News developments Archives - Page 2 of 226

Qatar: New Property Owners’ Draft Law Under Review

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 17 November 2025: Qatar’s Shura Council has referred a new draft law on Owners’ Association to its Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for detailed examination.

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Oman: Processes Foreign Vessels’ Navigation Permit

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 17 November 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has released detailed guidance on obtaining navigation permits for foreign vessels entering Omani territorial waters.

The ministry has established a framework requiring all foreign ships to submit their permit applications prior to arrival in Omani waters. Applications must meet all specified requirements before they will be processed by authorities.

Under the new guidelines, the ministry has confirmed it will handle applications during official holidays in exceptional circumstances to maintain continuous maritime operations.

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Kuwait: Introduces Three-Month Limit for Court Order Implementation

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 12 November 2025: Kuwait’s Public Prosecution has established a new three-month deadline for the implementation of court rulings, as part of amendments to the country’s Penal Code under Kuwait Decree-Law No. 87/2025.

The announcement modifies Article (58 bis) of Kuwait Law No. 31/1970 and requires all court orders to be executed within three months of the enforcement notice being served.

Under the new regulations, failure to implement court decisions within the specified timeframe will be treated as a criminal offence. The Public Prosecution has confirmed it will pursue legal action against any individuals or authorities who deliberately delay or refuse to execute final court rulings beyond the prescribed period.

The three-month window applies to all state authorities, institutions, and individuals who are subject to court orders. The timeframe has been established to allow implementing bodies sufficient opportunity to take necessary enforcement measures.

The Public Prosecution’s statement outlined that the implementation of court rulings is now a mandatory legal requirement rather than an optional measure. The office will monitor compliance and initiate accountability procedures against those who fail to meet the deadline.

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Dubai: New Digital System Cuts Business Banking Setup to Five Days

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 12 November 2025: Dubai has reduced the time required to open a business bank account from 65 days to just five days through its new digital licensing system.

Seven major banks have integrated with the new system, allowing new businesses to open accounts directly using their unified licence. The digital platform now serves as a single point of access for businesses operating in both mainland Dubai and free zones.

The initiative has established connections with key government departments, including human resources, electricity and water, transport, and foreign affairs authorities. These integrations enable businesses to manage multiple regulatory requirements through one digital gateway.

The unified licence provides each business with a unique, government-verified digital identity that can be used to access essential services including banking, utilities, trade, and labour processing. This centralised approach has created a single verified registry for business information.

The system operates across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions, offering a standardised approach to business administration throughout the emirate.

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Bahrain: Cabinet Approves New Trade and Property Initiatives

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Mubasher, 17 November 2025: Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved several new measures to regulate trade and property sectors.

The Cabinet endorsed amendments to the Penal Code and the Rehabilitation and Correctional Institutions Law to regulate inmate employment programmes.

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Abu Dhabi: Implements New Sustainable Fisheries Policy

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Abu Dhabi has introduced a comprehensive sustainable fisheries policy through Decision No. 8/2025 establishing a framework for fisheries management and focusing on scientific monitoring, research programmes, and regulatory measures.

Under the decree, the EAD will coordinate with relevant entities to implement policy instruments within specified timeframes and analyse their impact through systematic procedures.

Key components of the policy include strengthening monitoring programmes to assess fish stocks and marine habitats, developing new fishing legislation, and supporting aquaculture initiatives. The decree also outlines plans for the rehabilitation of natural habitats, including coral reefs and mangroves.

The policy introduces specific measures to support local fishermen while implementing sustainable fishing practices. The EAD will oversee the development of scientific research and innovation programmes for effective fisheries management.

This regulatory framework comes after recent measures by the EAD have shown positive signs of fish stock recovery. The policy will be implemented through collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to ensure effective resource management.

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UAE: Ministry Launches Instalment Payment Scheme Through Eight Banks

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 8 November 2025: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced an instalment payment service for ministry fees and administrative fines through eight approved banking institutions, allowing credit card holders to spread the cost of ministry services across multiple payments.

Under the ‘Easy Payment Plan’, customers can access different instalment thresholds depending on their banking provider. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank have set a minimum instalment amount of 1,000 dirhams, while First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Commercial Bank International, National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah and Emirates NBD offer instalments starting from 500 dirhams.

The service is available to customers holding credit cards from any of the participating banks, subject to standard terms and conditions. The ministry has confirmed that payments can be arranged according to customers’ specific financial circumstances.

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Saudi Arabia: Tax Authority Sets November Deadline for Excise Tax Returns

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Riyadh, 10 November 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has announced that businesses subject to excise tax must submit their returns for September and October 2025 by 15 November 2025.

The authority has warned that late submissions will incur penalties of 5% of the tax value for every 30 days of delay. Businesses can submit their returns through the authority’s official website.

The excise tax applies to products with potential negative health or environmental impacts, including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, and tobacco products. The tax rates vary depending on the product category.

All affected businesses have been urged to submit their returns promptly to avoid financial penalties. The submission deadline applies to all enterprises dealing with products subject to excise tax regulations.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: Announces National Day Holiday Rules and Worker Compensation

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 9 November 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Labour has issued guidelines for the upcoming National Day holidays on November 26 and 27, 2025, confirming compensation arrangements for employees required to work during the official break.

The announcement establishes the two-day holiday period for all government, public sector, and private sector workers across the sultanate.

According to the ministry’s statement, organisations that need to maintain operations during the holiday must provide affected staff with either alternative leave days or additional compensation as specified under current labour regulations.

The directive applies to all employees in government units, legal entities, and private sector establishments throughout Oman. The ministry has emphasised that while work may continue in essential services, employers must ensure proper compensation for staff who work during the designated holiday period.

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Kuwait: Launches Smart Licence System for Business Permits

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Qabas, 10 November 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a directive requiring government agencies to implement a new smart licence system featuring integrated barcodes for business permits.

The new system mandates the use of embedded barcodes as the primary method for regulatory authorities to electronically verify commercial licence data.

Under the new directive, regulatory bodies must transition from paper-based procedures to the digital verification system when checking business permits. The smart licence will serve as the standard format for commercial licensing documentation across government departments.

The ministry has instructed all relevant government agencies to begin implementing the new system immediately. The digital licences will incorporate barcode technology to enable swift electronic verification of business permit details by regulatory authorities.

This development represents the latest phase in Kuwait’s transition towards fully digital government services, with the smart licence system designed to standardise business permit verification across all government departments.

For the full story, click here.

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