings

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

Kuwait Times, 15 December 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice has introduced a new feature on the Sahel e-services app, which enables users to obtain complete court rulings electronically as part of its digital transformation strategy.

Litigants can now access the full text of court judgments through the Sahel application without having to visit court premises. The service aims to streamline procedures, save time, and allow individuals to submit official rulings to government entities and other institutions which require legal documentation.

This initiative follows the launch of two other additional services in November 2025— Family Insurance Fund certificates and Court of Cassation rulings.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Bahrain: Shura Council Rejects Bill to Cap Foreign Work Permits

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

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 15 December 2025: Bahrain’s Shura Council has unanimously voted against a proposal to impose fixed limits on foreign work permits, opting to preserve flexibility in labour market regulation.

The Shura Council rejected a bill that would have required the national labour market plan to include a mandatory ceiling on work permits issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). The proposal, previously approved by Parliament, sought to replace the current discretionary wording with a binding obligation.

The Services Committee, supported by the government, LMRA, and the Ministry of Labour, argued that the amendment would restrict the authority’s ability to respond to economic fluctuations and labour shortages. Members warned that rigid caps could deter investment, reduce market adaptability, and encourage unlawful recruitment practices.

Officials emphasised that the existing framework already allows ceilings to be introduced through executive decisions when necessary, while maintaining flexibility to adjust policies in line with demand. Following the debate, the Shura Council returned the bill to Parliament for reconsideration, reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to a dynamic labour market approach.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Winter 2025 Edition

16/12/202516/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Brought to You by Tolley+ Middle East

The Winter 2025 Edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax brings readers a sharp and timely exploration of evolving tax regulations and practices across the GCC region. This issue is rich with expert insights, legislative updates, and practical guidance for tax professionals navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

FEATURE: WHAT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT

Ghulam Ali of Rosemont Partners outlines how new rules on the accounts and audit of tax groups and ADGM Qualifying Free Zone Persons illustrate the challenging overlap between tax compliance and licensing authority requirements.

FEATURE: PILLAR TWO: THE NEXT CHAPTER

Mubeen Khadir and Shashank Chandak of KPMG explore the active measures GCC states are taking to legislate for Pillar Two and implement its requirements. Their insights highlight what could come next as regional progress intersects with global developments and differing jurisdictional approaches.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

A focused summary of the latest tax treaty updates and regulatory developments across the Gulf, offering essential insights for professionals navigating multi-jurisdictional tax environments.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: FAMILY WEALTH STRUCTURES

Authored by Jacopo Crivellaro of Baker McKenzie, this article reviews the UAE FTA’s CTP008 guidance on family wealth structures and recommends that families and advisers check compliance, evaluate restructuring needs, verify Article 17 status, and ensure arm’s-length pricing is met.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: THE PUBLIC SECTOR POSITION

Tiago Albuquerque Dias, Head of Tax at EWEC, highlights that the complexities of exemption status within the public sector present unique challenges that demand a specialised analytical approach.

ANY QUESTIONS? HOW TO DEAL WITH RETROACTIVE CHANGE?

Markus Susilo of Baker Tilly delves into the legal and practical implications that may occur in the UAE when new tax legislation takes effect retroactively.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Winter 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Reed Smith International Arbitration Report 2025: A Multi-jurisdictional Analysis of Challenges to Arbitration Awards – December 2025

15/12/202518/12/2025
by Tanya Jain

LexisNexis Middle East, in collaboration with Reed Smith, is pleased to present the Reed Smith International Arbitration Report 2025, a comprehensive and data-driven examination of court challenges to arbitration awards across the world’s leading arbitral seats.

Drawing on an extensive review of hundreds of cases over a minimum six-year review period, this publication offers an unparalleled comparative analysis of how courts in key jurisdictions including: the Middle East (onshore UAE and the DIFC), and Bahrain (in collaboration with the Bahrain Ministry of Justice), England and Wales, New York, France, Singapore, and Hong Kong, approach challenges to arbitral awards.

The report provides clear insight into the volume, nature, and outcomes of award challenges in each jurisdiction and highlights broader regional and multijurisdictional trends shaping the global arbitration landscape. Each chapter sets out the relevant statutory framework, identifies key procedural and legal features, and analyses judicial treatment of issues such as procedural irregularity, due process, jurisdiction, and public policy.

Designed as an essential reference for in-house counsel and arbitration users, the report contextualises the data to show how often awards are challenged, on what grounds, and with what likelihood of success. Whether selecting an arbitral seat, drafting an arbitration agreement, or advising clients on post-award strategy, this report offers valuable guidance grounded in empirical research and practical analysis.

The Reed Smith International Arbitration Report 2025 is also available on Lexis Middle East.

Get access to all recent report releases today, book your free trial of Lexis Middle East here.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Reed Smith International Arbitration Report 2025
Download the Full Report

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

UAE: Introduces Major Changes to Company Law Framework

11/12/202511/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE government has issued a new Federal Decree-Law that brings significant changes to the country’s Commercial Companies Law, introducing new corporate structures and modernising business regulations.

Among the key changes is the creation of a new category of non-profit companies, which will be required to reinvest all net profits into their stated objectives rather than distributing them to shareholders. The decree also establishes multiple share categories with varying rights regarding voting, profit distribution, and liquidation priority.

Private joint-stock companies will now be permitted to offer securities for private subscription on national financial markets without converting to public status, subject to regulatory approval. The legislation also outlines procedures for companies to transfer their registration between emirates and financial free zones while maintaining their legal status.

The new law implements modern share management mechanisms, including tag-along and drag-along rights, and establishes clear procedures for handling ownership transitions following a shareholder’s death. Additional provisions set standards for valuing in-kind shares and accrediting appraisers.

The decree introduces specific requirements for company mobility within the UAE’s territories and establishes protective measures for minority shareholders. It also provides detailed guidelines for implementing various corporate governance mechanisms.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Saudi Arabia: Updates Beneficial Ownership Regulations for Companies

11/12/202511/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce has issued new regulations governing beneficial ownership disclosure, replacing previous rules with more comprehensive requirements for business transparency.

Under Ministerial Decision No. 99/1447, companies must now maintain detailed registers of their beneficial owners, defined as natural persons who exercise ultimate effective control over a business, either directly or indirectly.

The regulations establish a three-tier system for identifying beneficial owners. The primary criterion requires identifying individuals who own 25% or more of a company’s capital. If no such owner exists, the second criterion looks at individuals exercising control through other means. In cases where no beneficial owner can be identified through ownership or control, the company’s director, board member, or chairman will be designated as the beneficial owner.

Companies must record specific details about beneficial owners, including full name, nationality, date and place of birth, identification documents, passport details for non-residents, address, contact information, and the nature and extent of their ownership or control. The register must also document when beneficial ownership status was established.

The Ministry of Commerce will maintain a central database of beneficial ownership information, though no fees will be charged for registration or annual confirmation of details. Companies failing to comply with these requirements face penalties under Saudi company law.

For the full story, click here.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.