Newsletter Archives - Page 11 of 243 - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: New Safety Guidelines for Travellers

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 11 August 2025: The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released comprehensive travel safety guidelines for citizens and residents travelling abroad, accompanied by the launch of a 24-hour emergency support service.

The new guidelines emphasise the importance of adhering to destination countries’ specific travel regulations and local laws. Travellers are specifically instructed to monitor weather and road conditions throughout their journeys.

The Ministry has established a dedicated emergency hotline (00971 800 24) operating round-the-clock for UAE nationals requiring urgent assistance whilst abroad.

The official guidance notably recommends air travel as the preferred mode of transport, citing safety and comfort considerations. For those planning to drive abroad, the Ministry has stressed the need for increased vigilance and strict compliance with local traffic regulations.

Additional measures include a recommendation to arrange travel through established international tour operators and vehicle hire firms to ensure appropriate standards of safety and service.

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Saudi Arabia: Saudi Exchange Introduces Market Access Reforms

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab News, 7 August 2025: Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange has unveiled draft amendments to broaden access to its Parallel Market, with proposed changes now open for public consultation until 19 August 2025.

The reforms focus on redefining qualified investor criteria and adjusting listing requirements for the Parallel Market. Key changes include potentially reducing the minimum securities market activity requirement for individual investors from SR40 million to SR30 million, while maintaining the SR5 million net worth threshold.

Under the proposed rules, qualified investors would encompass capital market institutions, investment funds, Gulf Cooperation Council companies, qualified foreign financial institutions, and eligible high-net-worth individuals.

The draft also suggests lowering the minimum market value requirements for public listings. Companies seeking to list would need either SR30 million in publicly held shares or 20 percent of the share class, whichever is less. Initial public offerings would require a minimum expected market value of SR10 million, while direct listings would need SR100 million.

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Qatar: Issues Metro Guidelines for Passengers

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 12 August 2025: The Ministry of Interior has published a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for Doha Metro users, outlining key measures for passenger security and conduct.

The new advisory, released via official social media channels, details specific requirements for metro travel. These include: Securing personal belongings while travelling, Maintaining safe distances from train doors during operation, Following posted signage and instructions throughout stations, Reporting emergencies to station staff immediately, Observing no-smoking rules within station premises and Supervising children on escalators.

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Oman: New Market Rules for Companies

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Times Of Oman, 11 August 2025: Oman’s Financial Services Authority has unveiled a new regulatory framework for a Promising Companies Market, establishing a dedicated sub-market within the Muscat Stock Exchange.

The newly implemented regulations introduce simplified listing requirements designed specifically for private, family-owned, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Key features include flexible initial requirements, with companies needing to demonstrate specified annual growth rates and maintain a minimum number of shareholders.

Under the new framework, eligible companies must meet standardised criteria and pay fixed, published fees to gain market access. The regulations outline specific listing mechanisms and disclosure requirements tailored to growth-stage companies. It also includes provisions for companies to transition gradually to the main market as they mature.

The initiative creates a specialised financing channel that allows qualifying businesses to access capital through a regulated exchange environment. Companies interested in listing can explore these new financing options through the designated market platform.

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Kuwait: Justice Ministry Announces Full Digital Services Rollout

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Times, 6 August 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice has revealed plans for a comprehensive digitisation of its legal services, with legislation for the transition in its final stages.

The digital transformation programme will be implemented in three phases: Electronic filing and registration of cases, including fee payments, streamlined court procedures and digital implementation of court rulings.

The new judicial complex, spanning 400,000 square metres and featuring 70 courtrooms, has already received recognition.

Current operational challenges at the facility include: Limited elevator capacity, Parking constraints, Service processing delays and Underdeveloped existing digital services.

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Dubai: SCA and VARA Unite to Create Single Virtual Assets Framework

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 6 August 2025: The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have established a unified regulatory framework for virtual assets across the UAE.

Key elements of the new framework include: Joint licensing and supervision mechanisms, Mutual recognition of licenses between Dubai and other emirates, Coordinated compliance monitoring, Real-time information sharing between authorities and Combined inspection and enforcement procedures.

The SCA has established a Coordinating Committee for Legislative Review to oversee the implementation. This committee will: Review existing virtual asset legislation, Propose new regulations, Align standards with international requirements, and Chair coordination between regulatory bodies.

The practical changes include: Centralised licensing procedures, Standardised rules across jurisdictions, Integrated regulatory processes, Combined risk assessment systems, Unified approach to anti-money laundering measures.

The agreement introduces shared digital infrastructure for regulatory processes and establishes joint task forces for ongoing coordination between the authorities.

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Bahrain: Cabinet Approves New Legislative and Economic Measures

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Mubasher, 11 August 2025: The Bahrain Cabinet has approved key initiatives during its weekly meeting.

Among the significant measures endorsed was the approval of the Future Generations Reserve Fund’s annual report and audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024. The Cabinet also reviewed the consolidated state final account for 2024.

The economic quarterly report for the first quarter of 2025 was presented, showing a 2.7% annual GDP growth at constant prices, with non-oil activities growing by 2.2%.

Other approved measures included: A draft law amendment regarding international trade regulations for endangered species, A visa exemption agreement with Uzbekistan for diplomatic passport holders, Updates to the mechanism for announcing top employers of Bahraini nationals, A property acquisition for public benefit, The government’s legislative plan for 2025 and Modifications to tourism performance indicators for 2025-2026.

The Cabinet also responded to various legislative proposals from both the Parliament and the Shura Council, including one law proposal and 14 recommendations.

For the full story, click here.

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Abu Dhabi: Police to Implement Advanced Surveillance System

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 7 August 2025: Abu Dhabi Police has announced a new artificial intelligence initiative to enhance its law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies.

The programme includes several key components:

Traffic Monitoring: Real-time detection of traffic violations, Automated monitoring of speeding incidents, Red light infractions tracking, Helmet and seatbelt compliance checking and Congestion management systems.

Security Features: Over 150 AI models for suspect identification, Predictive analytics for crime prevention, IoT sensor networks for urban monitoring, Environmental surveillance systems and Audio threat detection capabilities.

The system will also incorporate: AI-powered investigative tools, Digital forensics capabilities, Automated data analysis and Real-time operational briefings.

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UAE: Securities Authority Announces Major Regulatory Updates

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 4 August 2025: The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE has unveiled four new regulatory initiatives to modernise the country’s financial markets, including frameworks for carbon credit trading and retail sukuk.

SCA Chief Executive announced that the authority is revising the Capital Market Authority Law to expand its oversight of emerging financial activities. The updates include new legislation for the public company division and standards for goodwill valuation in listed firms.

The authority has established a comprehensive framework for green bonds and sukuk issuance.

The regulatory package introduces specific requirements for carbon credit trading platforms, with operators required to develop their own operational rules within the prescribed framework. A draft regulation for retail sukuk is being finalised to enable fractional investment instruments.

The SCA has maintained its fee waiver for green bond and sukuk listings, whilst implementing new frameworks for tokenised securities and commodity contracts as part of its digital transformation agenda.

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Saudi Arabia: Introduces Tourist VAT Refund Scheme at Airports

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 5 August 2025: Saudi Arabia has launched a new value-added tax (VAT) refund programme allowing tourists and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals to claim back 15% VAT on eligible purchases made within the Kingdom.

The scheme, which is now operational across 1,442 authorised retail outlets, enables non-resident visitors aged 18 and above to reclaim VAT on purchases exceeding SR500.

To participate, shoppers must present their passport or GCC ID at participating stores to obtain a VAT exemption form. Customers can combine up to three same-day receipts from individual retailers to meet the minimum spending requirement.

The Kingdom has established 18 verification points across three international airports to process refund claims. Refunds are available via card payment or cash, with daily cash refunds capped at SR5,000 per person.

Key exclusions from the scheme include:

Services such as accommodation and meals
Vehicles, boats, and aircraft
Food and beverages
Tobacco products
Petroleum derivatives

Purchased items must remain unused, be intended for personal use only, and be exported within 90 days of purchase to qualify for the refund.

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