Newsletter Archives - Page 27 of 247 - LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: Legislative Committee Begins Deliberations on New Law for Legal Profession

10/04/202510/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Akhbar Al Khaleej, 8 April 2025: Bahrain’s Legislative Committee has begun discussions on a proposed law to regulate the legal profession.

The proposal, has been prioritised for swift consideration and aims to regulate the profession as mandated by the constitution. The committee aims to finalise its report within a month, before the end of the current legislative session.

The proposed law would allow the Minister of Justice to establish law firms. Comments have been sought by the committees from bodies, including the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Bahrain Bar Association, and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The General Secretariat’s Studies Department has also been tasked with conducting a comparative study of legal profession regulations in other countries to identify best practices.

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Ajman: New Real Estate Contributions Law

10/04/202510/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Ajman has introduced a comprehensive legal framework through Ajman law No. 1/2025 to regulate real estate contributions.

Ajman law No. 1/2025 outlines the procedures and requirements for real estate contributions, including the establishment of a register for real estate contributions, the roles and responsibilities of trustees, and the conditions for the transfer and liquidation of contributions. Real estate contributions are financial or in-kind investments made by an owner or investor into a real estate project or investment vehicle, often in exchange for shares or ownership in the venture. The new law is expected to enhance transparency, protect investors’ rights, and attract more investment into the real estate sector in Ajman. Obligations under the law include the requirement for trustees to manage contributions responsibly, ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, and maintain a minimum ownership stake in the contributions. The law repeals any conflicting provisions in existing legislation and is set to come into effect 30 days after its publication in the official gazette.

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Abu Dhabi: School Fee and Cost Rules Outlined

10/04/202510/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Emiratalyoum, 3 April 2025: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a new school fee policy for the 2025-2026 academic year, allowing optional charges for textbooks and uniforms in private schools.

The policy divides school fees into six components: tuition, educational resources, uniforms, transportation, extracurricular activities, and other fees. It allows parents to opt out of certain charges involving devices, textbooks, and uniforms if they choose to use second-hand materials that meet the school’s requirements. Schools are permitted to collect tuition fees in up to ten instalments, providing flexibility for parents.

Schools must publish their approved fees on their websites and adhere to the fee levels set by ADEK. They must also offer detailed payment schedules and can enter into agreements with parents on these schedules. Schools can also charge a registration fee of up to 5% of the approved tuition fees, which can be collected up to four months before the academic year begins. However, any registration fees must be deducted from the final tuition fees, and schools cannot request additional financial guarantees from parents.

In cases of late or non-payment of fees, schools must have a clear and fair policy in place and not impose punitive measures. They must notify parents in writing at least three months before the end of the academic year on the consequences of not re-registering their children due to unpaid fees. Schools are prohibited from barring students from exams due to fee issues. The policy also outlines potential actions for non-payment, including issuing three consecutive warning notices to parents, suspending student registration for up to three days per term, and withholding exam certificates or transfer documents until all fees have been settled.

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UAE: New Stricter Traffic Laws to Enhance Road Safety

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 2 April 2025: The UAE has brought into force new traffic laws on 29 March 2025 which impose severe penalties.

Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2024 On Traffic Regulation was issued on 30 September 2024 but came into force on 29 March 2025. It provides for stringent penalties for various traffic offences including imprisonment and fines up to Dh200,000. The law aims to address serious offences including jaywalking, driving under the influence, and driving without a proper licence. Road safety experts have welcomed the changes but state that there needs to be stricter enforcement and cultural shifts in the UAE to promote road safety.

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Saudi Arabia: Reforms to Stabilise Riyadh Housing Market

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 2 April 2025: The Saudi government has implemented a series of reforms to address the rising costs of housing in Riyadh.

The reforms are designed to stabilise land values and rental rates, making housing more accessible to residents. A decision has been issued by the Saudi authorities, impacting property developers, landlords, and tenants in the region. The reforms include measures to regulate land prices, control rental increases, and incentivise affordable housing projects. The reforms are expected to have a significant impact on the housing market by curbing speculative practices and ensuring fair pricing.

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Qatar: Development Bank Launches Partial Investment Guarantee Programme

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Alarab, 26 March 2025: The Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has introduced a Partial Investment Guarantee Programme to mitigate financial risks for investors and encourage investment in Qatar’s tech startups.

The programme aims to reduce financial risks for individual and group investors and encourage investment in technology startups in Qatar.

It aligns with Qatar’s National Development Strategy. The guarantees are offered through QDB’s investment arm and provide protection to investors who meet the programme’s criteria. Eligible companies must be based in Qatar.

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Oman: Civil Aviation Authority to Issue Temporary Permits

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Daily Observer, 29 March 2025: The Oman Civil Aviation Authority is to issue temporary permits on the Muscat to Salalah and Suhar to Salalah routes.

The permits will be issued in peak winter and summer tourist seasons in order to increase competition and reduce airfares. Proposals have been invited from eligible national and international carriers to provide temporary domestic services on these routes between 1 July and 1 August, and 1 December and 31 January.

In order to qualify, operators must have a valid Air Operators Certificate (Omani or International), proven operational experience, financial stability, and they must comply with Omani health and safety and environmental regulations. They must also have adequate passenger and third-party insurance coverage.

The aircrafts must have 100 to 200 seats and meet the Omani Civil Aviation Authority technical and safety standards. The last date for applications will be 17 April 2025.

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Kuwait: Municipality Plan to Address Encroachments

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Times, 27 March 2025: Kuwait Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing encroachment of state property.

The municipality now has a comprehensive field plan in coordination with relevant authorities to remove violations in the Taima and Sulaibiya areas. A Municipality Spokesperson stated an extensive campaign is set to be launched after violators had been given prior warnings issued that they have unlawfully exploited state land, obstructed public services, and are posing security concerns. The inspection drive is being carried out by the municipality’s encroachment monitoring teams and a range of government entities, including the Ministry of Interior’s Environment Police and the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy.

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Bahrain: Court Rulings to be Reviewed for Possible Legal Changes

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Daily Tribune, 30 March 2025: The Minister of Legal Affairs has stated judgments from Bahrain’s top courts are being reviewed to see if the country’s laws need to be reformed.

The Minister told the Parliament Court of Cassation judgments were being reviewed to see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies in the legislation. While some jurisdictions allow judges to call for changes to the law, this is not the case in Bahrain. The Ministry of Legal Affairs works closely with the Legislation and Legal Opinions Commission on new laws. The Ministry also reviews international laws and drafts possible legislation. The commission is in charge of the final wording and also draws up regulations and government decisions.

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UAE: New Zakat Law Approved

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 19/03/2025: The UAE has approved a new zakat draft law, imposing fines of up to Dh1 million and imprisonment for illegal collection.

The Federal National Council (FNC) has passed a comprehensive federal law regulating the collection, distribution, and management of zakat across the UAE. The decision, led by the Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of zakat funds. The new law governs all aspects of zakat processes, including the investment of surplus funds in line with Sharia principles, and applies to all individuals and entities engaged in zakat activities within the UAE, including those in free zones. Certain organisations may be exempted by the Cabinet, provided they meet registration and reporting requirements.

The law introduces strict penalties for violations. Collecting, receiving, or distributing zakat without authorisation is considered a crime against public funds, punishable by imprisonment, fines of up to Dh1 million, or both. Misuse of funds, unauthorised deductions, and submitting false documents may result in further fines and imprisonment. Authorised entities also face fines of up to Dh1 million for violations such as distributing zakat abroad without permits, failing to comply with regulations, or mismanaging investments. All entities must regularise their status within a year of the law’s enactment, with an option for extension.

A key feature of the law is the creation of the ‘National Zakat Platform,’ which is a unified digital system to monitor authorised entities, beneficiaries, and fund allocations. This platform aims to ensure zakat funds are distributed efficiently to rightful beneficiaries and managed transparently. The law also restricts zakat distribution outside the UAE to exceptional circumstances like natural disasters, requiring official approval through the platform.

The law maintains the religious integrity of zakat by requiring investment surplus to be used exclusively for zakat purposes, and bars deductions for managing authorities. After extensive debates, the FNC upheld the original provision allowing traditional zakat giving to relatives and acquaintances without the need for excessive administration.

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