Newsletter Archives - Page 7 of 243 - LexisNexis Middle East

Abu Dhabi: AI-Powered Financial Crime Detection System Launches

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: A new artificial intelligence system designed to combat financial crime was unveiled, marking a significant advance in automated financial investigation capabilities.

The AI Investigator platform performs automated due diligence by analysing ownership structures, media coverage and regulatory documentation. The system can process millions of data points within minutes, dramatically reducing investigation times that traditionally took weeks.

The cloud-based technology employs behavioural analysis and pattern matching to identify potential criminal activity across multiple sectors including finance, real estate, professional services and government operations.

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UAE: Legal Experts Call For New Digital Media and AI Regulations

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Legal experts have highlighted the need for updated legislation to address challenges posed by digital media and artificial intelligence.

The seminars specifically addressed data protection and user rights in the digital space, alongside discussions about the opportunities and risks associated with AI deployment in digital media. Participants evaluated whether current legal frameworks provide adequate protection for personal data and user rights.

For the full story, click here.

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Sharjah: Approves New Government Data Sharing Framework

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved a comprehensive guide for government data sharing, establishing standardised procedures for information exchange between local authorities.

The new framework includes: Standardised processes for inter-departmental data sharing, Protocols for external data requests, Data classification guidelines, Risk management procedures, Governance standards for data usage and Template documents for unified procedures.

The guide specifically addresses: Data exchange between local government entities, Procedures for requesting information from external bodies, Data classification systems and Quality control measures.

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Saudi Arabia: Revises Labour Law Penalties with Focus on Maritime and Agricultural Sectors

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 11 September 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced comprehensive amendments to its Labour Law (Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M51/1426) violations and penalties framework, introducing new regulations for maritime and agricultural sectors.

The revised framework, published on the Istitlaa platform for public consultation, introduces specific penalties for maritime labour violations, with fines ranging from SR300 to SR1,000. Maritime regulations address issues such as working hours, rest periods, and accommodation requirements for seafarers.

For agricultural workers, the ministry has established new penalties ranging from SR300 to SR20,000. Key violations include employing workers under 21, failing to provide mandatory rest periods, and not ensuring adequate housing and food provisions.

The amendments also strengthen existing regulations, including a SR1,000 fine for employers who fail to comply with maternity leave requirements. The ministry has enhanced penalties for recruitment violations, introducing a graduated system of sanctions including warnings, license suspensions of up to 12 months, and potential license revocation.

New provisions specifically prohibit forced labour practices and protect workers’ rights to communicate with their families and embassies. The framework also requires employers to document all labour information in ministry systems and approved platforms.

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Qatar: Updates Legal Practice Law with Major Reforms

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Arab, 12 September 2025: Qatar has introduced significant amendments to its Legal Practice Law through Qatar Law No. 19/2025, implementing substantial changes to regulations governing the legal profession.

The revised legislation includes several key practical changes: State Lawyers’ Authority The law reorganises the authority of state lawyers at the Ministry of Justice, allowing the State Cases Department to contract Qatari lawyers or seek external counsel for cases outside Qatar, subject to ministerial approval.

New Lawyers’ Admission Committee Structure: A restructured Lawyers’ Admission Committee will be chaired by the Minister of Justice and include two Court of Appeal judges, a public prosecutor, three lawyers, and two ministry representatives.

Extended Professional Activities: The amendments permit lawyers to register in the commercial registry and own shares in capital companies, provided they do not manage or directly engage in commercial activities.

Advertising Guidelines: Lawyers can now promote their services through traditional and electronic means, subject to committee-approved regulations, with disciplinary measures for violations.

Fee Arrangements: The new law allows direct fee agreements between lawyers and clients, with contingency fees capped at 25% of successful claim amounts.

Legal Aid Commission: A new Legal Aid Commission has been established under the Supreme Judicial Council to appoint lawyers for clients unable to afford legal fees.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: Introduces Stricter Human Trafficking Law with Enhanced Penalties

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Roya, 14 September 2025: Oman has issued new comprehensive anti-human trafficking legislation through Omani Royal Decree 78/2025, introducing severe penalties and detailed enforcement measures

Key Penalties: Basic Offences: Prison terms: 3-10 years and Fines: 5,000-100,000 Omani Rials.

Aggravated Circumstances (7-15 years imprisonment and 10,000-100,000 Omani Rials fine): Crimes against children or disabled persons, Cases resulting in serious illness or injury, Multiple victims, Armed perpetrators, Public officials exploiting their position, Organised criminal groups and Transnational trafficking.

Additional Provisions: Witness tampering: 3-5 years imprisonment, Failure to report trafficking: 6 months to 3 years imprisonment plus 300-1,000 Rial fine, Publishing victims’ identities: Up to 1 year imprisonment plus 500-1,000 Rial fine and Passport confiscation: 10 days to 1 year imprisonment plus 100-300 Rial fine.

Corporate Liability: Fines: 10,000-100,000 Omani Rials, Possible suspension or dissolution of business and Management held personally liable if aware of crimes.

Enforcement Measures: Mandatory asset confiscation, No suspended sentences allowed, Immunity provisions for informants who assist authorities Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and Cross-border recognition of foreign convictions.

For the full story, click here.

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Kuwait: Introduces New Regulations for Freelance Business Activities

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Anba, 15 September 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has implemented comprehensive new regulations for freelance businesses through Kuwait Ministerial Decision No. 168/2025, establishing specific guidelines for 120 approved business activities.

Key regulations include: Licensing Requirements: Must be registered as a single-person company, Minimum age requirement of 21 years, Kuwaiti nationality mandatory, Clean criminal record required and a Four-year licence validity period.

Administrative Requirements: Registered postal address or email required, Property owner’s consent for home-based businesses, Mandatory fee payment, Environmental and public safety compliance, Electronic payment systems mandatory for all transactions and a Disclosure of commercial registration number on all official accounts.

Financial Provisions: Reduced capital requirements to 50% of similar traditional businesses and Multiple related activities permitted under single licence.

Approved Activities Include: Professional consultancy services, Tourism and travel services, Photography services, Sports and recreation facilities, Interior design services, Real estate services, Cultural and educational services, Agricultural and livestock brokerage and Industrial facility management.

The ministry will provide periodic reports to the Public Authority for Manpower regarding compliance with the new regulations. All business transactions must be conducted through electronic payment methods only.

For the full story, click here.

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Dubai: Sets New Building Design Standards for National Housing

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Emarat Al Youm, 15 September 2025: Dubai Municipality has introduced three key structural requirements for the design of nationals’ villas, whilst taking action against engineering firms found in violation of building codes.

The new standards mandate compliance with the Dubai Building Code and approved engineering standards, require a balance between structural safety and economic cost, and specify the use of building materials only as required without excess.

The municipality recently issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after detecting professional malpractices involving excessive structural designs for nationals’ villas. These practices were found to conflict with Dubai Building Code requirements and led to unjustified increases in construction costs.

The main violation involved over-engineering of structural designs, with excessive use of steel reinforcement and concrete without engineering justification. The municipality identified these violations through both design reviews and on-site inspections.

Officials noted that some designs included unnecessary reinforcement and oversized structural elements that increased costs for homeowners without technical necessity.

The municipality has warned consulting offices to avoid these practices to prevent negative annual evaluations and potential disciplinary measures under applicable regulations.

For the full story, click here.

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Bahrain: Strengthens Corporate Governance with New Legal Amendments

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Bilad Press, 12 September 2025: Bahrain has introduced significant amendments to its Commercial Companies Law (Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001), expanding personal liability for company executives and directors.

The key amendment to Article 18 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 extends personal liability to both visible and hidden company managers. Under the new provisions, directors, board members, and actual managers of shareholding companies and limited liability companies will be personally liable with their private assets for damages affecting the company, shareholders, partners, or third parties.

The revised law specifically addresses responsibility in cases of negligence, gross error, or violations of company laws and articles of association. Notably, the amendments establish that liability cannot be avoided even if violations result from board or general assembly decisions, unless the individual formally objected and recorded their opposition in meeting minutes.

The legislation introduces joint and collective responsibility in cases involving multiple violators. Absence from meetings where damaging decisions were made does not exempt individuals from liability unless they can prove they were unaware of the decision or unable to object.

For the full story, click here.

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ADGM: Updates Data Protection Rules for Insurance and Education

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The National, 16 September 2025: Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre has strengthened its data protection regulations with new amendments specifically targeting the insurance and education sectors.

The revised Data Protection Guidelines 2021 introduce ‘Substantial Public Interest Rules’, which establish clearer protocols for handling sensitive personal information.

Under the new regulations, insurers must follow specific procedures when processing special categories of personal data. The amendments include precise definitions of “insurance contract” and “insurance purpose” to ensure uniform implementation across the industry.

A key provision allows for processing sensitive personal data without consent in cases involving children or individuals at risk of harm. The rules extend protection to vulnerable adults aged 18 and above, once they meet specified criteria.

The guidelines define at-risk individuals as those requiring care and support, facing neglect or physical, mental or emotional harm, or unable to protect themselves from such risks.

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