News developments Archives - Page 3 of 241

Saudi Arabia: SAMA Issues Updated Oversight Framework for Payment Systems

25/03/202626/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Arabia’s Central Bank (SAMA) has issued an updated Oversight Framework for Payment Systems and Their Operators, replacing the previous framework and aligning regulatory supervision with the Law of Payments and Payment Services.

The revised framework clarifies the scope of oversight, sets out SAMA’s supervisory methodology—including oversight tools, self‑assessment and formal assessment procedures—and defines the regulatory obligations of payment‑system operators in accordance with applicable laws and international standards.

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Kuwait: Civil Aviation orders full ticket refunds within 15 days

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 24 March 2026: Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated all airlines and travel agencies to issue full refunds for cancelled or unused tickets within 15 working days, following the suspension of commercial flights since 28 February.

Under the directive, passengers are entitled to a full refund for unused tickets, and a full refund for the unused portion of partially used tickets—even if originally classified as non‑refundable. Airlines and agents are prohibited from forcing passengers to accept vouchers, reschedule flights, or convert bookings into credit without consent. The refund requirement also extends to unused hotel bookings and other travel services such as car rentals, extra baggage, and travel insurance.

Refunds must be processed using the original payment method unless another arrangement is voluntarily agreed, and only pre‑disclosed service fees may be deducted. Violations may result in legal action before the competent complaints and arbitration committee under Kuwait’s air‑transport regulatory framework.

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Qatar: Private sector ordered to resume on‑site work

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 24 March 2026: Qatar’s Ministries of Labour and Commerce & Industry have lifted the remote‑work mandate for all private‑sector institutions, ordering a full return to on‑site operations in line with guidance from the Council of Ministers Secretariat General.

The directive restores standard workplace obligations and ends the exceptional remote‑work arrangements previously in force, with authorities emphasising continuity of business operations and adherence to regular labour‑regulatory frameworks.

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Fujairah: Man Arrested for Filming for Foreign Media Without a Permit

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 17 March 2026: Authorities in Fujairah have arrested a man who trespassed and filmed in restricted areas without obtaining the necessary permits.

The authorities stated that he had secretly entered the sites before being detected and arrested. During questioning, it was revealed that he worked for a media organisation; but did not have any authorisation permitting him to access the locations or conduct filming there. It was confirmed that the accused violated applicable laws and regulations by filming without obtaining official approvals, in breach of the filming bans which were enforced in those areas. The recorded footage had been sent electronically to a news organisation in London without official authorisation.

UAE laws criminalise entering or being present in restricted areas without a permit, even if no other act takes place. Taking photographs, preparing maps, recording coordinates, or using any other means of documentation in violation of prohibitions issued by the competent authorities is also prohibited.

The UAE Public Prosecution have stressed the importance of adhering to applicable laws and regulations and obtaining prior official permits before undertaking any filming particularly in sensitive or restricted locations.

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Bahrain: Electricity Bill Relief for Businesses

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 18 March 2026: MPs in Bahrain have approved measures to compensate businesses for water and electricity costs.

The proposal had been submitted by four MPs calling for urgent support of businesses affected by the regional crisis. It was stated some sectors had faced disruption and declining footfall as a result. The measure aims to reduce the fixed cost burden of these costs by studying mechanisms to compensate them or reduce their costs, allowing these businesses to remain in operation.

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Bahrain: MPs seek temporary freeze on personal‑loan repayments

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Digital News, 17 March 2026: Bahraini MPs have submitted an urgent proposal calling for a three‑month freeze on personal‑loan instalments for citizens, without interest or additional charges, in response to financial pressures caused by regional tensions and recent Iranian attacks.

Five legislators, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk, placed the proposal on the agenda for debate during today’s parliamentary session. The MPs said the measure aims to support families experiencing economic strain, noting that recent security events have had direct repercussions on household finances.

If adopted, the suspension would apply to Bahraini citizens’ personal loans issued by banks and financing institutions, and would pause repayments without imposing penalties, fees or compound interest—similar to relief measures enacted during previous national emergencies.

The proposal is now pending parliamentary discussion, after which it may be escalated to the government for formal action.

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Kuwait: New Laws to Protect Military Interests

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 18 March 2026: Two new laws designed to protect military interests in Kuwait and combat terrorism have been published in the official gazette with immediate effect.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 is on combating terrorism crimes and Kuwait Decree-Law No 13/2026 covers securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities. The new legislation aims to respond to evolving security threats, which have become organised, complex, and transnational, and now require an integrated legal framework which combines prevention, deterence and protection.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 defines ‘terrorist acts’ as offenses targeting individuals, property, public facilities, transportation, or cyberspace, which are aimed at spreading fear, undermining societal security, or influencing authorities.

It distinguishes between a ‘terrorist organisation’, ‘terrorist’, and a ‘state of terrorist danger’, and applies to acts committed inside or outside Kuwait if related to its security or interests. Penalties for these crimes are severe, and include life imprisonment or the death penalty in certain cases. The law criminalises assisting perpetrators, failing to report crimes, and provides for incentives for cooperation with authorities, such as immunity if the crime is reported before execution or if help is provided in identifying an offender.

It also criminalises attacks on vital facilities, diplomatic premises, recruitment, training, or affiliation with terrorist entities, and introduces precautionary measures under judicial supervision through the ‘state of terrorist danger’ concept, which include monitoring and rehabilitation programmes. In addition, the law establishes a National Committee for Combating Terrorism which will set national strategy, coordinate efforts, and ensure compliance with international obligations.

Meanwhile Kuwait Decree-Law No. 13/2026 provides a comprehensive framework to protect military interests, enabling efficient operations by regulating access to military sites, safeguarding classified information, and managing security procedures.

It criminalises unauthorised entry, dissemination of false information affecting military morale, and exploitation of military assets, with penalties of up to life imprisonment for severe violations. The Public Prosecution will have exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute crimes under these laws, strengthening procedural efficiency while balancing security and legal safeguards.

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UAE: Authorities Confirm Commitment to Economic Openness

25/03/202625/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 19 March 2026: Authorities in Dubai have shared a fact check statement refuting reports claiming the UAE had introduced strict laws to prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their capital and leaving the Emirate.

The false reports had alleged that the measures included freezing bank accounts and imposing restrictions on money transfers and capital movement in order to retain investors. Dubai media office made it clear that the UAE economy was strong, and Dubai would continue to remain a global economic hub and magnet for investors. The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism had denied the reports which circulated on social media on imposing restrictions on the movement of capital or preventing foreign investors from transferring or managing their funds in line with the applicable laws and regulations.

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Dubai: Customs Announce Green Corridor with Oman

25/03/202626/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 18 March 2026: Dubai Customs have announced a ‘Green Corridor’ between the emirate and Oman for maritime and air shipments.

Shipments will now be diverted through Omani ports to Dubai through a streamlined route.

The procedure will work seamlessly with transit declarations first being submitted in Oman, under fast customs procedures, before the shipment is transferred through the Green Corridor.

Then, the shipping agent’s seal will be applied to Green Corridor containers, verifying the integrity of the goods across inter-border ports until arrival in Dubai. Once at the Hatta Border Crossing, the cargo manifest and bill of lading will be submitted. Finally, shipments will proceed to customs clearance at the relevant centres.

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UAE: Expired residency holders abroad allowed to return without entry permit

17/03/202617/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Qatar Peninsula, 12 March 2026: The UAE has introduced a temporary measure allowing expatriate residents whose residency visas expired while they were outside the country to return without obtaining a new entry permit.

According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the decision applies to residents who were unable to return due to current regional conditions, including airspace closures and suspended flights. The exemption is valid from 28 February to 31 March 2026.

Eligible residents may re‑enter the UAE during this period without applying for a fresh entry permit, easing travel disruptions caused by the ongoing regional security situation.

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