Newsletter Archives - Page 12 of 243 - LexisNexis Middle East

Sharjah: Introduces New Human Resources Regulations for Government Workers

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

Gulf Today, 30 July 2025: The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has approved comprehensive new human resources regulations, including extended paid leave for mothers of children with disabilities and updated guidelines for military personnel.

A significant addition to the policy allows female employees who give birth to children requiring constant medical care to receive fully paid leave for up to three years. The new maternal care provision includes:

One year of fully paid leave following standard maternity leave
Possible annual extensions for up to three years with appropriate approvals
Requirement for medical documentation from authorised bodies
Continued performance evaluation during the leave period
Integration with existing service records

The council has also implemented new regulations for military personnel in Sharjah’s regulatory bodies. These address:

Job classification and recruitment
Salary structures and allowances
Promotion systems
Internal transfers and secondments
Training programmes
Educational leave
Performance assessment
End-of-service benefits

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Qatar: Introduces Prison Terms and Fines for Online Privacy Violations

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

The Peninsula, 5 August 2025: Qatar has implemented stringent new cybercrime legislation that imposes jail sentences and substantial fines for publishing or sharing individuals’ images or videos online without consent.

The amendment adds Article 8 (bis) to Qatar Law No. 14/2014 on Cybercrimes. The new provision carries penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to QR100,000.

Under the revised legislation, individuals who violate others’ privacy in public places by sharing their images or video clips through information networks or other technology platforms without permission will face prosecution. The law applies to any unauthorised sharing that occurs outside legally permitted circumstances.

The amendment specifically targets:

Unauthorised publication of images and videos
Distribution of content without subject consent
Privacy violations in public spaces
Sharing via information networks and technology platforms

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Oman: Tightens Enforcement of Building Permit Requirements

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

The Arabian Stories, 4 August 2025: Muscat Municipality has announced strict enforcement of building regulations, warning property owners and developers that unauthorised construction will face penalties, including possible demolition orders.

The municipality states that all construction activities within the Governorate of Muscat must obtain official permits before work begins. This includes any modifications or extensions to existing structures.

The authority emphasises that violations of building codes will result in financial penalties, with serious breaches potentially leading to mandatory removal of unauthorised constructions.

The announcement forms part of the municipality’s regulatory oversight of urban development within the governorate, with enforcement focusing on compliance with local construction laws and standards.

Property owners, developers, and contractors have been instructed to ensure all necessary permits are in place before initiating any building work.

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Kuwait: Sets Stricter Rules for Co-operative Societies

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Qabas, 3 August 2025: The Ministry of Social Affairs in Kuwait has finalised amendments to the Co-operative Societies (Kuwait Law No. 24/1979), introducing significant changes to board composition and membership requirements.

Under the new amendments, co-operative society boards will consist of nine members, with four appointed by government ministries and five elected by the general assembly. The changes also establish stricter eligibility criteria for board membership.

Key requirements for board candidates include: Minimum age of 30 years, three years of society membership, Property ownership or civil ID in the nomination area, a University degree, a clean criminal record, and completion of ministry-approved training in cooperative work.

The revised law grants the Minister of Social Affairs the authority to dissolve boards or dismiss members for serious financial or administrative violations. In such cases, the minister can appoint a temporary director for up to two months until new elections are held.

Board members found guilty of violations will be barred from running for two consecutive terms, extending to three terms for criminal offences. The law also introduces penalties, including up to two years imprisonment and fines up to 2,000 dinars for various infractions.

The amendments require boards to follow employment policies aligned with the ministry’s Kuwaitisation directives. Each society must appoint a general manager, who cannot be a board member, subject to conditions set by the Social Affairs Minister.

For the full story, click here.

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Dubai: Metro Announces New Fines for Rule Breaches

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 2 August 2025: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released an updated schedule of fines for Dubai Metro violations, with penalties ranging from Dh100 to Dh2,000.

The most severe penalties target safety breaches, with Dh2,000 fines for damaging metro property or misusing emergency equipment. Carrying dangerous materials incurs a Dh1,000 penalty, whilst travelling with alcohol results in a Dh500 fine.

Fare evasion and ticket misuse attract penalties up to Dh500, with standard fare dodging resulting in a Dh200 fine. Using counterfeit Nol cards carries the maximum Dh500 penalty in this category.

Behavioural violations, including eating in prohibited areas, causing disturbance to passengers, and misusing facilities, will result in Dh100 fines. Sleeping in metro facilities carries a Dh300 penalty.

The RTA has also implemented parking regulations at metro stations, with daily fines of Dh100 for vehicles exceeding permitted parking durations, up to a maximum of Dh1,000.

Additional violations include a Dh200 fine for smoking, selling goods without permission, or failing to follow the inspector’s instructions.

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Bahrain: Introduces Specialist Unit for Human Trafficking Victims

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 5 August 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has launched a new dedicated unit to support victims of human trafficking, operating under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science.

The purpose-built facility features specially designed spaces for victim testimonies, including a separate area for children. The unit has been constructed to meet international standards for handling trafficking cases.

The office will work directly with judicial authorities throughout the investigative and prosecution processes, strengthening the connection between law enforcement and the courts.

The establishment of this specialist unit follows Bahrain’s existing anti-trafficking legislation, specifically Bahrain Law No. 1/2008 with Respect to Trafficking in Persons.

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Abu Dhabi: Introduces New Cyber Security Rules for Financial Firms

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market has announced new cyber risk management requirements for financial institutions.

Key measures include:

Mandatory integration of cyber risk management into existing frameworks
Updated IT risk management guidance
Revised requirements for IT service provider arrangements
New cyber incident notification procedures

Implementation details:

Six-month transition period for compliance
Applies to all Authorised Persons and Recognised Bodies
Changes follow Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2025
Updated incident notification template to be released by year-end

The amendments were finalised following industry consultation, with modifications made to:

Clarify proportionality principles
Refine integration requirements
Adjust IT service provider arrangements
Update incident materiality assessment guidance

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2025 Edition

05/08/202505/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Brought to You by Tolley+ Middle East

The Autumn 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax delivers a focused and timely overview of the latest tax developments across the GCC. Packed with expert commentary, legislative updates, and actionable advice, this edition is an essential resource for tax professionals working through the region’s increasingly intricate fiscal environment.

FEATURE: CRS AND FATCA: THE FINER POINTS

Dhana Pillai of DP Taxation Consultancy examines the key takeaways from recent penalties imposed by UAE authorities, shedding light on crucial compliance insights related to CRS and FATCA regulations.

FEATURE: NOW THAT’S VAT

Chadi Abou-Chakra, PwC Middle East’s Indirect Tax Leader and ME TLS Chief Operating Officer, provides insights into the implications of the recent changes to Saudi Arabia’s VAT Implementing Regulations.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

A focused overview of key tax treaty revisions and regulatory changes in the Gulf, offering valuable insights for navigating compliance and cross-border impact.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIP

Authored by Aunali Merchant, Sanjay Shukla, and Palak Khetawat of MMJS Consulting, this article examines the impact of UAE corporate tax reforms on partnership structures and their compliance obligations.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: ADDING VALUE

Manish Arora, Tax Director at Adidas, emphasises that delivering value as an in-house tax professional requires more than just staying informed about the latest tax developments.

ANY QUESTIONS? WHAT DOES FORMAL ADOPTION OF OECD GUIDANCE MEAN?

Bhumit Gangar of Deloitte breaks down the practical implications of the UAE’s official implementation of the OECD’s Pillar 2 Guidance.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Autumn 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – July 2025 Edition

04/08/202504/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

In this edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, we explore the most pressing legal, regulatory, and HR developments shaping the employment landscape across the region, with a particular focus on the ongoing impact of nationalisation policies. These legislative initiatives remain a central concern for HR professionals, regardless of their industry or jurisdiction. Alongside the need to understand the evolving legal requirements, organisations must also adopt a practical and culturally sensitive approach to implementation. In our featured interview, the Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company shares how their organisation is proactively and innovatively adapting to these changes. However, not all responses have been as constructive—some employers are attempting to circumvent the rules through misreporting or fraudulent hiring practices. With the introduction of stricter enforcement mechanisms and the implementation of Cabinet Decision No. 43/2025, the UAE authorities are shifting from discretionary to structured penalties, significantly increasing the scope of punishable offences and the severity of fines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s Enforcement Report 2024 underscores the government’s readiness to prosecute offenders, further raising the stakes for non-compliance. This edition offers practical insights and guidance to help organisations assess their compliance status and, where necessary, take swift and innovative action to align with nationalisation goals in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Empower your HR strategy with cutting-edge analysis from Lexis Middle East HR Alert, delivering the latest updates shaping workplaces in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: GETTING TOUCH

Raka Roy and Yusur Dalloul of Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants delve into the UAE’s stricter enforcement measures against individuals and companies that falsify records to bypass Emiratisation rules or improperly benefit from related incentives.

TREND SETTER: AUTOMATED WORKFORCE MONITORING

Diana Froyland, Senior Counsel at Hadef & Partners, examines the implications of automated employee monitoring in the UAE and the data privacy concerns it raises for employers and HR teams.

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

This section presents a curated summary of major legal and HR updates from across the region, including the latest on Oman’s immigration grace period.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: SAUDI VISIT VISA CHANGES

Experts from Vialto Partners explain the recent revisions to Saudi Arabia’s visit visa policies, which now affect travellers from 14 countries, highlighting compliance considerations for affected stakeholders.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Aarti Thadani and Sarah Sheppard from Norton Rose Fulbright (Middle East) LLP discuss the anticipated impact of Dubai Decree No. 19/2025, a regulatory shift set to enhance health and safety protocols in the emirate’s construction sector.

CASE FOCUS

A recent ruling from the QICDRC in Zia Ur Rehman v Forvis Mazars LLC [2025] QIC (A) 7 (issued 14 May 2025) underscores the need for robust evidence in breach of contract claims, the conditions under which non-compete compensation may apply, and the high threshold for appeals.

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.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2025

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_March 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

HR PROFILE: AN AGILE APPROACH TO CHANGE

Samia AlRajaby, Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company, shares how adopting an agile mindset has empowered her to navigate technological transformation and shifting generational expectations.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Ben Brown, Sara Khoja and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co offer insights into evolving leave policies following a significant recent decision by the Abu Dhabi Courts, urging a strategic review for in-house teams.

POLICY POINTERS: FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA

Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim, Partner at Pinsent Masons, explores the growing adoption of fractional executives in Saudi Arabia, driven by remote work and the Regional Headquarters Programme, and highlights key policy considerations such as Saudisation.

MOVES AND CHANGES

Stay informed with the latest executive appointments, promotions, and market trends shaping the business landscape across the region.

UAE: Bankruptcy Court Created

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 24 July 2025: The Ministry of Justice announced a decision regarding the organisation of the Bankruptcy Court, which will be headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of First Instance.

The court will be responsible for adjudicating all applications and disputes arising from the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Decree-Law on Financial Reorganisation and Bankruptcy (Federal Decree-Law No. 51/2023). The Federal Judiciary Council will also be able to establish one or more branches of the court in any other emirate, subordinate to the main court, to handle these applications and disputes.

The court shall consist of a chief judge with a rank no lower than that of an appellate judge, and several specialised judges appointed by the Federal Judiciary Council.

A bankruptcy division will also be created within the court, headed by a judge of at least appellate rank, which will be responsible for tasks, including receiving applications, objections, and grievances, registering applications, among others.

The court will be able to engage professionals with relevant experience and expertise to perform various tasks such as managing the debtor’s funds and business operations, implementing precautionary measures, expediting procedures, meeting with creditors, and hearing the debtor or their representative on matters related to debts, assets, or operations.

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