News developments Archives - Page 17 of 223

Ajman: Decree on Real Estate Service Fees and Penalties

12/06/202512/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Mubasher, 9 June 2025: The Crown Prince of Ajman has issued a new decree on the standardisation of service fees, penalties, and fines within the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation.

Under the decree, the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation has been authorised to collect specified fees and enforce penalties and fines for non-compliance. The decree has also nullified any conflicting provisions in existing legislation, ensuring a unified legal framework for real estate services.

The standardisation of fees and penalties is expected to streamline real estate transactions and support Ajman’s economic and organisational growth.

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Oman: New Regulations For Elderly Care in Social Welfare Institutions

30/05/202530/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Arabian Stories, 26 May 2025: The Ministry of Social Development in Oman has issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 169/2025, to implement new governance regulations aimed at enhancing the quality of care and support in government-run homes for the elderly.

This decision marks a significant shift in the management of institutional care for the aging population in Oman, impacting government-run homes for the elderly, mandating them to provide comprehensive social, health, psychological, cultural, and recreational care services. The regulations require these institutions to create a suitable environment for the elderly and coordinate with relevant authorities to manage their financial affairs.

Key obligations under the new regulations include the requirement for residents to confirm their registry information annually through an electronic verification process, replacing the traditional renewal requirement. The regulations also grant residents the right to receive visitors and leave the home under specific guidelines. The decision encourages volunteer participation in organising activities for residents, with strict conditions on health and conduct, including a prohibition on photographing or sharing images of residents.

Article 7 of Oman Ministerial Decision No. 169/2025 mandates that the home must inform a family member of the elderly person if there is a critical health condition or accident. If contacting a family member is not possible, the home is authorised to approve necessary surgical interventions in the resident’s best interest.

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Kuwait: Central Bank Enforces Transparency in AML Penalties

30/05/202530/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Central Bank of Kuwait has approved a methodology for imposing penalties in line with Article (15) of Kuwait Law No. 106/2013, concerning combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

There will be the publication of penalties imposed on supervised entities to ensure transparency and adherence to international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Central Bank aims to make penalties “effective, proportionate, and deterrent,” and align them with the severity of violations. The penalties, including written warnings and financial sanctions, are published on the Central Bank’s official website to promote transparency and regulatory compliance.

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Dubai: Remote Marine Vessel Licence Renewal Service

30/05/202530/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Dubai Maritime Authority, part of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has launched a Remote Technical Inspection Service to facilitate the renewal of licences for pleasure marine vessels up to 12 meters, pleasure watercraft, and foreign-registered visiting vessels.

This initiative, issued by CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, is part of the Authority’s digital transformation strategy, following directives from His Highness Sheikh to simplify government services and reduce bureaucracy. Vessel owners and operators in Dubai, will have to use the new remote service for licence renewals. The service allows customers to book inspections online, complete necessary checklists, and conduct virtual inspections with an inspector, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

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UAE: Banks to Increase Minimum Balance Requirement

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 20 May 2025: Several banks in the UAE have announced an increase in the minimum balance requirement from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 as per the Central Bank’s personal loan regulations.

Customers who do not maintain the new minimum balance will incur a monthly fee of AED 25, unless they hold a credit card or have personal financing with the bank. The decision aims to enhance banks’ deposit levels and cover the costs of maintaining customer accounts.

Customers with a total balance of AED 20,000 or more, or a monthly salary transfer of AED 15,000 or more, will be exempt. Those with salary transfers between AED 5,000 and AED 14,999 who also have a credit card, overdraft facility, or loan will also be exempt.

Finance experts have raised concerns about the financial disadvantage to low-income workers, urging banks to reconsider the increase or offer varied minimum balances based on salary ranges. Alternative options, such as using money exchanges or financial institutions for salary disbursement, are suggested to mitigate the impact on affected workers.

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Saudi Arabia: Law Amendment to Regulate Private Security Guard Services

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 17 May 2025: The Saudi Interior Ministry has issued amendments to the Executive Regulations of Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 145/1426 on Private Security Services, which were approved by Interior Minister.

These amendments delineate the activities that private security guards can perform during work hours and establish requirements for 24-hour security services for specific commercial establishments.

The decision impacts private security service providers and the facilities they serve, including private and international educational institutions, event halls, medical centres, and facilities licensed by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority or the General Entertainment Authority. These facilities are required to provide private civilian security services during work hours.

The amended regulations mandate 24-hour security for establishments such as hotels, banks, hospitals, gold and jewellery stores, large markets, malls, and commercial centres with significant retail space. Other facilities, including car showrooms, residential complexes, amusement parks, and factories, are also obliged to provide round-the-clock security based on specific criteria outlined in the amendments.

The amendments aim to enhance the security framework within the Kingdom, ensuring private security services are effectively regulated and establishments maintain adequate protection measures.

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UAE (Ras Al Khaimah): Police Enforces UAE Law Against Spreading Fake News

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 15 May 2025: Ras Al Khaimah Police issued a stern reminder regarding the legal repercussions of disseminating fake news and rumours via the internet and social media, in accordance with UAE law.

It aims at safeguarding public safety, health, and the economy, mandates severe penalties for individuals who spread false information that contradicts official news or causes public fear and confusion.

Anyone found guilty of spreading fake news or rumours can face a minimum of one year in jail and a fine of Dh100,000 or more. This applies to the sharing of posts, messages, or videos that contain incorrect information or challenge official announcements.

The police emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect community safety.

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Qatar: Cabinet Approves Amendments to Hayya Platform for Visitor Entry

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Peninsula, 14 May 2025: The Qatari Cabinet has approved a draft decision amending provisions of Qatar Cabinet Decision No. 12/2024 concerning the Hayya Platform.

This amendment aims to broaden the platform’s mandate to attract individuals with distinguished residencies, including investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, and talents in technology, science, creativity, sports, culture, and the arts.

It impacts the procedures for managing visitor entry to Qatar, facilitating smoother entry and residence processes for these targeted groups. By expanding the committee’s mandate, the amendment seeks to enhance Qatar’s attractiveness as a destination for investment and skilled talent, aligning with the country’s broader economic and cultural goals.

The legal changes ensure that the Hayya Platform can efficiently manage and streamline entry procedures for the specified groups.

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Oman: Shura Council Approves Real Estate Registry Law

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Al Roya, 20 May 2025: The Oman Shura Council has approved the Real Estate Registry Law and amendments to the Arbitration Law in civil and commercial disputes (Oman Sultani Decree No. 47/1997).

The Real Estate Registry Law, has 40 articles across five chapters, and aims to streamline property registration processes, while the Arbitration Law amendments seek to enhance the efficiency and fairness of arbitration procedures, and align with international best practices.

he Real Estate Registry Law is expected to improve transparency and legal certainty in property transactions, while the Oman Sultani Decree No. 47/1997 amendments aim to expedite dispute resolution.

The legislative session also addressed urgent matters, including a statement on the Ministry of Labour’s decision requiring commercial establishments over a year old to employ at least one Omani citizen within 30 days of notification. A Shura Council member called for exemptions for small enterprises and financial support for medium-sized businesses to facilitate the integration of national workforce gradually.

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Kuwait: New Public Debt Law

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 20 May 2025: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance has introduced a new Public Debt Law, which focuses on enhancing financing and liquidity.

The law is designed to provide Kuwait with diversified financial resources both locally and internationally, supporting development projects and strengthening domestic financial markets. It authorises the Ministry of Finance to mandate the Central Bank or Kuwait Investment Authority to secure financing on its behalf, reflecting the State’s capacity to borrow responsibly.

The law raises the borrowing ceiling from KD10 billion to KD30 billion and extends the borrowing term from 10 to 50 years, introducing specific expenditure guidelines. These changes are expected to positively influence Kuwait’s credit rating by demonstrating fiscal discipline and effective management of development financing. The Public Debt Law is part of a broader strategy to engage confidently with global markets, minimise borrowing costs, and diversify the investor base. It also aims to develop a local debt market by establishing a reliable yield curve, serving as a benchmark for domestic investors.

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