News developments Archives - Page 185 of 223

Qatar: Public Consultation on Cloud Policy Launched

03/04/202003/04/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority has announced it has launched a public consultation on a draft Cloud Policy. The consultation ends on 23 April 2020. The Cloud Policy has been developed as part of the Authority’s 2020-2024 Strategy and in line with the National Vision 2030 and Qatar National Second Development Strategy 2018-2022. The Policy will provide a regulatory framework for Cloud Computing in the country. It will apply to Government entities. Comments should be sent to mbellavite@cra.gov.qa with Consultation on Cloud Policy Statement as the subject.

Bahrain: GCC National Real Estate Ownership Law Amendment Approved

03/04/202030/04/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved an amendment to the GCC National Real Estate Ownership Law. Bahrain Decree-Law No. 40/1999 regulates the buying and selling of real estate and land in the Kingdom. Under the amendment, GCC owners may dispose of their property through a will or inheritance, providing it has been approved by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister and in the regions specified by the High Urban Planning Committee. It has now been referred to the Council of Representatives to consider.

Qatar: Customs Cancels Fees on Certain Products

31/03/202031/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

Implementing guidelines issued by the Emir of Qatar on countering the spread of the COVID-19 including the decision to cancel customs fees, the Qatari Customs Department has cancelled fees on certain products. Customs fees on food and medicine will be cancelled for six months. The list of exempt items includes 905 items such as meat, dairy, fish, oils, juices, facial masks, sanitizers, soap products, detergents, wipes, and other products.

Kuwait: Medicines Containing Anti-malarial Drug Chloroquine Withdrawn from Pharmacies

31/03/202031/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Kuwaiti Health Ministry has decided to withdraw all medicines containing the anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine from private pharmacies and limit them to hospitals and health centres according to the state news agency. According to Undersecretary of Health for Drug and Food Control Affairs the decision has been made to tighten control over the distribution of these medicines and to prevent their misuse or monopoly. Plaquenil which is the brand name for hydroxychloroquine has recently been mentioned in the media as a possible treatment for COVID-19. However, doctors have said it can cause serious side effects or there is a risk of overdose without proper medical guidance.

Bahrain: Banks Should Not Calculate Interests on Postponed Loans

31/03/202031/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Central Bank of Bahrain has issued a circular to banks and finance companies directing them not to calculate any interest on the postponement of loans for six months starting from March to August 2020. The circular said original loan repayments should be stopped for six months and that no additional interest or fees should be imposed on customers. In addition, interest rates and repayment amounts should remain the same throughout the credit term and as they were before the postponement.

Abu Dhabi: Judicial Department Issues Circular on Trial Postponement

31/03/202031/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has issued Abu Dhabi Circular No. 7/2020 on the work of judges and postponement of trial during the COVID-19 crisis. All courts in Abu Dhabi will postpone trials and appeals which currently have pending decisions for no less than 30 days. In addition, all judges in the urgent courts (including civil, commercial and labour) will work remotely and issue judgments on urgent cases and old cases where the decisions have already been made. Pending judgments will be postponed for no less than 30 days. The Circular also states case registration for initial hearings and appeals will be postponed for no less than 30 days starting from 26 March. Existing judgments will be given without the presence of the parties.

Saudi Arabia: Court Hearings Postponed

23/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Juridical Council has announced court hearings in the Kingdom are postponed. The aim is to tackle the spread of Coronavirus in the Kingdom. The hearings are cancelled until further notice except for urgent case hearings.

Oman: Customs Clearing Requirements Relaxed

23/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Omani Police have announced customs clearing requirements will be relaxed. The aim is to help the commercial sector. Given the current circumstances in the country and the world, customs clearing requirements will be relaxed. Under the new requirements, imported goods can be cleared even when the importer is unable to provide the relevant documents and certificates from the source country.

Bahrain: Amended Bankruptcy Law to be Considered Further

23/03/202023/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain’s Shoura Council has referred the amended Bankruptcy Law (Bahrain Law No. 22/2018) to the country’s Cabinet to consider further. Under the amendments, owed amounts could be collected from representatives in Bahrain rather than in the country where the entity is based. In addition, owed amounts could be claimed from inheritors or guardian if the bankrupt party retires or dies. The 2018 Law was rushed through in 15 days as the authorities wanted bankruptcy legislation on the statute book.

Abu Dhabi: Stock Exchange Temporarily Closed

23/03/2020
by Benjamin Filaferro

Abu Dhabi’s Securities Exchange has announced it is temporarily closing its trading halls until further notice because of Coronavirus. The decision was taken following World Health Organisation advice to limit public gatherings. However, the closure will not affect trading operations. In addition, Sahmi services which are based online will continue to be provided.