News developments Archives - Page 26 of 223

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring 2025 Edition

07/03/202507/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax Spring Edition offers an in-depth analysis of the swiftly evolving tax landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This edition underscores the trend where the introduction of new tax laws is often rapidly succeeded by a cascade of related legislative changes. Among the key topics discussed is the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia, which was initially introduced in 2020 and has undergone several amendments. The magazine delves into the recent formalisation of law on this subject and the ensuing consultation on new Implementing Regulations, with insights from experts at Riad & Riad.

The edition concludes with an examination of the increasing adoption of tax automation software in the UAE, driven by rising requirements and support. Overall, the magazine highlights the imperative for taxpayers in the GCC to remain vigilant and adaptable to the rapid and significant changes in tax laws.

FEATURE: YOUR RIGHTS ON RETT

Dr. Fatma Salah, together with Mohamed Riad and Amera Gamal from Riad & Riad, discusses the introduction of the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia in 2020. The upcoming legislation and its Executive Regulations are anticipated to provide more detailed guidance on the tax’s application.

FEATURE: DOWN TO BRASS TACKS ON DMTT

Asrujit Mandal from BDO explores the dynamic shifts in regional legislation and guidance surrounding the Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax. With Bahrain at the forefront, its pioneering approach could potentially shape and inspire strategies in other GCC countries, all in alignment with Pillar Two initiatives.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up outlines the most recent major changes in tax agreements and regulatory updates across the region, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current developments.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: VAT AND CRYPTO MINING

Shailesh Kumar (Associate Partner), Mradul Gupta (Associate Director), and Megha Lohia (Assistant Manager) from PKF UAE highlight the rising prominence and global acceptance of cryptocurrency and emphasise the increasing importance of understanding the tax implications associated with its use.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

What’s Next with VAT? While Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing modifications are making news, Harsh Bhatia, Director of VAT at Grant Thornton UAE, points out that there are also upcoming changes in the UAE’s VAT system.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Is tax automation required in the UAE? Dhana Pillai from DP Taxation Consultancy examines the requirements, assistance, and strategies that are boosting the adoption of tax automation software in the UAE.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Spring 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

UAE: Streamlines Tax Dispute Process for Government Entities

07/03/202507/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

A new Cabinet Decision has been issued by the UAE government, aiming to streamline the procedures for government entities involved in tax disputes.

The decision, known as Cabinet Decision No. 12/2025, was published on 14 February 2025 and will come into effect on 14 April 2025.

It provides a structured framework for federal and local government entities to manage objections and appeals related to VAT on transactions conducted in their sovereign capacity.

The decision outlines that government entities must submit objections to the Tax Disputes Resolution Committee (TDRC) within 40 working days of receiving a decision from the authority.

Notably, these entities are not required to settle VAT and administrative penalties before submitting an objection.

The TDRC is mandated to decide on objections within 20 working days, and its decision is final if the total tax due and administrative fines do not exceed AED 100,000.

In terms of appeals, government entities or the authority can appeal TDRC decisions to the federal courts within 40 working days.

However, it is mandatory for the government entity to settle the VAT disputed with the authority before submitting the appeal.

Administrative penalties must be settled once a final binding decision is issued by the federal court.

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Sharjah: Consultative Council Approves Recommendations on Health Policies

06/03/202507/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has endorsed recommendations aimed at advancing the Sharjah Health Authority’s policies.

The recommendations propose granting the Health Authority increased flexibility in hiring specialised medical professionals, with a focus on prioritising UAE nationals to elevate healthcare quality.

The proposals have highlighted the importance of collaborating with Emirates Health Services and other institutions to establish new hospitals and medical facilities.

The Council has stressed the necessity of implementing stringent regulations for the private healthcare sector, empowering the government to licence healthcare providers, oversee medical facilities, and ensure services meet global quality standards.

In line with Sharjah Emiri Decree No. 12/2010, which established the Sharjah Health Authority, the Council called for the consolidation of all government healthcare services under the authority to enhance integration and improve overall efficiency in the emirate’s healthcare system.

To enhance emergency and critical care services, the Council has recommended strengthening hospital facilities and introducing advanced ambulance services in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure rapid medical intervention.

It also highlighted the importance of improving autism and addiction treatment centres.

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Saudi Arabia: Approves Major Regulatory Amendments for Car Rental Sector

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Arabia has Approved Key Amendments to Car Rental and Rental Broker Regulations.

A key change clarifies the definition of “reservation,” aligning it with the digital booking process.

Financial requirements now include a SR100,000 guarantee for rental companies, with exemptions for entrepreneurial establishments to support small businesses.

The removal of restrictions on renting cars with a driver and the elimination of hourly rentals offer greater flexibility.

The minimum rental duration with a driver is now set at six hours.

New penalties enforce compliance, requiring rental companies to provide proof of vehicle receipt when contracts remain open due to financial obligations, with a SR1,000 penalty for non-compliance.

Contracts must be issued through the designated electronic system, with a SR4,000 fine for violations.

Reporting stolen vehicles now terminates the rental contract, with a SR3,000 fine for non-compliance.

Operating with an expired licence incurs a SAR5,000 fine, and requiring tenants to sign additional documents beyond the official contract results in a SR3,000 fine.

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Oman: New Postal Policy

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 2 March 2025: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has introduced a new policy and programme to regulate and modernise Oman’s growing postal sector.

Spanning from 2025 to 2029, the Postal Sector Policy and Executive Programme aims to enhance service quality and support related industries such as e-commerce, transport, and logistics.

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Kuwait: Eases Residency Transfers for Expats Between Public and Private Sectors

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 2 March 2025: The Interior Ministry has announced the removal of previous conditions that restricted the transfer of residency between government and private sector employment.

This decision eliminates the need for expatriates to align their new job roles with their educational qualifications or the nature of their previous work when switching sectors.

Expatriates can now transfer their residency from government sector work to private sector work, and vice versa, without the previously mandated requirements.

The Expatriates’ Residency Law and its executive regulations do not require the verification of professions for individuals seeking to transfer between sectors, nor is there any legal basis for rejecting such requests.

Under the new rules, expatriates are no longer required to ensure that their educational qualifications match their new job roles or adhere to the nature of their previous government sector work.

This change simplifies the process, allowing expatriates to transition to the private sector with ease, following standard procedures and without the bureaucratic hurdles that previously complicated such transfers.

Previously, the transfer of residency was contingent on the new profession being compatible with the expatriate’s educational background and the nature of their prior government sector work.

This restriction limited opportunities for expatriates to explore roles in the private sector and often involved cumbersome administrative processes.

The new decision abolishes these constraints entirely.

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Bahrain: Launches Remote Notarisation Service

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 4 March 2025: The Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments Ministry, in partnership with the Information and eGovernment Authority, has launched the Remote Notarisation Service in Bahrain.

This service, provided by private notaries, enables digital document certification, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

The remote notarisation service is accessible through the official website, https://notary.moj.gov.bh, and will initially be optional, gradually expanding to cover specific transaction types in its first phase.

Users are encouraged to register via the Government Notification System (Notices) on the National Portal, bahrain.bh, and keep their contact information updated for service access.

This initiative underscores the Ministry’s dedication to digital transformation, offering flexible solutions to meet the needs of the community, businesses, and investors.

It aims to save time and streamline notarisation and certification processes.

The service eliminates the need for in-person visits and paper-based transactions, utilising Blockchain technology for secure, immutable digital transactions.

It also supports electronic signatures through a One-Time Password (OTP), removing the necessity for handwritten signatures.

Users can inquire about and cancel their notarisation transactions as needed.

The introduction of this service is set to expand the private sector’s role in notarisation services, with the Ministry maintaining oversight and regulation of transactions conducted by licensed private notaries.

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Saudi Arabia: Banks Banned From using WhatsApp Communications

04/03/202504/03/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced a ban on the use of instant messaging applications, such as WhatsApp, by local banks for customer communications, citing these platforms as unreliable. In response, the Central Bank has urged financial institutions to explore secure alternatives, such as integrating instant messaging services like Live Chat or ChatBot within their applications or websites, while ensuring compliance with personal data protection requirements.

Local banks have been instructed to implement these measures and educate their staff, including branch, customer service, and marketing employees, about the new guidelines, conducting necessary assessments to ensure compliance.

The Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks has highlighted the prevalence of fraud cases involving impersonation of charitable organisations or public figures on social media.

Fraudsters deceive victims by pretending to represent official entities, using fake documents and seals to solicit fees for supposed financial assistance.

The committee has emphasised that legitimate organisations do not solicit donations or search for beneficiaries through social media or instant messaging platforms. Fraudsters often lure victims by falsely claiming they are entitled to donations or support from well-known charities, or by exploiting the names of legal entities, demanding fees through money transfers or payment links.

Customers are encouraged to use the secure SADAD system, available in all Saudi banks and banking applications, for official bill payments and service fees. In the event of fraud, immediate notification to the bank is crucial for recovery actions.

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Bahrain: Tightens Advertising Regulations

28/02/202528/02/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 26 February 2025: Bahrain is set to impose stricter penalties on misleading advertising, with a new government-drafted bill proposing fines of up to BD20,000 and potential jail time for offenders.

The legislation, currently under review by Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, aims to eliminate harmful advertising practices and streamline the licensing process.

The bill seeks to amend Bahrain Law No. 14/1973, introducing tighter controls on advertising, particularly for roadside promotions and commercial displays overseen by the Municipalities Affairs Ministry.

Under the proposed regulations, violations such as advertising without a licence, breaching licence conditions, providing false information, or using unlawful means to secure a permit could result in jail terms or fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD20,000.

Additionally, obstructing ministry inspectors or concealing necessary records and documents would incur penalties.

Each infraction would be treated individually, with courts mandated to order the removal of unauthorised advertisements at the advertiser’s expense.

The bill defines advertising as any medium intended to inform the public or a specific group about a product, service, or offering, encompassing visual, audio, or illuminated adverts, as well as those made from materials like wood, metal, paper, fabric, plastic, or glass.

Advertisers would be required to obtain prior approval from the relevant authority before displaying content.

The ministry would have the authority to inspect advertisements and remove those that violate the rules, providing advertisers with at least 15 days’ notice before removal and requiring them to cover the cost of restoring the site.

The ministry could also revoke an advertising licence permanently or temporarily.

Penalties would apply to each offending advertisement, and anyone who removes, damages, or defaces a licensed advertisement, or any part of it, would face a separate fine of up to BD1,000.

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UAE: Launches Real-Time Price Monitoring for Essential Commodities

27/02/202527/02/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 20 February 2025: The UAE’s Economy Ministry has launched a digital platform to monitor the prices of nine essential commodities in real-time.

This initiative is designed to prevent unjustified price increases and ensure that any changes are pre-approved by the ministry.

The platform, known as the “National Digital Platform for Monitoring the Movement of Basic Commodity Prices,” allows for real-time tracking and verification of price fluctuations, ensuring they remain within established limits.

It covers cooperatives, hypermarkets, and large stores, which represent over 90% of the domestic trade in basic consumer goods across the UAE.

The Ministry has mandated that prices for cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat cannot be increased without prior approval.

The platform uses advanced data collection and analysis tools to alert the Ministry’s control team and other relevant entities about any breaches of the price ceiling.

It also aims to detect monopolistic practices or price manipulation, featuring a map function to identify locations instantly.

This initiative is part of efforts to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure transparency in consumer goods pricing, thereby protecting consumers.

Inspections have been conducted at major hypermarkets to verify compliance with the new pricing policy, confirming that prices for the nine essential items are displayed according to guidelines.

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