The UAE’s Public Prosecution has clarified the penalties for public asset violations. Under Article 227 of Federal Law No. 3/1987 (as amended), offenders who are public employees or someone tasked with delivering a public service could be jailed and fined up to 10,000 AED. These penalties will be imposed if they intentionally cause damage to the assets or interests of the Department they work for or the assets or interests of others.
The Listing Director of the Qatar Stock Exchange has announced the Venture Market will launch this year. It will enable SMEs to list which will enable them to diversify their incomes. Two companies have already been approved to list on it. Companies on the Venture Market will trade on the same UTP infrastructure and benefit from the same regulatory protections as those on the Main Market. It is expected Venture Market companies will move to the Main Market as they grow and develop.
Oman’s Labour Minister has announced they have issued Oman Decision No. 7/2021 related to the Omanisation of new professions. The Decision was issued in line with Oman Sultani Decree No. 25/2008 (the Sultanate’s Labour Law) and Oman Sultani Decree No, 9/2020 establishing the Labour Ministry. The 2020 Sultani Decree also defines its functions and approves its organisational structure. Article 1 of Oman Decision No. 7/2021 states fuel station manager positions and professions related to the activities and business of optics and the sale of glasses will be restricted to Omani nationals. Recruitment licenses and work permits which have already been issued for these professions will be valid until they expire.
Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has announced new drone rules have been approved. Under the rules, amateurs who fly drones and gliders cannot do so without permits from the Authority and other relevant authorities. When they are licensed, they will have to comply with the relevant safety rules. If they do not, they could be prosecuted.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai or GDRFA-Dubai and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing or Dubai Tourism have announced they have signed an agreement to enable special visas and residency permits to be issued. This includes the issuing of Distinguished Guests and Virtual Working programmes, Golden Visas for investors and retirement visas. The agreement also covers processes like application assessment procedures. In addition, it covers cruise ships and yachts to facilitate entry and exit procedures for crew members and passengers. Under the agreement, both organisations will implement joint activities. This includes marketing programmes. They will also share expertise and best practices. Employees of both entities will also receive training under joint annual programmes. Dubai Tourism will also offer two GDRFA employees the chance to join a Diploma programme offered by the Dubai College of Tourism for free.
Bahrain’s Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry has signed a cooperation agreement with the US Commerce Department to establish an American trade zone in the Kingdom. The cooperation agreement is aimed at improving economic, commercial and industrial cooperation and increase bilateral trade between the two countries. The American Trade Zone in Bahrain will allow American companies to operate in an area equipped for goods to be exchanged and comprehensive logistical solutions. It will also allow export operations through Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain International Airport and King Fahd Causeway or through any other ports to be established in the future in Bahrain via tailored customs solutions.
Abu Dhabi’s Civil Court has ordered a woman to pay 10,000 AED in moral damages caused to another woman. They insulted the woman over the phone which included phrases which insulted her honour. The Public Prosecution Office had referred the defendant to the Criminal Court. They charged her and requested she pay 5,000 AED. However, the claimant filed a complaint with the Civil Court requesting the defendant pay 50,000 AED in compensation for the moral and material damages she caused her and request she pay lawyer fees and costs. The Court of First Instance confirmed in its judgment the estimation of the damages should be compensated and the circumstances which should be taken into account are within the powers of the Court providing the Law didn’t provide for following certain standards in estimating them. The Court rejected the claimant’s request for financial compensation because she didn’t outline the financial damages she suffered or the losses. The Court accepted the claimant’s request for moral damage compensation and ordered the defendant pay 10,000 AED and costs.
The UAE’s Public Prosecution has confirmed the penalties for those who take photos of others without their consent. Under Article 21 of Federal Decree Law No. 5/2012 privacy may be invaded through interception, recording, eavesdropping, transferring, transmitting or disclosing conversations or communications, or audio or visual materials. They will be fined between 250,000 and 500,000 AED and jailed for up to one year. Anyone who uses a computer network or any other technology to expose a person and violate their privacy will be jailed for at least six months and/or fined between 150,000 and 500,000 AED. This also covers taking photos of others without their consent or creating, transferring, disclosing, copying or saving their photos.
Oman’s Labour Ministry has announced the expatriate exit scheme has been extended. Under the scheme, employers of expatriate employees who want to leave Oman permanently will be exempt from all fees and fines. The scheme has been extended to 31 March following directives from the Sultanate’s Supreme Anti-Coronavirus Committee.
Kuwait’s Council of Ministers has asked the Social Affairs Ministry to make all the necessary arrangements to implement the recommendation of the legal affairs committee regarding the conditions and rules for regulating the licensing of charities. The aim is to make sure legal requirements are observed and the monies given to these charities are not used in money laundering and terrorism funding. The committee has also recommended charities be prevented from taking a share of the donations.
