News developments Archives - Page 11 of 223

Bahrain: Cabinet Approves New Legislative and Economic Measures

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

Mubasher, 11 August 2025: The Bahrain Cabinet has approved key initiatives during its weekly meeting.

Among the significant measures endorsed was the approval of the Future Generations Reserve Fund’s annual report and audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024. The Cabinet also reviewed the consolidated state final account for 2024.

The economic quarterly report for the first quarter of 2025 was presented, showing a 2.7% annual GDP growth at constant prices, with non-oil activities growing by 2.2%.

Other approved measures included: A draft law amendment regarding international trade regulations for endangered species, A visa exemption agreement with Uzbekistan for diplomatic passport holders, Updates to the mechanism for announcing top employers of Bahraini nationals, A property acquisition for public benefit, The government’s legislative plan for 2025 and Modifications to tourism performance indicators for 2025-2026.

The Cabinet also responded to various legislative proposals from both the Parliament and the Shura Council, including one law proposal and 14 recommendations.

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Abu Dhabi: Police to Implement Advanced Surveillance System

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

Khaleej Times, 7 August 2025: Abu Dhabi Police has announced a new artificial intelligence initiative to enhance its law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies.

The programme includes several key components:

Traffic Monitoring: Real-time detection of traffic violations, Automated monitoring of speeding incidents, Red light infractions tracking, Helmet and seatbelt compliance checking and Congestion management systems.

Security Features: Over 150 AI models for suspect identification, Predictive analytics for crime prevention, IoT sensor networks for urban monitoring, Environmental surveillance systems and Audio threat detection capabilities.

The system will also incorporate: AI-powered investigative tools, Digital forensics capabilities, Automated data analysis and Real-time operational briefings.

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UAE: Securities Authority Announces Major Regulatory Updates

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 4 August 2025: The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE has unveiled four new regulatory initiatives to modernise the country’s financial markets, including frameworks for carbon credit trading and retail sukuk.

SCA Chief Executive announced that the authority is revising the Capital Market Authority Law to expand its oversight of emerging financial activities. The updates include new legislation for the public company division and standards for goodwill valuation in listed firms.

The authority has established a comprehensive framework for green bonds and sukuk issuance.

The regulatory package introduces specific requirements for carbon credit trading platforms, with operators required to develop their own operational rules within the prescribed framework. A draft regulation for retail sukuk is being finalised to enable fractional investment instruments.

The SCA has maintained its fee waiver for green bond and sukuk listings, whilst implementing new frameworks for tokenised securities and commodity contracts as part of its digital transformation agenda.

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Saudi Arabia: Introduces Tourist VAT Refund Scheme at Airports

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 5 August 2025: Saudi Arabia has launched a new value-added tax (VAT) refund programme allowing tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals to claim back 15% VAT on eligible purchases made within the Kingdom.

The scheme, which is now operational across 1,442 authorised retail outlets, enables non-resident visitors aged 18 and above to reclaim VAT on purchases exceeding SR500.

To participate, shoppers must present their passport or GCC ID at participating stores to obtain a VAT exemption form. Customers can combine up to three same-day receipts from individual retailers to meet the minimum spending requirement.

The Kingdom has established 18 verification points across three international airports to process refund claims. Refunds are available via card payment or cash, with daily cash refunds capped at SR5,000 per person.

Key exclusions from the scheme include:

Services such as accommodation and meals
Vehicles, boats, and aircraft
Food and beverages
Tobacco products
Petroleum derivatives

Purchased items must remain unused, be intended for personal use only, and be exported within 90 days of purchase to qualify for the refund.

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Sharjah: Introduces New Human Resources Regulations for Government Workers

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 30 July 2025: The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has approved comprehensive new human resources regulations, including extended paid leave for mothers of children with disabilities and updated guidelines for military personnel.

A significant addition to the policy allows female employees who give birth to children requiring constant medical care to receive fully paid leave for up to three years. The new maternal care provision includes:

One year of fully paid leave following standard maternity leave
Possible annual extensions for up to three years with appropriate approvals
Requirement for medical documentation from authorised bodies
Continued performance evaluation during the leave period
Integration with existing service records

The council has also implemented new regulations for military personnel in Sharjah’s regulatory bodies. These address:

Job classification and recruitment
Salary structures and allowances
Promotion systems
Internal transfers and secondments
Training programmes
Educational leave
Performance assessment
End-of-service benefits

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Qatar: Introduces Prison Terms and Fines for Online Privacy Violations

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 5 August 2025: Qatar has implemented stringent new cybercrime legislation that imposes jail sentences and substantial fines for publishing or sharing individuals’ images or videos online without consent.

The amendment adds Article 8 (bis) to Qatar Law No. 14/2014 on Cybercrimes. The new provision carries penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to QR100,000.

Under the revised legislation, individuals who violate others’ privacy in public places by sharing their images or video clips through information networks or other technology platforms without permission will face prosecution. The law applies to any unauthorised sharing that occurs outside legally permitted circumstances.

The amendment specifically targets:

Unauthorised publication of images and videos
Distribution of content without subject consent
Privacy violations in public spaces
Sharing via information networks and technology platforms

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Oman: Tightens Enforcement of Building Permit Requirements

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 4 August 2025: Muscat Municipality has announced strict enforcement of building regulations, warning property owners and developers that unauthorised construction will face penalties, including possible demolition orders.

The municipality states that all construction activities within the Governorate of Muscat must obtain official permits before work begins. This includes any modifications or extensions to existing structures.

The authority emphasises that violations of building codes will result in financial penalties, with serious breaches potentially leading to mandatory removal of unauthorised constructions.

The announcement forms part of the municipality’s regulatory oversight of urban development within the governorate, with enforcement focusing on compliance with local construction laws and standards.

Property owners, developers, and contractors have been instructed to ensure all necessary permits are in place before initiating any building work.

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Kuwait: Sets Stricter Rules for Co-operative Societies

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Qabas, 3 August 2025: The Ministry of Social Affairs in Kuwait has finalised amendments to the Co-operative Societies (Kuwait Law No. 24/1979), introducing significant changes to board composition and membership requirements.

Under the new amendments, co-operative society boards will consist of nine members, with four appointed by government ministries and five elected by the general assembly. The changes also establish stricter eligibility criteria for board membership.

Key requirements for board candidates include: Minimum age of 30 years, three years of society membership, Property ownership or civil ID in the nomination area, a University degree, a clean criminal record, and completion of ministry-approved training in cooperative work.

The revised law grants the Minister of Social Affairs the authority to dissolve boards or dismiss members for serious financial or administrative violations. In such cases, the minister can appoint a temporary director for up to two months until new elections are held.

Board members found guilty of violations will be barred from running for two consecutive terms, extending to three terms for criminal offences. The law also introduces penalties, including up to two years imprisonment and fines up to 2,000 dinars for various infractions.

The amendments require boards to follow employment policies aligned with the ministry’s Kuwaitisation directives. Each society must appoint a general manager, who cannot be a board member, subject to conditions set by the Social Affairs Minister.

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Dubai: Metro Announces New Fines for Rule Breaches

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 2 August 2025: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released an updated schedule of fines for Dubai Metro violations, with penalties ranging from Dh100 to Dh2,000.

The most severe penalties target safety breaches, with Dh2,000 fines for damaging metro property or misusing emergency equipment. Carrying dangerous materials incurs a Dh1,000 penalty, whilst travelling with alcohol results in a Dh500 fine.

Fare evasion and ticket misuse attract penalties up to Dh500, with standard fare dodging resulting in a Dh200 fine. Using counterfeit Nol cards carries the maximum Dh500 penalty in this category.

Behavioural violations, including eating in prohibited areas, causing disturbance to passengers, and misusing facilities, will result in Dh100 fines. Sleeping in metro facilities carries a Dh300 penalty.

The RTA has also implemented parking regulations at metro stations, with daily fines of Dh100 for vehicles exceeding permitted parking durations, up to a maximum of Dh1,000.

Additional violations include a Dh200 fine for smoking, selling goods without permission, or failing to follow the inspector’s instructions.

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Bahrain: Introduces Specialist Unit for Human Trafficking Victims

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 5 August 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has launched a new dedicated unit to support victims of human trafficking, operating under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science.

The purpose-built facility features specially designed spaces for victim testimonies, including a separate area for children. The unit has been constructed to meet international standards for handling trafficking cases.

The office will work directly with judicial authorities throughout the investigative and prosecution processes, strengthening the connection between law enforcement and the courts.

The establishment of this specialist unit follows Bahrain’s existing anti-trafficking legislation, specifically Bahrain Law No. 1/2008 with Respect to Trafficking in Persons.

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