Newsletter Archives - Page 32 of 243 - LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Issues Updated Guidelines For Recreational Facilities

23/01/202529/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 20 January 2025: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has clarified that the updated guidelines apply to all recreational facilities except venues such as theatres and cinemas.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has released updated guidelines for recreational facilities as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance service quality, encourage investment in the recreational sector, and ensure visitor safety while protecting the rights of all stakeholders.

The ministry has clarified that the updated guidelines apply to all recreational facilities except venues such as theatres and cinemas.

The revisions aim to improve the business environment, stimulate investments, and ensure compliance with the Saudi Building Code in construction processes.

The new guidelines include various requirements related to spatial aspects such as location, area, complementary activities, and signage.

They also address architectural requirements, façade aesthetics, and other technical and operational standards to enhance the user experience and deliver integrated recreational services that meet community expectations while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

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Qatar: Cabinet Okays Draft Law on Drones

23/01/202523/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 16 January 2025: The Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has given the green light to a draft law concerning drones, forwarding it to the Shura Council for further consideration.

This proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for drone usage, ensuring the security and safety of air navigation, safeguarding lives and property, and delineating the roles and responsibilities of relevant authorities.

It also seeks to promote optimal drone utilisation and encourage innovation and investment in this burgeoning sector.

At the start of the meeting, the Cabinet commended the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy and the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy for 2024-2030.

These initiatives, launched under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth,” align with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, marking the final phase of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The strategies aim to bolster sustainable economic growth, diversify key economic sectors, and enhance the private sector’s contribution to the GDP.

They also focus on advancing manufacturing industries and boosting Qatar’s economic competitiveness on both regional and global stages.

The Cabinet has acknowledged the Shura Council’s endorsement of a draft law concerning the state emblem, designed to provide legal protection and regulate its use.

Additionally, the Cabinet provisionally approved a draft decision to define the coordinates of tourist areas with notable features, including archaeological, historical, natural, climatic, environmental, or vital attributes.

This decision aims to classify certain areas as tourist destinations, enhancing the country’s standing as a premier global tourist destination of qualitative value.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has resolved to take necessary steps to ratify an agreement on international land transport and goods cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye.

It has also approved several proposals, including the registration of the National Archives of Qatar with the Secretariat General for Centres of Documents and Studies of GCC States, and various draft agreements and MoU with countries such as Algeria, Oman, Djibouti, Paraguay, El Salvador, and Chile, covering areas like air transport, museums, higher education, public prosecution, security cooperation, and political consultations.

The meeting concluded with the review of four reports, leading to appropriate decisions.

These reports included the second follow-up on the National Framework for Promoting Values and Morals in Qatari Society for 2024, the annual report of Qatar Development Bank for 2024, and reports on the participation of Qatari ministers in international environmental and health forums.

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Oman: Eases Restrictions on Part-Time Employment

23/01/202523/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 19 January 2025: The Ministry of Labour has issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 regarding the governance of part-time work.

The decision outlines new regulations for the employment of minors, including students.

It applies to various categories of workers, including job seekers, students, retirees, and employees

The decision aims to provide greater flexibility for students seeking part-time work while ensuring their well-being and academic performance.

Article 2 of Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 refers part-time work to employment with fewer working hours than those set for full-time employees in the same establishment or as defined by law.

The decision permits employers to hire workers for short periods, with conditions such as limiting employment to Omani nationals, and ensuring that working hours do not exceed 25 hours per week, with a minimum of four hours per day.

Part-time workers must be paid a minimum hourly wage of RO 3, although agreements for lower wages are permissible.

Employers are also required to offer occupational health and safety measures, provide training, and ensure payment of wages in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Law.

Part-time workers are also required to be registered in the Social Security Fund, with the required contributions made.

For students specifically, the decision establishes that they must be enrolled in a public or private school, be at least 15 years old, and obtain parental approval for part-time work.

The work must not interfere with their academic responsibilities or affect financial allocations from the educational institution.

Importantly, students are not required to seek approval from their school or higher education institution to take up part-time employment.

Furthermore, they will be provided with an experience certificate for the duration of their work.

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Kuwait: Targets Harmful Goods With New Tax Law

23/01/202523/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 15 January 2025: The Finance Ministry is preparing a selective taxation law aimed at commodities detrimental to human health, with expected annual revenues of KD 200 million (USD 648.3 million).

It was revealed that a significant step in Kuwait’s tax reform is the introduction of corporate income taxes.

This includes Kuwait Decree-Law No. 6/2024 for the Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes and Kuwait Decree No. 157/2024 for taxation on multinational entities.

Kuwait joined the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) on November 15, 2023, which includes 140 countries and jurisdictions.

Since then, efforts have been made to combat international tax evasion and promote transparency in taxation.

Key reforms include treaties on double taxation, combating financial evasion, and agreements for investment protection, alongside ratifying international taxation cooperation treaties.

Entities subject to Kuwait Decree No. 157/2024 are exempt from certain levies, such as those for workers under Kuwait Law No. 19/2000 and alms under Kuwait Law No. 46/2006.

Companies contributing to the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research will continue their payments, as no exemptions are mentioned in the decree.

Exemptions from the multinational taxation law include some government entities, non-profits, international agencies, and pension and investment funds.

Projected revenues from fees on multinational entities are estimated at KD 250 million (USD 810.6 million) annually, with enforcement set for the 2027-2028 period.

Approximately 300 groups, including 20 Kuwaiti and 25 Gulf groups, will be subject to this tax, with the remainder being foreign entities operating in Kuwait.

This tax enforcement aligns with Kuwait Vision 2035, aiming for a diversified and sustainable economy.

The proceeds will help diversify non-oil revenues and prevent financial outflows to other countries, enhancing Kuwait’s role in international cooperation for fair taxation practices.

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Bahrain: Tightens Timeshare Rules

23/01/202523/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 19 January 2025: Bahrain has introduced a comprehensive new law to regulate timeshare activities, marking a significant advancement in consumer protection and industry transparency.

Ratified by the King, the 36-article legislation targets overselling and misleading advertising, imposing stringent penalties for violations, including fines up to BD 50,000 and potential licence suspensions.

This move positions Bahrain as a leader in setting high standards for the timeshare sector.

Under the new law, all timeshare projects must appoint a licensed manager to oversee daily operations, with the project owner remaining accountable for compliance.

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, or a designated body, will oversee licensing and ensure compliance to the law.

The authority is empowered to address breaches, with the ability to impose severe penalties based on the violation’s severity and impact.

Violators are notified in writing and given a chance to respond before any action is taken.

Public disclosure of breaches is permitted post-appeal or court ruling, and any criminal evidence found is forwarded to the Public Prosecution.

The licensing process for businesses is clearly defined, with a grievance process available for rejected applications.

Advertising is tightly regulated, allowing only licensed projects to market timeshare products, and banning misleading promotions and investment claims.

These rules extend to foreign projects advertised in Bahrain.

Consumer protection is a cornerstone of the law, offering a ten-day contract cancellation period with a full refund.

Escrow accounts are mandated to safeguard consumer payments, and overselling is prohibited to ensure consumers’ access to their timeshare slots. Beneficiaries can transfer or mortgage their rights, with automatic transfer to heirs upon death.

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is tasked with enforcing these regulations, with inspectors granted judicial authority to ensure compliance.

Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.

Transparency is enhanced by requiring all contracts and transactions to be recorded in a timeshare registry, providing legal clarity and protecting consumers from disputes.

Licensed projects have six months to comply with the new regulations.

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Abu Dhabi: Emergency Preparedness A Must For Early Childhood Education Institutions

23/01/202523/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 20 January 2025: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued a stern warning to early childhood education institutions, emphasising the importance of complying to its newly established Emergency Management Policy.

This policy, which must be fully implemented by the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, outlines a comprehensive framework for emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that all facilities and transportation vehicles are equipped with the necessary emergency signage and equipment.

The policy is designed to standardise emergency response processes across early childhood education institutions, addressing critical areas such as evacuation plans, initial safety measures, and communication protocols.

By doing so, it ensures that all stakeholders, including management, staff, parents, regulators, and service providers, are well-prepared and aware of their roles and responsibilities during emergencies.

Institutions are required to establish and implement an emergency policy that complies with applicable laws and guidelines.

This includes comprehensive planning and preparation for various emergencies, such as medical incidents, evacuations, lockdowns, and shelter-in-place scenarios.

Clear communication protocols and defined roles and responsibilities for all involved parties are also mandated.

Staff training is a crucial component of the policy, with institutions required to conduct regular training sessions on incident management, first aid, and emergency procedures.

Accurate and secure documentation of incidents must be maintained in compliance with the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework (OSHAD).

Parents must be informed of any physical injuries or health issues caused by institutional or staff negligence, serious injuries due to hazards, incidents requiring intervention from authorities, or service disruptions.

Failure to comply with these requirements, including incident reporting and compliance to investigation outcomes, will result in penalties, fines, or potential closure, depending on the severity of the violation.

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Saudi Arabia: New Executive Regulations For Law Practice Come Into Force

21/01/202521/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Insider, 20 January 2025: The Saudi Bar Association (SBA) has announced the enforcement of the new executive regulations for law practice, effective from 15 January 2025.

These regulations replace the previous ones issued in 1423 AH.

The updated regulations aimed to enhance the organisational framework of the legal profession, aligning it with modern international best practices.

They also seek to strengthen the Kingdom’s competitiveness and improve its business environment by ensuring the availability of essential legal services for investors and business owners across various sectors.

The new regulations include significant updates and reforms, such as the repeal of the rules on disciplinary action and the filing and adjudication of related complaints issued in 1443 AH.

Additionally, the executive regulations for licensing foreign law firms, issued in 1444 AH, and the rules for mitigating conflicts of interest for former judiciary employees and their equivalents practicing law, issued in 1444 AH, will be annulled.

Key provisions of the new regulations address the qualifications and experience required to practice law, requirements related to the integrity of the Lawyers Registration and Admission Committee, cases where lawyers are transferred to the register of non-practicing lawyers, rules for law office operations, and procedures for lawyers seeking to suspend their practice.

The SBA has emphasised its commitment to leveraging its status and authority to positively influence the regulation of the legal profession and consulting services.

The association aims to elevate professional practice standards, ensure the ethical and efficient performance of legal practitioners, and increase awareness of professional responsibilities.

These efforts are intended to empower the legal profession and foster its economic growth.

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Bahrain: Parliament Approves Draft Law To Ban Conversion Of Visit Visas Into Work Permits

17/01/202517/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 15 January 2025: In a significant move to reform the labour market, Parliament has approved a draft law that prohibits the conversion of visit visas into work permits.

The proposed amendments target the 1965 Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Act, introducing a new article that explicitly bans the practice.

Additionally, the law includes provisions to annul any conflicting regulations and sets out guidelines for its implementation.

First introduced in May 2023, the draft law aims to prioritise employment opportunities for Bahraini nationals.

It aligns with the government’s long-term labour market strategy, which emphasises placing Bahraini citizens at the forefront of hiring while enhancing their skills through comprehensive training programmes.

The legislation reflects a broader effort to strengthen local employment prospects and reduce dependency on foreign labour in certain sectors.

The draft law will now proceed through the legislative process for final approval and enactment.

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UAE: Family Law Reforms

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 10 January 2025: The UAE’s newly introduced family law represents a significant modernisation of the legal framework, aimed at enhancing the protection of children and families.

Set to take effect in April 2025, this legislation brings about substantial changes in child custody arrangements, financial rights, and educational guardianship.

One of the most notable amendments is the extension of custody age to 18 for both boys and girls, reflecting a stronger focus on the welfare of children while respecting their growing independence.

Previously, custody was granted to mothers until boys turned 11 and girls turned 13.

Now, children at the age of 15 can choose which parent they wish to live with, provided the court deems their choice to be in their best interests.

In cases involving children with severe medical or psychological conditions, custody will remain with the mother unless the court finds an alternative arrangement more suitable.

The law also expands rights for non-Muslim mothers, allowing them to retain custody of their children from Muslim fathers beyond the age of five, subject to court approval.

This marks a significant departure from the previous law, which automatically transferred custody at this age.

The legislation introduces measures to expedite family-related disputes, with educational guardianship primarily remaining with the mother but now addressable by the Urgent Matters Court for more efficient resolution.

Parents now have one year, instead of six months, to file custody claims, with courts able to grant further extensions for valid reasons.

This adjustment ensures that technicalities do not override the best interests of the child.

Equal travel rights for parents are also established, allowing either parent to travel alone with their child for up to 60 days per year, with extensions possible in special circumstances.

The law broadens the definition of family support to include non-cash assistance, such as benefits or in-kind contributions, allowing families to meet their specific needs more effectively.

Wives can now claim backdated maintenance for up to six months and request increases in mandated amounts, with monthly alimony payments given precedence over most other debts.

Stricter controls have been introduced regarding the handling of children’s identification documents, with severe legal consequences for misuse.

Criminal penalties are established for custodians who violate travel provisions or fail to deliver documents to the rightful guardian, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding children and protecting family rights.

This new family law reflects the UAE’s dedication to fostering stronger family bonds and ensuring the best interests of all its members, in line with the country’s progressive vision for a modern society.

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Sharjah: Plans to Launch Rental Index to Reduce Disputes Between Tenants, Landlords

16/01/202516/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 13 January 2025: Sharjah is set to introduce a rental index aimed at enhancing transparency in the emirate’s real estate market and boosting investor confidence.

This initiative will feature a map of Sharjah, enabling residents to view rental rates in their specific areas.

The rental index, developed by Sharjah Digital in collaboration with the Sharjah Real Estate Department, is anticipated to be unveiled during the Acres 2025 exhibition at the Sharjah Expo Centre from 22 and 25 January 2025.

The introduction of the index is expected to bring greater clarity to the rental market, thereby reducing disputes between tenants and landlords.

This move follows similar initiatives in other emirates, such as Dubai’s ‘smart rental index’ and Abu Dhabi’s inaugural rental index, both designed to increase market transparency and provide indicative rental values.

Industry leaders have expressed support for the index, highlighting its potential to improve trustworthiness in the market.

The initiative is seen as a positive step towards making the real estate sector more transparent and reliable for all stakeholders involved.

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