According to local newspaper reports, the Kuwaiti Government has announced it has established a Committee to oversee the reduction of expatriate numbers in the country. The committee consists of representatives from a number of Government agencies and bodies including the Social Affairs and Labour and Interior Ministries and the Public Authority of Manpower. Various measures to ensure a reduction in these numbers have been proposed.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has announced drone photography is now allowed in the country providing certain conditions are met. These conditions include using drones in authorised locations and at specified heights. Photographers wishing to use drones must obtain a license first and should be 16 or older. The new regulations were developed together with the Interior Ministry. Previously, only authorised organisations could use drones to film or photograph.
Qatar’s International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. It was signed for the QICRDC by its CEO, Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti and for ICSID by its Secretary-General, Meg Kinnear. Under the agreement the two organisations will share arbitration and alternative dispute resolution insights. Each organisation will also be able to conduct all or any part of arbitration proceedings at the other Centre. The other organisation will also have priority access to the facilities and services at their counterpart’s organisation including using meeting rooms and office space as well as interpretation and translation services.
Two Parliamentary investigations have been launched into illegal abortion clinics in Bahrain. According to reports, houses and apartments are being used to perform illegal abortions and hymen reconstruction surgeries. The reports have added those carrying out these procedures are charging between 300 and 500 Dinars each time. The Parliamentary investigations will focus on the smuggling of medicines like Cytotec to assist abortions. Under the existing law, abortions can only be carried out at authorised hospitals if a woman’s life is in danger and if three consultant doctors approve it.
The Financial and Economic Committee of Kuwait’s Parliament has approved the amendments to the Tenders Law. Under the amendments, the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development’s will join the board of directors of the Central Agency for Public Tenders. Membership terms and grievance periods are also laid out. It will receive its second reading next week.
Saudi Arabia’s Labour and Social Development Ministry has announced the midday working ban in the Kingdom will start on Saturday this week. The Ministry has stressed all private sector companies must comply with the ban which runs until 15 September. It means affected workers cannot work between 12pm and 3pm. However, the Ministry also said there are certain exemptions from this ban including those working in the oil and gas industry and emergency maintenance workers. The necessary procedures should be followed to protect these workers.
The Head of the Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department at Qatar’s General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has announced new regulations to the Tarsheed law are expected to be issued by the end of this year. The aim is to make air conditioners and other electric home appliances more energy efficient. If approved, the energy efficiency ratio of split unit air-conditioners will be increased from the existing 9.5 to 10.5. The move is part of the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency which is aiming to reduce electricity consumption by 6% per capita, water by 10% and carbon footprints by 7% by the end of 2022.
Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved draft amendments to the Commercial Companies Law promulgated by Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 proposed by Parliament, following a recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs. The amendment will facilitate procedures for attending General Assembly meetings on behalf of partners using special power of attorney, without having to be authenticated by the relevant authorities.
According to local newspaper reports, Saudi Arabian authorities have established a joint committee with the UK to introduce a visa-free document to allow Neom investors and employees to move freely between several Red Sea countries including Egypt and Jordan. Holders of this document will also be exempt from specific Saudi legislation. In addition, those who have this document will have visas and residency rights.
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced it has issued the first golden residence permit in Abu Dhabi. The issuing of the visa follows the issuing of Cabinet Decision No. 56/2018 on permanent residence for investors. The Authority said it had started a communication programme with investors in the country who are eligible for this residence permit to make them aware of the new law and explain the benefits.
