News developments Archives - Page 23 of 223

UAE: New Stricter Traffic Laws to Enhance Road Safety

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 2 April 2025: The UAE has brought into force new traffic laws on 29 March 2025 which impose severe penalties.

Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2024 On Traffic Regulation was issued on 30 September 2024 but came into force on 29 March 2025. It provides for stringent penalties for various traffic offences including imprisonment and fines up to Dh200,000. The law aims to address serious offences including jaywalking, driving under the influence, and driving without a proper licence. Road safety experts have welcomed the changes but state that there needs to be stricter enforcement and cultural shifts in the UAE to promote road safety.

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Saudi Arabia: Reforms to Stabilise Riyadh Housing Market

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 2 April 2025: The Saudi government has implemented a series of reforms to address the rising costs of housing in Riyadh.

The reforms are designed to stabilise land values and rental rates, making housing more accessible to residents. A decision has been issued by the Saudi authorities, impacting property developers, landlords, and tenants in the region. The reforms include measures to regulate land prices, control rental increases, and incentivise affordable housing projects. The reforms are expected to have a significant impact on the housing market by curbing speculative practices and ensuring fair pricing.

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Qatar: Development Bank Launches Partial Investment Guarantee Programme

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Alarab, 26 March 2025: The Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has introduced a Partial Investment Guarantee Programme to mitigate financial risks for investors and encourage investment in Qatar’s tech startups.

The programme aims to reduce financial risks for individual and group investors and encourage investment in technology startups in Qatar.

It aligns with Qatar’s National Development Strategy. The guarantees are offered through QDB’s investment arm and provide protection to investors who meet the programme’s criteria. Eligible companies must be based in Qatar.

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Oman: Civil Aviation Authority to Issue Temporary Permits

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Daily Observer, 29 March 2025: The Oman Civil Aviation Authority is to issue temporary permits on the Muscat to Salalah and Suhar to Salalah routes.

The permits will be issued in peak winter and summer tourist seasons in order to increase competition and reduce airfares. Proposals have been invited from eligible national and international carriers to provide temporary domestic services on these routes between 1 July and 1 August, and 1 December and 31 January.

In order to qualify, operators must have a valid Air Operators Certificate (Omani or International), proven operational experience, financial stability, and they must comply with Omani health and safety and environmental regulations. They must also have adequate passenger and third-party insurance coverage.

The aircrafts must have 100 to 200 seats and meet the Omani Civil Aviation Authority technical and safety standards. The last date for applications will be 17 April 2025.

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Kuwait: Municipality Plan to Address Encroachments

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Times, 27 March 2025: Kuwait Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing encroachment of state property.

The municipality now has a comprehensive field plan in coordination with relevant authorities to remove violations in the Taima and Sulaibiya areas. A Municipality Spokesperson stated an extensive campaign is set to be launched after violators had been given prior warnings issued that they have unlawfully exploited state land, obstructed public services, and are posing security concerns. The inspection drive is being carried out by the municipality’s encroachment monitoring teams and a range of government entities, including the Ministry of Interior’s Environment Police and the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy.

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Bahrain: Court Rulings to be Reviewed for Possible Legal Changes

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Daily Tribune, 30 March 2025: The Minister of Legal Affairs has stated judgments from Bahrain’s top courts are being reviewed to see if the country’s laws need to be reformed.

The Minister told the Parliament Court of Cassation judgments were being reviewed to see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies in the legislation. While some jurisdictions allow judges to call for changes to the law, this is not the case in Bahrain. The Ministry of Legal Affairs works closely with the Legislation and Legal Opinions Commission on new laws. The Ministry also reviews international laws and drafts possible legislation. The commission is in charge of the final wording and also draws up regulations and government decisions.

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UAE: New Zakat Law Approved

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 19/03/2025: The UAE has approved a new zakat draft law, imposing fines of up to Dh1 million and imprisonment for illegal collection.

The Federal National Council (FNC) has passed a comprehensive federal law regulating the collection, distribution, and management of zakat across the UAE. The decision, led by the Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of zakat funds. The new law governs all aspects of zakat processes, including the investment of surplus funds in line with Sharia principles, and applies to all individuals and entities engaged in zakat activities within the UAE, including those in free zones. Certain organisations may be exempted by the Cabinet, provided they meet registration and reporting requirements.

The law introduces strict penalties for violations. Collecting, receiving, or distributing zakat without authorisation is considered a crime against public funds, punishable by imprisonment, fines of up to Dh1 million, or both. Misuse of funds, unauthorised deductions, and submitting false documents may result in further fines and imprisonment. Authorised entities also face fines of up to Dh1 million for violations such as distributing zakat abroad without permits, failing to comply with regulations, or mismanaging investments. All entities must regularise their status within a year of the law’s enactment, with an option for extension.

A key feature of the law is the creation of the ‘National Zakat Platform,’ which is a unified digital system to monitor authorised entities, beneficiaries, and fund allocations. This platform aims to ensure zakat funds are distributed efficiently to rightful beneficiaries and managed transparently. The law also restricts zakat distribution outside the UAE to exceptional circumstances like natural disasters, requiring official approval through the platform.

The law maintains the religious integrity of zakat by requiring investment surplus to be used exclusively for zakat purposes, and bars deductions for managing authorities. After extensive debates, the FNC upheld the original provision allowing traditional zakat giving to relatives and acquaintances without the need for excessive administration.

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Saudi Arabia: Tourism Ministry Enforces Strict Penalties on Unlicensed Hotels

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 25 March 2025: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has imposed strict penalties on unlicensed hotels, ensuring adherence to the Tourism Law Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 79/1444.

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has announced their continued enforcement of statutory penalties against hotels and tourism facilities which violate the Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 79/1444 and its executive regulations. The penalties include a maximum fine of SR1 million, closure, or both, for facilities which operate without a license from the ministry. Unlicensed tourist hospitality facilities must comply with the law and obtain necessary licenses before they can resume operations.

The ministry has undertaken a comprehensive survey of tourism facilities which have been closed to ensure their compliance with closure penalties and has coordinated with regional emirates and relevant agencies on periodic follow-ups. The regulations mandate that facilities correct their status and adhere to approved standards, which aim to improve service quality and ensure visitor safety.

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Oman: Government Assets to Be Insured Under New Risk Mitigation Policy

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Story, 24 March 2025: The Ministry of Finance in Oman issued circulars requiring insurance for government vehicles, imports, and safes, from 1 April 2025.

The Ministry of Finance in Oman has issued three new circulars requiring this. These measures were part of the Ministry’s commitment to preserving state-owned assets and funds, ensuring they are adequately protected against potential risks. The circulars outlined specific insurance requirements, including coverage for government vehicles for the year 2025-2026, marine, air, and land insurance for government imports to safeguard against potential losses or damages during transit, and insurance of the contents of government safes.

The Ministry emphasised that these circulars align with the Financial Law, Oman Sultani Decree No. 47/1998, and are part of ongoing efforts to protect government assets.

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Kuwait: Strict Penalties for Money Laundering Violations

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 24 March 2025: A resolution has been implemented imposing fines up to 10,000 dinars for money laundering violations.

Kuwait Ministerial Decision No. 25/2025, covers penalties and procedures for violations related to money laundering and terrorist financing. The resolution targets designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) and categorises violations into three risk levels: low, medium, and high. Penalties range from written warnings and license suspensions to fines between 500 and 10,000 Kuwaiti dinars.

The resolution relates to Kuwait Law No. 106/2013 on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Low-risk violations, such as failure to comply with due diligence for invoices under 3,000 dinars, will result in warnings or license suspensions. Medium-risk violations, including handling cash amounts exceeding 3,000 dinars, will lead to fines ranging from500 to 3,000 dinars. High-risk violations, such as failing to notify authorities about sanctioned individuals, carry fines between 4,000 and 10,000 dinars, with repeat offenders facing potential business bans.

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