News developments Archives - Page 4 of 223

Sharjah: Announces Free Home Care for Elderly on Low Incomes

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 8 October 2025: The Ruler of Sharjah has approved the provision of free home care services for senior citizens with limited income, with immediate effect.

The announcement confirms that eligible elderly residents will receive home care without any deductions from their monthly social assistance payments. Any fees already collected this month will be refunded to recipients.

They outlined the new directive during the television and radio broadcast, explaining the practical implementation of the service.

The measure forms part of the emirate’s existing social welfare programmes for elderly citizens. Those already receiving social assistance will automatically qualify for the free home care provision.

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Saudi Arabia: Central Bank Issues New Rules for Salary Payment Processing

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 2 October 2025: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has released seven new directives to banks and financial institutions regarding salary and financial support payments processing.

Key requirements include: immediate processing of salary deposits upon data completion, maintenance of adequate technical and human resource, enhanced system monitoring during payment periods, implementation of contingency plans for technical issues, mandatory reporting of payment disruptions, development of internal escalation procedures and submission of detailed transaction reports within three business days.

Specific timing requirements state that: banks must report any government salary payment disruptions by 11:00 a.m. on payment day, transaction reports must include both processed and rejected payments, and institutions must provide contact details for staff responsible for government salary processing.

The directives mandate that banks: conduct system change assessments to prevent payment disruptions, notify SAMA of delays via Treasury Support Messages, maintain operational resilience monitoring and establish clear problem-escalation procedures.

The new requirements apply to all salary and financial support payments processed through the Saudi financial system.

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Qatar: New Digital Customs Archive System Launches

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar’s customs authority has implemented a new digital archiving system to centralise and automate its international customs documentation processes.

The system creates a unified database for customs documents and international cooperation procedures. It will manage records of regional and international meetings, customs agreements, and memoranda of understanding.

Using artificial intelligence technology, the platform analyses document content and provides enhanced security features that comply with current data protection standards.

The new digital archive introduces improved information-sharing capabilities between customs departments, allowing for more streamlined interdepartmental communication.

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Oman: Hiring Local Worker Mandatory for Foreign Businesses

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 5 October 2025: Foreign-owned companies in Oman must employ at least one Omani citizen within their first year of operation, according to new legislation announced by the country’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

The requirement, established through Oman Ministerial Decision No. 411/2025, introduces Article (12) bis to the Foreign Capital Investment Law’s (Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2019) executive regulations. Under the new rules, foreign businesses must ensure their Omani employees are officially registered with the Social Protection Fund.

Existing foreign companies that have been operating for more than a year will need to comply with the regulation within six months. This adjustment must occur when they either renew their commercial registration, obtain a new work permit, or renew an existing permit, whichever comes first.

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Kuwait: Launches Digital Criminal Court Order System

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice has announced the implementation of a new electronic criminal court order system following cabinet approval marking a significant shift towards digital justice administration in the country.

The new system enables courts to process minor criminal cases entirely electronically, from initial filing through to verdict delivery and notification. This digital transformation specifically targets misdemeanours and minor offences that typically result in fines, eliminating the need for traditional court hearings or witness testimony.

Under the new procedure, judges can issue rulings based solely on case documentation through a streamlined digital platform. The system aims to address the substantial backlog of paper files, estimated at millions of cases, many of which have been pending for years due to administrative challenges.

The legislation includes provisions for complete electronic documentation of criminal orders and establishes guidelines for handling specialised criminal cases, including regulations on data storage periods and determining relevant authorities for case notifications.

For the full story, click here.

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Dubai: Launches New Support Package for Local Start-ups

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 1 October 2025: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has announced new incentives for Emirati-owned start-ups through a partnership between its SME division and Emirates Petroleum Company.

The scheme introduces several cost-reduction measures including: discounted registration and product fees, reduced rates for advertising services, lower rental costs for retail spaces and kiosks, new revenue-sharing arrangements and access to promotional platforms.

Under the agreement, eligible businesses will receive access to premium retail locations and marketing support across the petroleum company’s network. The programme includes co-branded marketing opportunities and preferential rates for payment and logistics services.

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Bahrain: Implements New SMS Anti-Fraud Measures

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 6 October 2025: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain has introduced new guidelines to combat SMS fraud, developed in collaboration with the country’s mobile operators.

The regulations establish specific technical requirements for detecting fraudulent messages, blocking suspicious SMS traffic, implementing reporting mechanisms and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

Under the new framework, mobile operators must follow prescribed procedures for identifying and preventing fraudulent messages from reaching consumers. The guidelines also outline protocols for public reporting of suspected scams.

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Ajman: Introduces Heavy Fines for Illegal Fuel Truck Parking

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 6 October 2025: Ajman authorities will begin enforcing new penalties from 7 October 2025 for fuel transport trucks parked outside designated areas, with fines ranging from AED5,000 to AED20,000.

The new regulation implements a three-tier penalty system: first offence: AED5,000 fine, second offence: AED10,000 fine and third offence: AED20,000 fine plus vehicle impoundment and potential public auction.

The Ajman Supreme Energy Committee will oversee enforcement and holds authority to suspend or cancel fuel trading permits for companies violating the rules.

Vehicles found in densely populated areas or positions deemed hazardous will face immediate removal at the owner’s expense.

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Abu Dhabi: Schools Required to Implement New Ethics Code

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 5 October 2025: Abu Dhabi’s education regulator has introduced mandatory ethical standards for all schools under its supervision, establishing specific behaviours that teaching staff must follow.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has outlined six core standards that schools must incorporate into their conduct codes, covering national identity, professional relationships, legal compliance, digital practices, community protection, and school safety.

Key requirements for educators include: fair treatment of all students and colleagues, prevention of discrimination in classrooms, mentoring of new teaching staff, obtaining proper permits for private tutoring, implementation of cybersecurity measures, reporting of suspected abuse cases and addressing academic dishonesty.

The standards mandate that teachers must respect diverse religious and cultural backgrounds while upholding Emirati values. Digital responsibility features prominently, with requirements for educators to teach students about online information verification and ethical AI usage.

Schools must also ensure staff participate in continuous professional development and engage in environmental and social initiatives.

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UAE: Announces Nationwide Push for Local Inspectors and Regulators

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Etihad, 24 September 2025: The United Arab Emirates has launched a comprehensive initiative to increase local employment in inspection and regulatory roles across both government and private sectors.

The programme focuses on recruiting and training Emirati nationals for supervisory positions in several key areas, including: Environmental monitoring and pollution control, Food safety and consumer protection, Occupational health and safety, Infrastructure project supervision and Market quality control.

Officials have confirmed that the initiative will implement specialised training programmes incorporating artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies to prepare local candidates for inspection and monitoring roles.

The scheme requires new inspectors to undergo extensive field training and obtain scientific qualifications to handle major infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The programme includes continuous professional development to ensure inspectors can effectively use the latest technological tools.

For the full story, click here.

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