News developments Archives - Page 10 of 223

Kuwait: Central Bank Issues Fines for Money Laundering Violations

22/08/202522/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 19 August 2025: Kuwait’s banking regulator has imposed substantial fines on two financial institutions for breaching anti-money laundering regulations, with penalties totalling 55,000 Kuwaiti dinars.

The Central Bank of Kuwait levied a fine of KD 35,000 against a local bank following an inspection that revealed multiple compliance failures.

In addition to the financial penalty, the bank received a written warning and must implement specific corrective measures, which governs money laundering and terrorist financing controls.

In a separate action, the regulator fined an electronic payment service provider KD 20,000 for violating Clause 7 of the payment services anti-money laundering instructions issued in July 2023.

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Bahrain: Introduces Tougher Penalties for Penal Code

22/08/202522/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 19 August 2025: Bahrain has issued new legislation substantially increasing penalties for deaths and injuries caused by negligence, with prison sentences now reaching up to 10 years for the most serious cases.

The amendments, introduced through Bahrain Law No. 31/2025, establish a graduated system of punishments under the country’s Penal Code. Standard cases of fatal negligence will now attract prison terms of two to five years or fines between 2,000 and 6,000 Bahraini Dinars.

The reforms create particularly severe sanctions for professional negligence, cases involving intoxication, or instances where perpetrators fail to assist victims. Multiple fatalities can result in seven-year prison terms and fines up to 10,000 Dinars, with sentences potentially extending to 10 years in aggravated circumstances.

For non-fatal injuries, the law now prescribes up to one year’s imprisonment or fines reaching 200 Dinars for basic offences. Cases involving permanent injury or professional negligence face increased penalties of one to five years’ imprisonment or fines up to 8,000 Dinars.

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Abu Dhabi: Introduces New Property Dispute Resolution System

22/08/202522/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 13 August 2025: Abu Dhabi has established a new framework for resolving off-plan property disputes through its Real Estate Centre (ADREC), offering an alternative to court proceedings.

The updated regulations allow property developers to request termination of Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) through ADREC when buyers fail to meet their obligations. The process requires developers to follow specific procedures and timelines before any termination can be approved.

Under the new system, ADREC will verify that developers have complied with project completion schedules and confirm that buyers have received proper notification. Property buyers retain the right to pursue legal action through courts or arbitration if they contest ADREC’s decisions.

The centre emphasises that terminations will not be processed automatically. Each case will undergo review to ensure developers have followed regulatory requirements and adhered to approved project timelines.

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International Commercial Arbitration in the Mainland UAE: A Legislative, Judicial and Institutional Assessment by Dr. Emad Hussein

15/08/202519/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

LexisNexis is pleased to announce the release of a major new publication by Dr. Emad Hussein, an independent international arbitrator, mediator, and academic recognised as one of the leading dispute resolution experts in the MENA region. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the UAE, Dr. Hussein brings a wealth of practical and scholarly insight to this important work.

This groundbreaking book offers the first comprehensive assessment of the international commercial arbitration landscape in the mainland UAE, focusing on the legislative, judicial, and institutional developments shaping the country’s evolving arbitration environment.

What’s Inside

A deep dive into Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 and its transformative effect on arbitration in the UAE
In-depth case law analysis illuminating how courts are interpreting and applying the law
A critical evaluation of the UAE’s journey toward becoming an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction
Honest insights into why the mainland UAE still faces challenges in becoming a global arbitration hub

Whether you’re a legal professional, policymaker, academic, or arbitration enthusiast, this is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of dispute resolution in the Middle East.

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International Commercial Arbitration in the Mainland UAE

UAE: New Safety Guidelines for Travellers

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 11 August 2025: The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released comprehensive travel safety guidelines for citizens and residents travelling abroad, accompanied by the launch of a 24-hour emergency support service.

The new guidelines emphasise the importance of adhering to destination countries’ specific travel regulations and local laws. Travellers are specifically instructed to monitor weather and road conditions throughout their journeys.

The Ministry has established a dedicated emergency hotline (00971 800 24) operating round-the-clock for UAE nationals requiring urgent assistance whilst abroad.

The official guidance notably recommends air travel as the preferred mode of transport, citing safety and comfort considerations. For those planning to drive abroad, the Ministry has stressed the need for increased vigilance and strict compliance with local traffic regulations.

Additional measures include a recommendation to arrange travel through established international tour operators and vehicle hire firms to ensure appropriate standards of safety and service.

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Saudi Arabia: Saudi Exchange Introduces Market Access Reforms

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab News, 7 August 2025: Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has unveiled draft amendments to broaden access to its Parallel Market, with proposed changes now open for public consultation until 19 August 2025.

The reforms focus on redefining qualified investor criteria and adjusting listing requirements for the Parallel Market. Key changes include potentially reducing the minimum securities market activity requirement for individual investors from SR40 million to SR30 million, while maintaining the SR5 million net worth threshold.

Under the proposed rules, qualified investors would encompass capital market institutions, investment funds, Gulf Cooperation Council companies, qualified foreign financial institutions, and eligible high-net-worth individuals.

The draft also suggests lowering the minimum market value requirements for public listings. Companies seeking to list would need either SR30 million in publicly held shares or 20 percent of the share class, whichever is less. Initial public offerings would require a minimum expected market value of SR10 million, while direct listings would need SR100 million.

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Qatar: Issues Metro Guidelines for Passengers

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 12 August 2025: The Ministry of Interior has published a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for Doha Metro users, outlining key measures for passenger security and conduct.

The new advisory, released via official social media channels, details specific requirements for metro travel. These include: Securing personal belongings while travelling, Maintaining safe distances from train doors during operation, Following posted signage and instructions throughout stations, Reporting emergencies to station staff immediately, Observing no-smoking rules within station premises and Supervising children on escalators.

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Oman: New Market Rules for Companies

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Times Of Oman, 11 August 2025: Oman’s Financial Services Authority has unveiled a new regulatory framework for a Promising Companies Market, establishing a dedicated sub-market within the Muscat Stock Exchange.

The newly implemented regulations introduce simplified listing requirements designed specifically for private, family-owned, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Key features include flexible initial requirements, with companies needing to demonstrate specified annual growth rates and maintain a minimum number of shareholders.

Under the new framework, eligible companies must meet standardised criteria and pay fixed, published fees to gain market access. The regulations outline specific listing mechanisms and disclosure requirements tailored to growth-stage companies. It also includes provisions for companies to transition gradually to the main market as they mature.

The initiative creates a specialised financing channel that allows qualifying businesses to access capital through a regulated exchange environment. Companies interested in listing can explore these new financing options through the designated market platform.

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Kuwait: Justice Ministry Announces Full Digital Services Rollout

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Times, 6 August 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice has revealed plans for a comprehensive digitisation of its legal services, with legislation for the transition in its final stages.

The digital transformation programme will be implemented in three phases: Electronic filing and registration of cases, including fee payments, streamlined court procedures and digital implementation of court rulings.

The new judicial complex, spanning 400,000 square metres and featuring 70 courtrooms, has already received recognition.

Current operational challenges at the facility include: Limited elevator capacity, Parking constraints, Service processing delays and Underdeveloped existing digital services.

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Dubai: SCA and VARA Unite to Create Single Virtual Assets Framework

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 6 August 2025: The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have established a unified regulatory framework for virtual assets across the UAE.

Key elements of the new framework include: Joint licensing and supervision mechanisms, Mutual recognition of licenses between Dubai and other emirates, Coordinated compliance monitoring, Real-time information sharing between authorities and Combined inspection and enforcement procedures.

The SCA has established a Coordinating Committee for Legislative Review to oversee the implementation. This committee will: Review existing virtual asset legislation, Propose new regulations, Align standards with international requirements, and Chair coordination between regulatory bodies.

The practical changes include: Centralised licensing procedures, Standardised rules across jurisdictions, Integrated regulatory processes, Combined risk assessment systems, Unified approach to anti-money laundering measures.

The agreement introduces shared digital infrastructure for regulatory processes and establishes joint task forces for ongoing coordination between the authorities.

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