News developments Archives - Page 2 of 220

Category: News developments

UAE: Announces Nationwide Push for Local Inspectors and Regulators

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Etihad, 24 September 2025: The United Arab Emirates has launched a comprehensive initiative to increase local employment in inspection and regulatory roles across both government and private sectors.

The programme focuses on recruiting and training Emirati nationals for supervisory positions in several key areas, including: Environmental monitoring and pollution control, Food safety and consumer protection, Occupational health and safety, Infrastructure project supervision and Market quality control.

Officials have confirmed that the initiative will implement specialised training programmes incorporating artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies to prepare local candidates for inspection and monitoring roles.

The scheme requires new inspectors to undergo extensive field training and obtain scientific qualifications to handle major infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The programme includes continuous professional development to ensure inspectors can effectively use the latest technological tools.

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Sharjah: Police Launch Advanced Digital Fingerprint System for Criminal Cases

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 25 September 2025: Sharjah Police have implemented a new digital fingerprinting system across their operations, replacing traditional methods with advanced biometric technology to enhance criminal investigations.

The MorphoBIS biometric identification system has been deployed across 12 units throughout Sharjah and its Central and Eastern regions, connecting directly to a central fingerprint database. All records are now maintained in a secure central criminal database.

The new system’s capabilities include: immediate suspect identification, rapid fingerprint comparison, forgery detection, electronic report generation, archive matching and case documentation.

Head of the Detainee Follow-up Branch reported that the system’s algorithms have enabled authorities to detect cases of forgery and impersonation within hours, with findings immediately forwarded to the Forensic Evidence Center.

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Saudi Arabia: Unveils New Framework for Legislative Development

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 29 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Justice Ministry has outlined a new approach to law-making that emphasises public participation and transparency in legislative processes.

Justice Minister detailed the implementation of a specialised legislative framework designed to modernise the Kingdom’s legal system. The new structure focuses on making legal texts more accessible and incorporating public consultation in law development.

Key elements of the framework include: enhanced transparency in legal procedures, streamlined judicial and administrative processes, improved dispute resolution mechanisms, greater public participation in law-making and simplified access to legal rights and services.

The Ministry has established new procedures for drafting legislation that require: public consultation periods, stakeholder engagement, expert input on proposed laws, clear documentation of legal objectives and regular review of legislative impact.

The framework introduces standardised procedures for creating and implementing new laws, with emphasis on making legal texts comprehensible to the general public. It also establishes formal channels for experts, stakeholders, and civil society to contribute to legislative development.

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Qatar: Drafts New Laws to Modernise Business Environment

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Base, 25 September 2025: Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry is drafting three major pieces of legislation as part of efforts to update the country’s legal and business framework.

Ministry Undersecretary revealed plans for an updated public-private partnership law, a new foreign investment law, and a bankruptcy law.

The announcement came alongside details of recent reforms that have already streamlined business procedures in the Gulf state. New measures include automatic tax number generation upon commercial registration and simplified labour recruitment approvals.

The ministry has digitalised 95% of its services through a single-window platform and launched a new multilingual portal for investors. Foreign investors can now participate in more than 1,400 business activities across the country.

Recent reforms have also removed requirements to match commercial activities for imports and adopted a unified GCC customs tariff. Industrial incentives, including reduced leasing rates for industrial, logistics, and commercial land, are reportedly saving the private sector more than QR100 million annually.

Environmental permit processes have been simplified for 90% of industrial activities, whilst company incorporation procedures now include automatic generation of company cards and tax numbers upon registration.

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Oman: Implements New Maritime Labour Regulations for Seafarer Protection

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Times Of Oman, 27 September 2025: Oman has introduced comprehensive Maritime Labour Regulations through Oman Sultani Decree 313/2025, implementing commitments under the Maritime Labour Convention and establishing detailed rights and responsibilities for both Omani and foreign seafarers.

The regulations apply to all vessels except fishing boats, traditional vessels, warships, war-supply ships, and those operating in protected waters. Under the new rules, vessel operators must ensure all seafarers hold valid medical certificates with a minimum of six months ‘ validity.

Key provisions include mandatory rest periods of at least 10 hours per day and 77 hours weekly. Seafarers are entitled to a minimum of 30 days paid annual leave. The regulations also mandate operators to cover repatriation costs to either the port of contract or an agreed alternative port under specific circumstances, including contract completion in foreign ports or service exceeding nine consecutive months.

Vessel operators must provide free medical care and health insurance for crew members, along with compensation in cases of ship loss. The regulations require employment contracts to be available in Arabic or include an approved Arabic translation.

Certain vessels must now carry a Maritime Labour Certificate to demonstrate compliance with the new standards. Where the regulations do not specifically address an issue, Omani Labour Law provisions will apply.

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Dubai: Introduces Workforce Performance Measurement System

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 September 2025: Dubai has launched a new workforce productivity measurement system across its government departments, to be implemented in phases under the supervision of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The initiative, established by Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 67/2025, introduces three key implementation phases. The first phase will focus on measuring service delivery against workforce size, analysing total salary costs, assessing actual working hours, and collecting related performance data. This will be followed by a second phase involving analysis of initial results, development of efficiency initiatives, and implementation of service improvements. The final phase will concentrate on system evaluation and performance assessment.

The resolution assigns specific responsibilities to government bodies. The Executive Council’s General Secretariat will identify and classify government services, provide technical support, and approve performance indicators.

The DGHR’s duties encompass system management and supervision, preparation of procedural guides, development of productivity indicators, and coordination with the finance department on budgets.

All government departments must follow prescribed timelines, provide workforce and budget data, submit regular performance reports, and implement recommended efficiency measures as part of their obligations under the new system.

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Bahrain: Introduces Strict Penalties for False Building Permit Applications

02/10/202502/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Watan News, 28 September 2025: The Bahraini government has introduced new legislation outlined in Bahrain Decree No. 53/2025, imposing severe penalties for submitting false information in building permit applications.

Under the new regulations, individuals who provide false information, use illegal methods to obtain permits, obstruct ministry inspectors, or withhold required documentation will face criminal charges. The law also applies to those who commence construction without proper permits or violate existing permits.

The law requires all construction projects to be supervised by an approved engineering office, with large-scale projects requiring a full-time engineer on site. It mandates compliance with approved designs and safety measures, including provisions for disabled access.

The legislation establishes a comprehensive inspection and monitoring system, with authorities empowered to conduct both internal and external building inspections. Court orders can be obtained to access properties where entry is refused.

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Abu Dhabi: Increases Penalties Tenfold for Farm-Based Crypto Mining

02/10/202502/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 30 September 2025: Abu Dhabi authorities have implemented strict measures against cryptocurrency mining on agricultural land, introducing fines of AED100,000 for violations, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s AED10,000 penalty.

The Agriculture and Food Safety Authority announced that repeat offenders will face double the fine amount, alongside additional sanctions, including service suspension and equipment confiscation. The new regulations target both farm owners and tenants found operating crypto mining operations on agricultural premises.

Officials have confirmed that farms found in breach of regulations will face immediate disconnection of electricity supplies and withdrawal of agricultural support programmes. The authority will also seize mining equipment and refer cases to relevant legal bodies for further action.

The crackdown follows the detection of multiple violations across farming establishments in the emirate. The strengthened penalties represent a 900 per cent increase from the 2024 regulations, reflecting authorities’ determination to prevent the misuse of agricultural land.

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UAE: Cabinet Approves Regional Industry Clusters and New Cybersecurity Policies

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: UAE government has approved a series of significant policy measures, including a new economic clusters initiative and comprehensive cybersecurity reforms.

The National Policy for Economic Clusters will establish industry-specific zones across the emirates, focusing on financial services, tourism, space, communications, and food sectors.

The Cabinet also endorsed new cybersecurity policies introducing unified information security standards and enhanced monitoring systems. The framework includes measures for risk management and rapid response protocols.

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Saudi Arabia: Media Regulator Issues New Content Guidelines

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Watan News, 21 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s General Commission for Media Regulation has announced new content regulations governing all media platforms, introducing strict measures to protect privacy and social values.

The regulations explicitly prohibit: Use of inappropriate language, Ostentatious displays of wealth and vehicles, Filming of children or domestic workers in daily content, Invasion of family privacy or exposure of internal disputes, Bullying or degrading content, Unauthorised filming of individuals or families in private spaces, Revealing attire or inappropriate physical displays and Misleading information and blackmail attempts.

The commission emphasized that any content revealing family privacy or internal disputes will be considered a direct violation of regulatory standards. The new guidelines also mandate modest appearance in media content, with clothing that reveals the body inappropriately being classified as a clear violation.

Regulatory action will be taken against those who breach these guidelines, which apply across all media platforms. The measures specifically protect children from exploitation and safeguard national identity and social values.

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