News developments Archives - Page 4 of 239

Qatar: MoCI Rolls Out 36 New E‑Services

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

The Peninsula, 24 February 2026: Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched 36 new e‑services to simplify licensing procedures and accelerate the country’s digital‑government agenda.

The Ministry said the newly introduced services cover a wide spectrum of commercial and regulatory activities, including licensing for prize draws, annual and seasonal sales, loyalty programmes, “Scan and Win” campaigns, special offers, festivals, initiatives, promotional campaigns and final‑clearance sales. The platform also expands brokerage‑activity services, enabling the issuance, renewal, amendment, cancellation and replacement of broker licences and cards, all completed electronically.

The initiative targets full digitalisation of government services, enhanced business efficiency and stronger innovation within the commercial, industrial and investment sectors.

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Oman: Regulators Review Children’s Social Media Use Amid Digital‑Safety Concerns

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

Gulf News, 20 February 2026: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has begun reviewing children’s use of social media as part of plans to introduce a new regulatory framework addressing online‑safety risks.

Authorities said the review have been prompted by studies indicating risks such as exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time. The TRA confirmed that the initiative would reassess the legal responsibilities of platforms accessed by minors, including potential measures on parental controls, age‑verification requirements and oversight obligations for service providers.

The regulator announced it would conduct consultations with families, educators, technology companies and other relevant stakeholders before finalising the framework, expected by the end of the third quarter. Officials also noted that international regulatory models—particularly from Europe—would be examined to align Omani standards with global best practices on child‑online protection.

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Kuwait: National Service Law Amended by New Decree

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

Kuwait has issued a new decree amending the national military service framework, updating eligibility rules, exemptions and procedural requirements.

Kuwait Decree‑Law No. 9/2026 introduced amendments to Kuwait Law No. 20/2015 on Military National Service. The Armed Forces said the update aims to resolve legislative and procedural gaps that had caused delays in processing cases and handling situations not covered under the original law. Under the amendments, national service will apply to all Kuwaiti males turning 18, starting with those born on 1 January 2012, while those born before that date are exempt. Any procedures taken in violation of this cutoff will be cancelled.

The amendments also ensure that employed conscripts retain their salaries, allowances and bonuses throughout their service, with the service period counted toward total employment years. Additional provisions include exempting an only son, extending the registration deadline from 60 to 180 days, and granting firefighters employed by Kuwait Oil Company the same exemptions as those given to the Kuwait Fire Force. The National Military Service Authority is now authorised to assign conscripts to the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard and the Kuwait Fire Force.

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Bahrain: Parliament Extends Social Insurance to Freelancers

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

Bahrain Moments, 19 February 2026: Bahrain’s Parliament has unanimously approved amendments extending mandatory social‑insurance coverage to freelancers and self‑employed workers.

The amendment updates Article 2 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 24/1976 promulgating the Social Insurance Law, expanding compulsory coverage beyond traditional employment contracts to include self‑employed individuals and members of the liberal professions. The categories eligible for enrolment will be designated by ministerial decision and require approval from the Social Insurance Organisation’s board, ensuring a controlled regulatory rollout.

Lawmakers confirmed that penalties, funding mechanisms and implementation remain governed by existing statutory structures, noting the measure does not impose additional burdens on the state budget. The law takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2026

24/02/202624/02/2026
by Tanya Jain

In this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2026, we examine the legal reforms, compliance priorities, and workplace trends shaping employment across the GCC. From wage protection system updates in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to new disability obligations in Qatar and evolving Emiratisation enforcement, this issue delivers concise, practical insight for HR professionals, legal advisers, and business leaders.

With expert commentary, regional news updates, case analysis, and practitioner perspectives, we provide the clarity needed to navigate regulatory change with confidence and stay ahead in a fast-moving employment landscape.

Stay informed, compliant, and connected with the developments shaping the future of HR in the region.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: WAGING WAR ON WPS COMPLIANCE

Natalie Jones of Mischon de Reya LLP reviews recent changes to the UAE and Saudi wage protection systems and outlines the key compliance obligations for employers.

TREND SETTER: MENTAL HEALTH ABSENCE IN SAUDI

Fatima Al-Sabahi of Dentons explores employer and employee rights in cases involving mental health-related absences in Saudi Arabia.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE

A summary of the latest HR and employment law updates, including the latest DIFC Courts Practice Direction on employment disputes and other significant HR updates.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: RECENT GCC IMMIGRATION AND VISA CHANGES

Sponsored by Vialto Partners, this section reviews key immigration reforms and lessons from the UAE’s 2025 Emiratisation enforcement approach.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: EMIRATISATION COMPLIANCE

Anir Chatterji and Gordon Barr reflect on 2025 Emiratisation trends and provide practical guidance for meeting 2026 requirements.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Sarit Thomas and Emma Higham assess the impact of Qatar Law No. 22/2025 on disabilities and the resulting employer compliance obligations.

CASE FOCUS

A review of Zia Ur Rehman v Forvis Mazars LLC [2025], a QICDRC ruling addressing costs considerations for litigants in person.

MOVES AND CHANGES

A regional overview of the latest executive movements, leadership appointments, and HR leadership changes across key industries.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2026

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

HR PROFILE: UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS

Arjenney Cakar shares how working on pre-opening projects strengthened her HR expertise and supports ongoing business growth.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Jenika Pankhania explains recent amendments to the ADGM data protection regulations and their implications for employers.

POLICY POINTERS: ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Mary Rintu Raju provides a practical anti-bullying policy template to help organisations strengthen workplace standards.

UAE: VARA Designated as Competent Authority Under Corporate Tax Rules

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued a ministerial decision designating Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority as a competent authority for specific qualifying activities under the federal corporate tax framework.

The Ministry of Finance announced Ministerial Decision No. 336/2025, which added the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority—established in Dubai under Dubai Law No. 4/2022 Regulating Virtual Assets in the Emirate of Dubai—to the definition of “competent authority” in Ministerial Decision No. 229/2025 on Qualifying and Excluded Activities for the Purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Business and Corporate Taxation.

Under the update, VARA is recognised as a competent authority for qualifying activities linked to fund management, wealth management and investment‑management services, bringing virtual‑asset supervision into alignment with the broader corporate‑tax framework. The Ministry stated that the decision formed part of efforts to enhance clarity, certainty and regulatory alignment across the UAE’s financial system, supporting its strategic position as a global investment and financial hub.

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Sharjah: Emirate Launches Digital Donation Platforms

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 February 2026: Sharjah authorities introduced new digital donation platforms aimed at streamlining charitable contributions and strengthening organised giving during Ramadan.

The organisation unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at modernising the donation process and strengthening the culture of charity. According to the Head of the Resources and Investment Sector, the strategy focused on providing secure and user‑friendly channels for contributions. Among the key measures is the deployment of 18 smart donation screens across major shopping malls, offering multiple electronic payment options such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, QR code scanning and credit cards. These digital platforms replace traditional collection methods with faster and more secure alternatives.

In parallel with technological upgrades, the charity confirmed that 100 donation boxes will be distributed in mosques and public locations during Friday prayers, Taraweeh and Qiyam Al Lail. To ensure proper oversight, 100 vetted volunteers have been assigned to supervise collection activities during peak prayer times. Additionally, 54 customer‑service staff will be stationed at shopping centres and government facilities to receive contributions directly from donors. The charity also placed 6,729 small donation boxes in grocery stores across Sharjah to increase community participation and facilitate everyday giving.

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Saudi Arabia: New Musaned Service Enables Legal Termination of Worker Contracts

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arab News, 15 February 2026: Saudi Arabia has launched a new Musaned “work interruption” service allowing employers to legally terminate contracts when domestic workers are absent, clarifying procedures and strengthening contractual protections.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development introduced the service through the national unified recruitment platform, Musaned, as part of its efforts to improve contractual relationships and enhance transparency in the domestic‑labour sector. The system covers two core procedures: contract termination due to work interruption and labour mobility. Authorities stated that the service is designed to ensure rights are protected and contractual obligations remain clear for both employers and workers.

Under the new framework, workers whose contracts are terminated within the first two years of arrival must complete final‑exit procedures within 60 days, with failure to do so constituting a violation of law. Workers who have resided in the Kingdom for more than two years must either transfer to a new employer or obtain a final exit visa within the same 60‑day window. Noncompliance is treated as an absence from work and a breach of regulations.

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Qatar: Global and Domestic Minimum Tax Implemented

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar’s General Tax Authority has announced the start of implementing new global and domestic minimum‑tax rules under amended income‑tax legislation aligned with OECD/G20 Pillar Two standards.

The Authority has already completed legislative preparations before confirming the implementation of Chapter Seven (repealed and re‑enacted) of the Qatar Law No. 24/2018 promulgating the Income Tax Law, which now sets out the framework for applying the global and domestic minimum tax. This marks Qatar’s formal adoption of Pillar Two of the global tax initiative led by the OECD and G20, targeting tax challenges arising from the digitalised economy.

The decision applies to multinational enterprises with global revenues above EUR 750 million, requiring them to meet an effective minimum tax rate of 15% on foreign operations. Two core mechanisms are introduced:

Global Minimum Tax – Qualified Income Inclusion Rule (IIR), and
Domestic Minimum Tax – Qualified Domestic Minimum Top‑up Tax (DMTT)

These rules ensure multinational groups pay a minimum level of tax both in Qatar and abroad.

Qatar emphasised that this step enhances transparency, fairness, and tax‑base protection, preventing profit shifting to low‑tax jurisdictions. The GTA also highlighted the country’s role in supporting the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS and reinforcing its position as a reliable, compliant, and transparent financial hub.

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Oman: Sultani Decree Restructures Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 16 February 2026: Oman’s Sultan has issued a new Royal Decree amending the legal framework of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, granting it full legal and financial autonomy.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026, replacing the text of Article 1 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 3/2013 to formally reaffirm the establishment of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority as a body with its own legal personality and financial and administrative independence. Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026 also stipulates that amendments attached to it will apply to the Authority’s governing system issued under Oman Sultani Decree No. 68/2014.

Under Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026, the Chairman of the Authority is required to issue all implementing regulations and decisions within six months of the decree’s entry into force, following approval from the Authority’s board of directors. Until these regulations are issued, all existing regulations will remain effective so long as they do not contradict the new provisions. Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026 also cancels Article 2 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 68/2014 and nullifies any conflicting rules or decisions.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026 will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect the day following its publication.

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