News developments Archives - Page 12 of 223

Abu Dhabi: Introduces New Cyber Security Rules for Financial Firms

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

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market has announced new cyber risk management requirements for financial institutions.

Key measures include:

Mandatory integration of cyber risk management into existing frameworks
Updated IT risk management guidance
Revised requirements for IT service provider arrangements
New cyber incident notification procedures

Implementation details:

Six-month transition period for compliance
Applies to all Authorised Persons and Recognised Bodies
Changes follow Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2025
Updated incident notification template to be released by year-end

The amendments were finalised following industry consultation, with modifications made to:

Clarify proportionality principles
Refine integration requirements
Adjust IT service provider arrangements
Update incident materiality assessment guidance

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2025 Edition

05/08/202505/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Brought to You by Tolley+ Middle East

The Autumn 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax delivers a focused and timely overview of the latest tax developments across the GCC. Packed with expert commentary, legislative updates, and actionable advice, this edition is an essential resource for tax professionals working through the region’s increasingly intricate fiscal environment.

FEATURE: CRS AND FATCA: THE FINER POINTS

Dhana Pillai of DP Taxation Consultancy examines the key takeaways from recent penalties imposed by UAE authorities, shedding light on crucial compliance insights related to CRS and FATCA regulations.

FEATURE: NOW THAT’S VAT

Chadi Abou-Chakra, PwC Middle East’s Indirect Tax Leader and ME TLS Chief Operating Officer, provides insights into the implications of the recent changes to Saudi Arabia’s VAT Implementing Regulations.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

A focused overview of key tax treaty revisions and regulatory changes in the Gulf, offering valuable insights for navigating compliance and cross-border impact.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIP

Authored by Aunali Merchant, Sanjay Shukla, and Palak Khetawat of MMJS Consulting, this article examines the impact of UAE corporate tax reforms on partnership structures and their compliance obligations.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: ADDING VALUE

Manish Arora, Tax Director at Adidas, emphasises that delivering value as an in-house tax professional requires more than just staying informed about the latest tax developments.

ANY QUESTIONS? WHAT DOES FORMAL ADOPTION OF OECD GUIDANCE MEAN?

Bhumit Gangar of Deloitte breaks down the practical implications of the UAE’s official implementation of the OECD’s Pillar 2 Guidance.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Autumn 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

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – July 2025 Edition

04/08/202504/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

In this edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, we explore the most pressing legal, regulatory, and HR developments shaping the employment landscape across the region, with a particular focus on the ongoing impact of nationalisation policies. These legislative initiatives remain a central concern for HR professionals, regardless of their industry or jurisdiction. Alongside the need to understand the evolving legal requirements, organisations must also adopt a practical and culturally sensitive approach to implementation. In our featured interview, the Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company shares how their organisation is proactively and innovatively adapting to these changes. However, not all responses have been as constructive—some employers are attempting to circumvent the rules through misreporting or fraudulent hiring practices. With the introduction of stricter enforcement mechanisms and the implementation of Cabinet Decision No. 43/2025, the UAE authorities are shifting from discretionary to structured penalties, significantly increasing the scope of punishable offences and the severity of fines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s Enforcement Report 2024 underscores the government’s readiness to prosecute offenders, further raising the stakes for non-compliance. This edition offers practical insights and guidance to help organisations assess their compliance status and, where necessary, take swift and innovative action to align with nationalisation goals in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Empower your HR strategy with cutting-edge analysis from Lexis Middle East HR Alert, delivering the latest updates shaping workplaces in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: GETTING TOUCH

Raka Roy and Yusur Dalloul of Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants delve into the UAE’s stricter enforcement measures against individuals and companies that falsify records to bypass Emiratisation rules or improperly benefit from related incentives.

TREND SETTER: AUTOMATED WORKFORCE MONITORING

Diana Froyland, Senior Counsel at Hadef & Partners, examines the implications of automated employee monitoring in the UAE and the data privacy concerns it raises for employers and HR teams.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE

This section presents a curated summary of major legal and HR updates from across the region, including the latest on Oman’s immigration grace period.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: SAUDI VISIT VISA CHANGES

Experts from Vialto Partners explain the recent revisions to Saudi Arabia’s visit visa policies, which now affect travellers from 14 countries, highlighting compliance considerations for affected stakeholders.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Aarti Thadani and Sarah Sheppard from Norton Rose Fulbright (Middle East) LLP discuss the anticipated impact of Dubai Decree No. 19/2025, a regulatory shift set to enhance health and safety protocols in the emirate’s construction sector.

CASE FOCUS

A recent ruling from the QICDRC in Zia Ur Rehman v Forvis Mazars LLC [2025] QIC (A) 7 (issued 14 May 2025) underscores the need for robust evidence in breach of contract claims, the conditions under which non-compete compensation may apply, and the high threshold for appeals.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

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

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_March 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

HR PROFILE: AN AGILE APPROACH TO CHANGE

Samia AlRajaby, Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company, shares how adopting an agile mindset has empowered her to navigate technological transformation and shifting generational expectations.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Ben Brown, Sara Khoja and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co offer insights into evolving leave policies following a significant recent decision by the Abu Dhabi Courts, urging a strategic review for in-house teams.

POLICY POINTERS: FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA

Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim, Partner at Pinsent Masons, explores the growing adoption of fractional executives in Saudi Arabia, driven by remote work and the Regional Headquarters Programme, and highlights key policy considerations such as Saudisation.

MOVES AND CHANGES

Stay informed with the latest executive appointments, promotions, and market trends shaping the business landscape across the region.

UAE: Bankruptcy Court Created

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 24 July 2025: The Ministry of Justice announced a decision regarding the organisation of the Bankruptcy Court, which will be headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of First Instance.

The court will be responsible for adjudicating all applications and disputes arising from the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Decree-Law on Financial Reorganisation and Bankruptcy (Federal Decree-Law No. 51/2023). The Federal Judiciary Council will also be able to establish one or more branches of the court in any other emirate, subordinate to the main court, to handle these applications and disputes.

The court shall consist of a chief judge with a rank no lower than that of an appellate judge, and several specialised judges appointed by the Federal Judiciary Council.

A bankruptcy division will also be created within the court, headed by a judge of at least appellate rank, which will be responsible for tasks, including receiving applications, objections, and grievances, registering applications, among others.

The court will be able to engage professionals with relevant experience and expertise to perform various tasks such as managing the debtor’s funds and business operations, implementing precautionary measures, expediting procedures, meeting with creditors, and hearing the debtor or their representative on matters related to debts, assets, or operations.

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Saudi Arabia: New Arabic Data Governance Platform

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab News, 23 July 2025: A newly launched platform will allow Saudi companies to align their data regulations with national AI policies.

Governata will enable companies to coordinate with the Kingdom’s National Data Management Office, or NDMO, and Saudi Data and AI Authority, or SDAIA, guidelines. All the data remains hosted domestically.

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Oman: New Mandatory Annual Pay Rises for Private Sector Workers

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 27 July 2025: The Omani Ministry of Labour has implemented new regulations requiring private sector employers to provide annual salary increases based on employee performance ratings.

Under Sultani Ministerial Decision No. 317/2025, Omani workers who have completed six months of employment will be eligible for yearly increments each January, with increases determined by their performance appraisal scores.

The new payment structure establishes clear percentage increases tied to performance ratings: Excellent performance: 5% basic wage increase, Very Good performance: 4% increase, Good performance: 3% increase, Acceptable performance: 2% increase, Weak performance: No increase.

Employers failing to comply with the new regulations face penalties of RO 50 per violation, with fines multiplied by the number of affected employees.

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Kuwait: New Building Regulations Apply Only to Free Zone Service Sector

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Times, 26 July 2025: Kuwait Municipality has confirmed that recent amendments to building specifications apply exclusively to the free zone’s service sector (16), and not to the broader Shuwaikh and Al-Rai areas.

Municipality Director clarified that the new regulations maintain the existing 150 percent building area allowance for hotels within service plots, while introducing the option for multiple basement levels.

The updated specifications establish specific requirements for sector (16):

Maximum building coverage of 130 percent across three floors
Minimum shop and showroom sizes of 100 square metres
Office spaces no smaller than 150 square metres on ground and mezzanine floors
Increased restaurant allocation from 5 to 10 percent
Mandatory on-site parking provision

They also noted that the former free zone, now under the Public Authority for Industry’s jurisdiction, permits various commercial activities, including:

Administrative offices
Retail shops
Banking services
Health clubs
Hotels
Warehousing facilities

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Bahrain: Expands Digital Building Permit System with New Features

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 26 July 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has introduced new updates to its national building permit platform “Benayat”, expanding digital services for property development applications.

The enhancement details were unveiled at a recent workshop coordinated by the Information & eGovernment Authority and the Bahrain Real Estate Development Association, where officials demonstrated the system’s technical procedures to real estate developers and investors.

The platform now processes various permit types, including:

Small-scale property additions
Renovations
Fencing installations
Property merging and division
Land use modifications

The system operates on a comprehensive geographic information database comprising over 300 spatial data layers and serves more than 30 public and private organisations. Users can track application status and navigate an interactive map of Bahrain through the platform.

During the workshop, the Information & eGovernment Authority provided detailed guidance on the permit application process through “Benayat”, which functions as a unified system for all building licence categories in the kingdom.

They also outlined how the platform enables engineering offices and property owners to submit applications, process payments, and access regulatory information through a centralised online service.

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UAE: Agreement with US on Patent Procedures

25/07/202525/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 20 July 2025: The UAE and the US signed a statement that aims to accelerate patent-granting procedures in the UAE

The agreement was signed at the 66th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva, by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The Joint Statement of Intent aims to launch a bilateral cooperation programme which provides collaborative mechanisms to recognise positive examination results issued by the USPTO for corresponding Emirati patent applications.

This will be implemented in accordance with applicable national laws.

The focus is on industrial property rights and the development of patent registration procedures that provide flexible and efficient services which support an innovation-driven and entrepreneurial environment.

This partnership with the US side is part of a new push to accelerate patent issuance by strengthening international cooperation and adopting advanced operational models.

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Qatar: E-Payment Service for Judicial Fees

25/07/202525/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 22 July 2025: The Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) has launched the first package of electronic payment services in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB).

Payments will be able to be made through an integrated electronic payment gateway aimed at facilitating judicial procedures and enabling parties to pay deposits and judicial fees in a safe, fast, and easy digital way. The Council aims to provide payment channels that support a number of different card types and modern payment features for a number of services, such as Apple Pay.

This will enable users to pay court fees, execution requests, and deposits through the Courts Portal and the Courts app, as well as through the mobile app, ATMs, and QNB’s e-portal, which will be launched in the phase after the initial launch via the Courts Portal.

The electronic payment services will allow individuals to pay for themselves or for another party using Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX cards, as well as local NAPS cards, and Himyan cards.

The new system also offers smart payment options, such as partial payments in specific cases, and payment via SMS links. It also sends notifications to users on completion of financial transactions and provides financial reports to the relevant management.

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