Newsletter Archives - Page 16 of 243 - LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: Tamkeen Unveils Updated Skills Report for Financial Sector

03/07/202503/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 30 June 2025: The Labour Fund “Tamkeen” released an updated Financial Services Sector Skills Report under the “Skills Bahrain” initiative, in collaboration with private stakeholders, governmental bodies, and educational institutions.

The updated report reflects significant developments in Bahrain’s financial landscape, which is now a significant GDP contributor surpassing traditional oil and gas sectors, with a workforce mainly comprised of Bahraini nationals. It identifies urgent sector needs, such as advanced skills in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data analytics, alongside with growing demand for roles like compliance officers and sustainability officers, due to the increasing emphasis on ESG practices.

The report advocates enhanced skill development strategies which will equipping the national workforce with capabilities which enable them to respond to sectoral shifts and to reinforce Bahrain’s status as a financial leader. Legal entities and associated sector participants should reflect these insights into workforce planning, and align their training and development initiatives to meet these evolving industry standards and global practices.

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Abu Dhabi: Enhances Regulations for Real Estate Brokers and Property Market

02/07/202502/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 30 June 2025: Abu Dhabi has tightened its regulations on real estate brokerage services as part of a broader update to the emirate’s property market rules.

The amendments introduced by Abu Dhabi Law No. 2/2025 have changed the law governing the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi, under Abu Dhabi Law No. 3/2015 Concerning the Regulation of the Real Estate Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

These new regulations, are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability, and were announced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport earlier this month.

The updated regulations redefine real estate activities to include sales, purchase, registration, evaluation, management, and operational aspects of real estate.

New regulatory bodies have been introduced, and operational procedures which will impact developers, brokers, financial institutions, owners, and tenants have been introduced.

The ‘Owners’ Union’ has been changed into the ‘Owners’ Committee’ and has new roles and responsibilities. Specific penalties have been introduced for unauthorised practice of real estate activities, and there are strict administrative fines.

The regulations require homeowner committees to be established for new freehold projects. These committees, will be governed by the Department’s decisions, and will have advisory and oversight roles, with specialised management companies handling operational management.

Obligations on escrow account management have also been revised to ensure transparent transactions and safeguard buyer’s interests.

Key decisions included restructuring the administrative oversight by authorising the Department to impose administrative penalties for violations, reflecting improved compliance standards within the sector. Developers now face altered guidelines, notably stricter registration and marketing requirements for off-plan sales, and enhanced escrow account protocols. There have also been changes affected service fee collection procedures, developers will have to comply with.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – May 2025 Edition

26/06/202526/06/2025
by Tanya Jain

In this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, we bring you a curated selection of the most pressing HR, legal, and regulatory developments shaping the employment landscape across the Middle East. From sweeping changes in Saudi labour law to evolving expectations around flexible work in the UAE’s blue collar sector, this issue is packed with expert insights, legal updates, and practical guidance for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders alike.

As organisations across the region navigate complex immigration frameworks, new compliance requirements, and shifting workforce dynamics, our contributors provide the clarity and context needed to stay ahead. With in-depth features, real-world case reviews, and spotlights on key figures driving HR transformation, the LME HR Alert continues to serve as a trusted resource for understanding the policies and trends that matter most.

Stay ahead of the curve with Lexis Middle East HR Alert, as we provide you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of HR in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTED

Shiraz Sethi and Fatima Al-Sabahi of Dentons delve into the key reforms introduced in the Saudi Labour Law following the release of its implementing regulations. Their analysis highlights the significant changes impacting employment relationships, enforcement mechanisms, and employer compliance obligations in the Kingdom.

TREND SETTER: MORE FLEXIBLE BLUE COLLAR JOBS

With a mounting talent shortage in the UAE’s blue collar workforce, businesses are exploring more flexible working arrangements. Mary Rintu Raju of NYK Law outlines the legal implications and operational considerations of rolling out flexible models for this often-overlooked sector.

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

This section captures a selection of important legal and HR news, including changes to company structures in UAE freezones and other updates from across the MENA region.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: SAUDI ARABIA IMMIGRATION UPDATE

Ali Ibrahim of Vialto Partners provides a comprehensive update on Saudi Arabia’s immigration regulations. His commentary offers vital guidance on how these changes may affect both employers and foreign nationals working in the Kingdom.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Explore recent and upcoming legal reforms, including newly proposed rules affecting work permits in Kuwait—changes that may impact workforce planning and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

CASE FOCUS:

This issue includes a review of a recent QICDRC ruling in Clare Holloway v MBG Corporate Services LLC (QFC Case No. 0059/2024), where the Court of First Instance addressed the issue of premature litigation. Mohammed Al Ansari highlights the court’s approach to jurisdiction and procedural compliance.

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_May 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 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

HR PROFILE: CREATING CHANGE

Nishanth Krishnan, Director of People Advisory and Business Consulting at Grant Thornton UAE, shares insights into the strategic HR interventions needed to lead and manage successful organisational change in today’s climate.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Henrietta Baker and Kahroba Kojouri of Dentons discuss proposed amendments to the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law Implementing Regulations (Saudi Arabia Administrative Decision No. 1516/1445).

POLICY POINTERS: WORKING HOURS IN KUWAIT

Bader Al-Qellaish of Wefaq Law Firm reviews the legal frameworks governing working hours in Kuwait, with practical considerations for policy compliance and workforce wellbeing.

MOVES AND CHANGES

Stay updated on the newest business trends, significant appointments, and promotions in the region to stay connected with the market’s key influencers.

UAE: Ministry Announces Exemptions Under the Unemployment Insurance Scheme

20/06/202520/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 16 June 2025: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed specific categories exempt from participation in the UAE’s Unemployment Insurance Scheme (UIS).

These include investors actively engaged in their registered businesses, domestic workers, temporary contract workers, minors below 18 years of age, and pensioners who are re-employed while drawing a pension.

Launched to provide compensation for unemployed individuals, the UIS requires remaining eligible participants to fulfil four key conditions: maintaining a minimum uninterrupted subscription period of 12 months, ensuring termination is not due to disciplinary reasons as per Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021, preventing fraudulent claims or fictitious employment, and having compensation halted upon securing new employment during the payout period.

The decision impacts stakeholders within these exempt categories by relieving them of insurance dues, simplifying regulatory compliance for specific employment types.

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Sharjah: Consultative Council Approves Draft Law on Court Fees

20/06/202520/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has ratified the draft law on court fees following the submission and review by the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, and extensive studies and specialised meetings.

The decision was recorded at the SCC’s sixteenth session, following detailed discussions on each article. The law was referred to the council on 15 May 2024 by the Executive Council’s General Secretariat, integrating the framework set by Sharjah Law No. 7/2025 on the Judicial Authority Law, effective from 1 June 2025, which establishes an autonomous judicial authority in Sharjah.

The law covers court fee structures, collection methods, exemptions, and financial mechanisms, and aims to combine judicial efficiency with socio-economic factors.

It requires a balance between accurate fee structuring and litigants’ access to services, integrating electronic payment systems and facilitating documentation. The council’s approval promises increased transparency and improved financial procedures while reinforcing the interface between the judiciary and litigants.

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Saudi Arabia: Simplified Personal Financing Options for Residents

20/06/202520/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Nabad, 11 June 2025: The Saudi Central Bank introduced a micro-loan product offering up to SAR 20,000, repayable over three years with fixed instalments.

This financing option is designed for individuals who need quick access to funds without the burden of high monthly payments. The product does not require a salary transfer or a guarantor, making it accessible to a broader audience, including retirees.

The financing option is available to both Saudi citizens and residents, provided they are employed with a minimum salary of SAR 3,500. Applicants must be between 22 and 60 years old and have a good credit history. Retirees can also apply, subject to retirement age criteria. The required documents include a valid national ID or residency permit, a salary certificate from the employer, and a recent bank statement for the last three months.

The decision to offer this financing option impacts individuals seeking financial assistance without the complexities of traditional loans. It provides a flexible and accessible solution for those in need of immediate funds.

For the full story, click here.

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Qatar: Shura Council Approves Draft Law on Lost and Abandoned Property

20/06/202520/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 17 June 2025: The Shura Council approved a draft law addressing the management of lost and abandoned property, advancing the legal framework for property handling in the state.

This proposed law, aimed at regulating the processes surrounding such property, has been crafted in its amended form alongside other legislative measures and forwarded to the esteemed government for further action.

The impacted parties include individuals and entities involved in property management, as well as government bodies responsible for implementation and enforcement. This legislation seeks to streamline legal procedures related to identifying, managing, and either returning or disposing of lost assets.

There will be new obligations for the respective governmental bodies to adopt mechanisms ensuring compliance with the new regulations, once it is enacted.

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Oman: Ministry of Transport Enforces Compliance Under New Maritime Law

19/06/202519/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 16 June 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology mandated compliance with Oman Sultani Decree No. 19/2023 for maritime shipping companies.

This law relates to companies involved in cargo agency, maritime shipping, and unloading brokerage, covering all facets of maritime transport services. This decision requires maritime shipping companies to adhere strictly to the provisions of this law, promoting transparency and maintaining service quality. The Ministry’s directive also emphasises that individuals seeking maritime shipping services should engage only with licensed companies, as detailed in an official directory available through the Ministry.

The directive prescribes obligations for the companies to ensure licensing and operational compliance.

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Kuwait: Central Bank Enhances Oversight on E-Payment Providers

19/06/202519/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 16 June 2025: The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) issued a comprehensive directive, tightening rules for electronic payment service providers to strengthen oversight and governance within the digital payments sector.

The regulatory circular, referring specifically to the existing framework supported by Article 85 of Kuwait Law No. 32/1968, aimed to increase operational oversight and enhance risk management for electronic payment service providers, electronic money institutions, and payment system operators in Kuwait.

The impacted parties include all entities involved in the provision of electronic payment services in Kuwait. Providers must ensure the accuracy and validity of documentation processed via the Electronic Payment Services Gateway System, with violations potentially incurring penalties under the law. Legal representatives or officially authorised personnel must manage submissions, with the CBK pre-emptively informed of any changes or authorisations.

Key legal requirements of the CBK’s Electronic Payment Business Regulations include adopting strict governance policies and enhanced oversight mechanisms. Providers must comply with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing measures. Firms must inform the CBK of authorised user resignations and conduct annual reviews to ensure board members meet solvency and competence standards.

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Dubai: New Rule for Power of Attorney in Overseas Property Sales

19/06/202519/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 June 2025: Dubai authorities have issued new legal guidelines requiring overseas property investors to transact payments in their name, according to the title deed, when selling units in Dubai.

While earlier practices allowed power of attorney recipients to process payments, the new rule stipulates that cheques must be payable directly to the property owner as identified in the title deed.

This regulatory change impacts foreign property owners in Dubai who previously could designate relatives or third parties to receive sales proceeds. Under the new requirement, all monetary transactions for property sales must be directed to the bank account of the named title deed holder, eradicating the use of proxies for the financial aspect of sales. Furthermore, sellers are required to possess bank accounts within the UAE to process these transactions.

The obligation for property transactions emphasises the authentic identity of the seller, reducing chances of misrepresentation or fraud within the Dubai property market. This rule aligns with broader legal efforts to ensure clarity and straightforwardness in real estate dealings, demanding all PoA authorisations to be verified through Dubai’s local courts, which can now be conducted remotely, enhancing accessibility.

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