News developments Archives - Page 3 of 226

Dubai: Free Zones Introduces Multiple Share Classes for Registered Companies

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

Dubai World Trade Centre Authority has launched a new regulatory framework allowing companies in its free zone to issue multiple classes of shares, expanding beyond traditional ordinary shares.

The framework enables registered businesses to implement varied share structures including preference shares, founder’s shares, restricted shares and tiered structures through class A/B/C/D categorisation. Companies can now customise these arrangements through their Memorandum of Association to specify different rights regarding dividends, voting powers, transfer conditions and redemption options.

Under the new regulations, businesses must incorporate specific governance measures to protect shareholder rights and maintain transparency in their operations. The framework includes provisions for minority shareholder protection and clear guidelines for implementing different share classes.

The free zone authority has confirmed that while ordinary shares will remain the standard option, registered companies now have the flexibility to adopt more complex share structures. These arrangements can be used for various purposes including investment attraction, succession planning and equity-based compensation.

The free zone currently hosts businesses from more than 40 sectors, operating under regulations that permit full foreign ownership and simplified licensing procedures.

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Abu Dhabi: Introduces Insurance Coverage for Autonomous Vehicles

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

Khaleej Times, 10 November 2025: Abu Dhabi has established an insurance framework for self-driving vehicles operating within the city.

The Advanced Technology Research Council revealed that insurance coverage for unmanned vehicles was secured within a week, enabling autonomous cargo vehicles to operate legally on city streets. The implementation followed a 45-day testing period during which vehicles underwent extensive field trials and gradual pilot programmes across different zones of the city.

The new insurance framework addresses one of the primary challenges in deploying autonomous transport systems, which has been a significant hurdle both locally and internationally.

The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council continues to develop regulations for the autonomous ecosystem, with plans to expand the framework for future technological developments, including flying taxis slated for introduction in the near future.

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UAE: Mandates Laboratory Testing under Sugar-Based Drinks Tax

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has outlined new requirements for beverage producers and importers ahead of a tiered sugar tax implementation planned for early 2026.

Under the new system, manufacturers must obtain Accredited Conformity Certificates verifying the sugar content of their products. The certification process requires laboratory testing from approved facilities to determine precise sugar levels per 100 millilitres.

The tax structure will feature four distinct categories: drinks with 8g or more sugar per 100ml: highest tax rate, drinks containing 5-8g sugar per 100ml: moderate tax rate, beverages with less than 5g sugar per 100ml: lower tax rate and sugar-free drinks with artificial sweeteners: zero tax.

Products without proper certification will automatically be classified in the highest tax bracket until laboratory results prove otherwise.

The new framework will apply to all beverages containing added sugars or sweeteners, including concentrates, powders, and gels. Natural sugar-only drinks will be exempt from the tax, while energy drinks will maintain their current 100% excise rate.

Businesses can now apply for certification through the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s online platform. Acceptable test results must come from laboratories accredited by recognised bodies such as the Emirates National Accreditation System or those certified under ISO/IEC 17025.

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Saudi Arabia: Introduces Updates on the Five-Year Rent Freeze in Riyadh

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Argaam, 29 October 2025: Saudi authorities have announced sweeping changes to rental regulations, on the five-year rent freeze in Riyadh and new protections for tenants across the kingdom.

The reforms, which affect both residential and commercial properties, introduce several key measures: a complete suspension of rent increases within Riyadh’s urban boundaries for five years, mandatory registration of all rental contracts through the official platform, automatic contract renewal unless 60 days’ notice is given, fixed rental rates for vacant properties based on last recorded values and new electronic system for processing rent adjustment requests.

Under the new regulations, landlords can only decline contract renewals under specific circumstances: non-payment of rent, structural safety concerns and personal or immediate family use of the property.

For properties outside Riyadh, landlords must seek tenant approval through the official platform for any rent modifications. The changes must be proposed at least 90 days before contract expiry, with tenants required to respond within 30 days.

The reforms also address contract validity, stipulating that unregistered agreements will not be legally enforceable. Additional service charges, such as parking and cleaning, must be clearly stated in the initial contract.

Enforcement measures include penalties for violations, with authorities implementing verification systems to prevent circumvention of the regulations. Property ownership changes will not affect existing rent caps.

The new system maintains these restrictions regardless of pre-existing agreements, including long-term contracts with built-in increase clauses. Officials will consider extending similar measures to other cities based on market conditions.

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Qatar: Updates Customs Duty Exemption Rules for Travellers and Residents

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 2 November 2025: Qatar’s General Authority of Customs has outlined comprehensive duty exemption policies covering personal luggage, postal parcels, and household relocations, establishing clear guidelines for different categories of arrivals into the country.

Under the new regulations, travellers can bring personal items and gifts duty-free, provided individual gifts do not exceed QR3,000 in value. The policy permits specific allowances for tobacco products, including up to 400 cigarettes or 20 cigars, with a total value cap of QR3,000.

For postal items, the authority has set a duty-free threshold of QR1,000 for personal parcels and mailings. The exemption applies only to unrestricted items imported under an individual’s name.

The framework includes special provisions for household relocations. Qatari citizens returning from abroad may import used personal effects and household goods duty-free for personal use. Non-Qatari residents must import their household items within six months of arrival and provide employer documentation and residence permits.

New residents must also sign an agreement not to sell imported items for at least one year after entry, with penalties and duties applying for breaches. The authority notes that new household appliances or furniture may not qualify for exemption.

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Oman: Central Bank Warns Media Over Incorrect Logo Usage

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Times Of Oman, 3 November 2025: Oman’s central bank has issued a formal notice to media outlets regarding the misuse of its official logo in publications and digital platforms.

The notice specifically addresses instances where incorrect versions of the bank’s logo have appeared across various media channels. The bank has instructed all media organisations to verify and update their visual assets to ensure they are using only the officially sanctioned version of the institution’s logo.

The regulatory body has emphasised that strict adherence to its official branding guidelines is now mandatory for all media representations. Media outlets have been directed to remove any unauthorised variations of the logo from their platforms.

The central bank’s notice serves as a formal reminder to publishers and broadcasters about their obligations regarding the use of official institutional symbols. The bank has not specified potential consequences for continued non-compliance with these requirements.

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Kuwait: Mandates Electronic Tracking of Private Sector Working Hours

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 2 November 2025: Kuwait has introduced new regulations requiring private sector employers to digitally record and display working hours, rest periods and holidays.

Under Kuwait Decision No. 15/2025, employers must enter comprehensive workplace scheduling information into a new electronic system managed by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM).

The mandatory digital records must include: daily working hours, rest periods, weekly rest days and official holidays.

Employers are required to maintain up-to-date records, with any schedule changes to be logged immediately in the system. The digital data will serve as the official reference for workplace inspections.

The resolution stipulates that employers must print and prominently display the approved schedules at work sites, making them accessible to both staff and inspectors. This new electronic system replaces all previous paper-based documentation methods.

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Abu Dhabi: Economic Licence Renewal Fees Waived for Long-Expired Permits

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 31 October 2025: Abu Dhabi authorities have announced a fee exemption scheme for investors holding economic licences that expired more than three years ago, with the first phase targeting permits that lapsed before 2010.

The initiative allows affected licence holders to complete renewals throughout November 2025 without incurring late fees.

Under current regulations, licences left unrenewed are transferred to an expired registry and face potential revocation after three years of inactivity.

The scheme enables investors to regularise their expired permits during the designated grace period, avoiding standard penalties for late renewal.

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UAE: Tax Authority Launches AI Tools to Modernise Tax Services

30/10/202530/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 22 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has implemented new artificial intelligence systems to enhance its tax administration services across the United Arab Emirates, including two primary AI platforms: an internal system for staff and an upgraded public-facing service for taxpayers.

The authority has introduced FTAGPT, an AI-powered internal system designed to provide FTA staff with immediate responses to queries about VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax legislation. The tool primarily supports call centre staff and employees who interact directly with taxpayers.

Simultaneously, the FTA has enhanced TARA, its existing AI platform for taxpayers, accessible through the authority’s official website. The upgraded system now includes comprehensive information about Corporate Tax, introduced in 2023, and allows users to check application status and submit queries about tax legislation.

Director of the Taxpayer Services Department, confirmed that the system has been expanded to handle inquiries about Corporate Tax returns and reconsideration cases related to fines. The authority has also implemented predictive AI capabilities to identify common filing errors and send preventative guidance to taxpayers.

The UAE’s current tax framework encompasses three main taxes: a 5% Value Added Tax, Excise Tax on specific products ranging from 50% to 100%, and Corporate Tax with rates of 0% on profits up to AED 375,000 and 9% above this threshold.

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Saudi Arabia: Expands Stock Market Access for Foreign Investors

30/10/202530/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Business Wire, 27 October 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) has introduced significant changes to its investment account regulations, widening access to the Kingdom’s main stock market for Gulf-based foreign investors and former residents.

Under the new framework, individual foreign investors residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now directly invest in shares listed on the Saudi Main Market (TASI). Previously, these investors were restricted to debt instruments, the Parallel Market, investment funds, and derivatives trading.

The amendments also permit foreign investors who formerly resided in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries to maintain their investment accounts and continue trading on the main market after leaving the region, provided they established their accounts during their residency period.

These regulatory changes mark a significant shift from previous rules, which limited main market access to foreign investors operating through swap agreements with licensed institutions or managed accounts.

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