News developments Archives - Page 6 of 223

Qatar: Updates Building Telecoms Infrastructure Requirements

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 17 September 2025: Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has released new mandatory standards for telecommunications infrastructure in buildings, applying to both new construction and existing properties across the country.

The updated guidelines establish requirements for: In-building wiring systems, Mobile connectivity solutions, Internet service provision, IPTV infrastructure and Smart building capabilities.

The regulations cover multiple property types including: Single villas, Residential towers, Shopping centres, Warehouses, Labour accommodation and Large-scale developments.

Under the new framework, developers must collaborate with service providers during early planning stages to address design requirements. The standards outline specific technical specifications for telecommunications installations across different building categories.

The guidelines introduce streamlined procedures for: Infrastructure deployment, Service provider access, Building approval processes and System implementation.

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Oman: Introduces New Securities Clearing and Depository Regulations

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 20 September 2025: Oman’s securities clearing house has approved new regulatory rules governing clearing and depository operations in the Muscat Stock Exchange, establishing comprehensive guidelines for market operations and investor services.

The framework, developed with international consultants, covers: Membership requirements, Securities account management, Central securities register maintenance, Mortgage and collateral handling, Clearing and settlement procedures, Corporate actions processing and Securities lending and borrowing operations.

The regulations provide detailed protocols for dividend distributions, cash entitlements, and share allocations. They also establish clear guidelines for the recently introduced bilateral securities lending and borrowing system.

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Kuwait: Bar Association Proposes Major Legal Practice Reforms

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Anba, 18 September 2025: The Kuwait Bar Association (KBA) is finalising comprehensive amendments to the legal practice law in coordination with the Ministry of Justice.

Key proposed changes include: Introduction of mandatory written entrance examinations, Enhanced procedural immunity for lawyers, Protection of legal offices from seizure, Statutory limitations on professional violations, Stricter penalties for assault against lawyers, Privileged status for contractual legal fees, Mandatory legal counsel requirements for listed companies and Enhanced penalties for unauthorised legal practice.

The draft legislation also addresses: Employment opportunities for newly registered lawyers, Professional conduct on social media, Development of arbitration centre and legal studies institute and Fair and transparent registration procedures.

For the full story, click here.

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Dubai: Introduces Direct Debit System for Property Service Charges

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 18 September 2025: Dubai property owners can now pay their community service charges through the UAE Central Bank’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS), offering an automated alternative to traditional payment methods.

The new system allows homeowners to set up recurring payments directly from their bank accounts or via credit and debit cards.

The paperless payment system operates under the UAE Central Bank’s regulatory framework, eliminating the need for cheques and physical documentation.

Property owners can access the service through Itihad Community Management, which has integrated the Central Bank’s direct debit infrastructure into its payment systems.

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Abu Dhabi: AI-Powered Financial Crime Detection System Launches

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: A new artificial intelligence system designed to combat financial crime was unveiled, marking a significant advance in automated financial investigation capabilities.

The AI Investigator platform performs automated due diligence by analysing ownership structures, media coverage and regulatory documentation. The system can process millions of data points within minutes, dramatically reducing investigation times that traditionally took weeks.

The cloud-based technology employs behavioural analysis and pattern matching to identify potential criminal activity across multiple sectors including finance, real estate, professional services and government operations.

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UAE: Legal Experts Call For New Digital Media and AI Regulations

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Legal experts have highlighted the need for updated legislation to address challenges posed by digital media and artificial intelligence.

The seminars specifically addressed data protection and user rights in the digital space, alongside discussions about the opportunities and risks associated with AI deployment in digital media. Participants evaluated whether current legal frameworks provide adequate protection for personal data and user rights.

For the full story, click here.

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Sharjah: Approves New Government Data Sharing Framework

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved a comprehensive guide for government data sharing, establishing standardised procedures for information exchange between local authorities.

The new framework includes: Standardised processes for inter-departmental data sharing, Protocols for external data requests, Data classification guidelines, Risk management procedures, Governance standards for data usage and Template documents for unified procedures.

The guide specifically addresses: Data exchange between local government entities, Procedures for requesting information from external bodies, Data classification systems and Quality control measures.

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Saudi Arabia: Revises Labour Law Penalties with Focus on Maritime and Agricultural Sectors

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 11 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced comprehensive amendments to its Labour Law (Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M51/1426) violations and penalties framework, introducing new regulations for maritime and agricultural sectors.

The revised framework, published on the Istitlaa platform for public consultation, introduces specific penalties for maritime labour violations, with fines ranging from SR300 to SR1,000. Maritime regulations address issues such as working hours, rest periods, and accommodation requirements for seafarers.

For agricultural workers, the ministry has established new penalties ranging from SR300 to SR20,000. Key violations include employing workers under 21, failing to provide mandatory rest periods, and not ensuring adequate housing and food provisions.

The amendments also strengthen existing regulations, including a SR1,000 fine for employers who fail to comply with maternity leave requirements. The ministry has enhanced penalties for recruitment violations, introducing a graduated system of sanctions including warnings, license suspensions of up to 12 months, and potential license revocation.

New provisions specifically prohibit forced labour practices and protect workers’ rights to communicate with their families and embassies. The framework also requires employers to document all labour information in ministry systems and approved platforms.

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Qatar: Updates Legal Practice Law with Major Reforms

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Arab, 12 September 2025: Qatar has introduced significant amendments to its Legal Practice Law through Qatar Law No. 19/2025, implementing substantial changes to regulations governing the legal profession.

The revised legislation includes several key practical changes: State Lawyers’ Authority The law reorganises the authority of state lawyers at the Ministry of Justice, allowing the State Cases Department to contract Qatari lawyers or seek external counsel for cases outside Qatar, subject to ministerial approval.

New Lawyers’ Admission Committee Structure: A restructured Lawyers’ Admission Committee will be chaired by the Minister of Justice and include two Court of Appeal judges, a public prosecutor, three lawyers, and two ministry representatives.

Extended Professional Activities: The amendments permit lawyers to register in the commercial registry and own shares in capital companies, provided they do not manage or directly engage in commercial activities.

Advertising Guidelines: Lawyers can now promote their services through traditional and electronic means, subject to committee-approved regulations, with disciplinary measures for violations.

Fee Arrangements: The new law allows direct fee agreements between lawyers and clients, with contingency fees capped at 25% of successful claim amounts.

Legal Aid Commission: A new Legal Aid Commission has been established under the Supreme Judicial Council to appoint lawyers for clients unable to afford legal fees.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: Introduces Stricter Human Trafficking Law with Enhanced Penalties

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Roya, 14 September 2025: Oman has issued new comprehensive anti-human trafficking legislation through Omani Royal Decree 78/2025, introducing severe penalties and detailed enforcement measures

Key Penalties: Basic Offences: Prison terms: 3-10 years and Fines: 5,000-100,000 Omani Rials.

Aggravated Circumstances (7-15 years imprisonment and 10,000-100,000 Omani Rials fine): Crimes against children or disabled persons, Cases resulting in serious illness or injury, Multiple victims, Armed perpetrators, Public officials exploiting their position, Organised criminal groups and Transnational trafficking.

Additional Provisions: Witness tampering: 3-5 years imprisonment, Failure to report trafficking: 6 months to 3 years imprisonment plus 300-1,000 Rial fine, Publishing victims’ identities: Up to 1 year imprisonment plus 500-1,000 Rial fine and Passport confiscation: 10 days to 1 year imprisonment plus 100-300 Rial fine.

Corporate Liability: Fines: 10,000-100,000 Omani Rials, Possible suspension or dissolution of business and Management held personally liable if aware of crimes.

Enforcement Measures: Mandatory asset confiscation, No suspended sentences allowed, Immunity provisions for informants who assist authorities Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and Cross-border recognition of foreign convictions.

For the full story, click here.

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