News developments Archives - Page 3 of 239

Saudi Arabia: Labour‑law violations reclassified into new categories

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 25 February 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issues a ministerial order reorganising labour‑law violations into clearer, activity‑based categories.

Saudi authorities have been reviewing labour‑market regulations to improve clarity and compliance across different sectors. The new order reclassifies several labour‑law violations into defined categories based on the nature of the activity, offering clearer guidance for establishments and workers. These categories cover general violations, mining and quarrying operations, maritime employment contracts, operations and maintenance, human‑resources and recruitment companies, recruitment offices, domestic‑worker regulations, support‑services advertising, unlicensed employment and outsourcing, and rules governing agricultural workers and private shepherds.

The ministry states that the amendments aim to strengthen labour‑market stability, protect workers’ rights and enhance the attractiveness and flexibility of the work environment. The updated schedule takes effect immediately from the date of issuance, aligning with earlier royal‑order amendments and revisions to the executive regulations.

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Qatar: Financial regulator shifts to remote work

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 3 March 2026: Qatar’s Financial Markets Authority has shifted its operations to remote work, instructing all licensed entities under its supervision to do the same until further notice.

The authority has confirmed that the remote‑work requirement would begin on Tuesday and remain in place until further notice. In its announcement, it stated that each institution would determine which employees must attend on‑site based on the nature of their duties.

Officials noted that this step aligns with earlier guidance issued on flexible working arrangements. The regulator said the decision forms part of general precautionary measures being adopted across several sectors, ensuring business continuity and safeguarding staff while operational conditions are reassessed.

Institutions were advised to continue following official updates and ensure internal procedures support uninterrupted service delivery during the remote‑work period.

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Oman: Royal Decree strengthens economic‑zones regulatory system

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Oman Observer, 2 March 2026: Oman has issued a new regulatory system under Oman Sultani Decree No. 39/2026 expanding the powers of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).

OPAZ has announced that the new system, promulgated by Oman Sultani Decree No. 39/2026, grants the Authority broader regulatory, supervisory and permitting powers across all special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities. Officials stated that the framework integrates with the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law, streamlines procedures through an independent regulatory system and supports investment by enhancing governance, administrative efficiency and legislative stability. The Authority confirmed that the new mandate includes unified oversight across existing and future zones and delivery of licensing and approvals via a single‑window platform.

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Kuwait: Government sets maximum prices for all food commodities

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 2 March 2026: Kuwait has issued a ministerial decree fixing maximum selling prices for all food commodities based on rates in effect before 28 February 2026.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry had announced a decree establishing that prevailing retail prices for all food items prior to 28 February 2026 constitute the maximum permissible rates. Any increase above these levels requires ministerial approval. The measure will take effect one month from issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette. Violations will be subject to penalties under Kuwait Decree-Law No. 10/1979 on Supervision on trade In Goods and Defining Certain Prices, with relevant authorities instructed to enforce the pricing controls and monitor local markets to prevent unjustified price hikes.

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Dubai: Police prioritise delivery‑rider safety

05/03/202605/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 2 March 2026: Dubai Police have launched new field‑awareness initiatives for delivery‑motorcycle riders to strengthen traffic safety and reduce road accidents.

Dubai Police, through Hatta Police Station, launched a field‑awareness initiative for delivery‑motorcycle riders under the traffic‑safety campaign “Your lives matter, your safety is our goal,” focusing on compliance with road‑traffic regulations and the reduction of violations such as distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes and obstructive group riding.

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Bahrain: Parliament moves to tighten oversight of instalment sales

05/03/202605/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Digital News, 25 February 2026: Bahrain’s Parliament have unanimously approved an urgent proposal to strengthen oversight of instalment sales amid concerns about unclear contracts and hidden fees.

Bahrain’s Parliament have endorsed a proposal aimed at regulating instalment sales, particularly those offered by electronics retailers. Lawmakers raised concerns about ambiguous contract terms and undisclosed charges that had allegedly affected consumers. The proposal, submitted by five MPs has now been referred to the Cabinet for review.

If adopted, the initiative would lead to future consumer‑protection measures requiring greater transparency from retailers and stricter scrutiny of instalment agreements. Businesses offering deferred‑payment schemes may eventually face requirements to standardise disclosures and align with enhanced regulatory guidelines.

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Ajman: Decree regulating rental‑dispute fees and deposits issued

05/03/202605/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 3 March 2026: Ajman has issued a new Emiri Decree regulating the fees and deposits applicable to rental‑dispute proceedings before the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre.

Ajman Emiri Decree No. 2/2026 was issued introducing a framework for the collection of fees and deposits for cases and applications filed before the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre. The decree establishes a Dh1,000 security deposit for appeals challenging rulings within the final jurisdiction of the Primary Rental Committee, limited to grounds involving public‑order jurisdictional defects or procedural invalidity, with confiscation applying if the appeal is ruled inadmissible.

It further imposes a Dh2,000 deposit for petitions for reconsideration, refundable only if accepted, and sets out the mechanism for the Centre to collect fines for rental violations, prohibiting duplicate collection by municipal authorities.

Ajman Emiri Decree No. 2/2026 repeals earlier legislation on judicial fees for rental disputes, with certain provisions remaining temporarily in force pending the issuance of new implementing regulations.

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Abu Dhabi: Fast‑food advertising banned

05/03/202605/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

The National, 27 February 2026: Abu Dhabi authorities announce a ban on fast‑food advertising as part of a broader strategy to reduce exposure to unhealthy food marketing and improve public health.

Abu Dhabi has been developing policies aimed at reducing non‑communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets. The new measure bans fast‑food advertising across the emirate as part of a wider framework regulating the promotion of unhealthy food and beverages.

The policy regulating unhealthy food and beverage advertising places restrictions on marketing products high in fat, sugar and salt, particularly where children could be influenced. It aims to reduce obesity and other chronic diseases by limiting public exposure to unhealthy food promotions, and it introduces coordinated enforcement involving regulatory, municipal and health authorities.

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UAE: Authorities Activate New Rule to Break Monopoly on Medical Products

27/02/202627/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 24 February 2026: The UAE has activated a first‑of‑its‑kind mechanism requiring pharmaceutical companies to appoint multiple agents for each medical product to break long‑standing monopolies and strengthen national pharmaceutical security.

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) said it has activated the new mechanism under Federal Decree‑Law No. 38/2024 on Medical Products, the Pharmacy Profession, and Pharmaceutical Establishments, marking the first time the UAE has obliged pharmaceutical firms to register more than one authorised agent per medical product. The move is part of a national strategy to enhance pharmaceutical security, diversify supply chains, and ensure the continuous availability of medicines and medical products across the country.

Officials explained that the reform aims to end exclusive‑agent control, reduce the risk of supply disruptions during emergencies or operational challenges, and improve the efficiency and resilience of medical‑product distribution. The EDE added that expanding the number of authorised agents will accelerate delivery times, improve inventory management, and boost the UAE’s attractiveness as an investment destination in the pharmaceutical sector.

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Saudi Arabia: Government Allowed Exemptions for Contracting with Firms Lacking Regional HQ

27/02/202627/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 19 February 2026: Saudi Arabia has introduced a formal exemption mechanism permitting government entities to contract with international companies that do not maintain a regional headquarters in the Kingdom.

The decision, announced by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, aims to balance the Kingdom’s strict “Relocation of Headquarters” policy—effective since early 2024—with the practical needs of major projects requiring specialised technical expertise or strong financial competitiveness. Under the earlier rule, all government bodies, funds, institutions, and affiliated agencies had been prohibited from contracting with foreign companies whose regional headquarters were located outside Saudi Arabia.

The authority confirmed that government entities may now request an exemption for specific projects, groups of projects, or defined periods, provided the request is submitted before issuing a tender or initiating direct contracting. The electronic service for submitting such exemption requests went live on the “Etimad” digital platform in November 2025, offering an official channel for regulated applications. Requests for older tenders or tenders issued outside the platform will continue under the previous mechanism.

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