Newsletter Archives - Page 73 of 242 - LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Investment Ministry Launches Inventory of Foreign Direct Investments of Private Sector

31/01/202431/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 29 January 2024: Saudi Arabia’s Investment Ministry has announced it has launched an inventory of foreign direct investments of the private sector.

It has been launched as part of efforts to provide services and incentives to support Saudi investors and companies in their efforts to expand globally especially in concluding bilateral investment agreements.

The Investment Minister said the Ministry was doing so in line with its regulatory remit and roles and responsibilities.

The Ministry has also prepared a questionnaire to record private sector companies’ foreign direct investments. Its questions include the name of the company, the year investment started, the name of the country in which the investment is made, the city in which the investment is made, the name of the sector, the value of the investment in US Dollars, the percentage of partnership or ownership and notes about foreign investment.

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Qatar: Draft District Cooling Law Approved

31/01/202431/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Raya, 25 January 2024: Qatar’s Cabinet has approved a draft law regulating district cooling businesses and services in the country.

It has referred it to the Shoura Council to consider.

The draft law proposes the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for the district cooling sector in the country.

This includes the financial, technical, and legal aspects.

If approved, it will enable the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation to organise and manage district cooling business and services and set the rules regulating the relationship between parties in this sector.

For the full story, click here.

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Oman: No New Hotel Permits to be Issued in Muscat City

31/01/202431/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 24 January 2024: Oman’s Heritage and Tourism Ministry has announced no new hotel permits are going to be issued in Muscat city and surrounding areas.

The move follows the introduction of new regulations on establishing new hotel establishments which come into force on 1 February. They have been issued to address an imbalance in the distribution of hotels across the country.

The Ministry will not accept any requests for new hotel activities in the Muscat Governorate, except for Quriyat and Al Amerat wilayats.

In Dhofar, the Ministry will stop accepting requests for regular hotel apartments in Salalah. All establishments should follow the classification and quality standards specified in Oman Sultani Decree No. 69/2023 (the Tourism Law) which is aimed at regulating hotel and tourist establishments. Approvals for the establishment of new hotel facilities will be issued according to the project location in the permitted areas.

In Al Wusta no new requests for one and two-star hotels and rest houses in the wilayats of Mahut, Haima and Duqm will be accepted.

In Al Dhakiliyah no new requests for regular hotel apartments, rest houses, one- and two-star hotels, and rest houses in all wilayats of the governorate will be accepted.

In Al Dhahirah no new requests for one and two-star hotels rest houses in the city centre in the wilayat of Ibri and guest houses in the city centre in the wilayat of Ibri will be accepted.

In Al Buraimi no new requests for guest houses, except for the wialayat of Sunaynah will be accepted.

In Musandam no new requests for one-star hotels, rest houses and guest houses in the state of Khasab will be accepted.

In North al Batinah no new requests for one and two-star hotels, rest houses, regular hotel apartments, and hospitality hostels in all wilayats of the governorate will be accepted.

In South al Batinah no stopping hospitality hostels in the states of Barka and al Musannah will be allowed.

No camps will be allowed in any wilayats except Nakhal wilayat.

In North al Sharqiyah construction of one and two-star hotels, rest houses and regular hotel apartments in the wilayat of Ibra will be stopped.

In South al Sharqiyah construction of guest houses and regular hotel apartments will be stopped.

In the wilayat of Sur, construction of two-star hotels will be stopped and construction of one-star hotels and rest houses in all wilayats of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali will be stopped.

All categories and classifications of new hotel projects in Muscat Governorate will be limited to Quriyat and Al Amerat only.

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Kuwait: Radiation Protection Decisions Approved

31/01/202431/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 23 January 2024: Kuwait’s Health Minister has approved three Ministerial Decisions on the use of ionising radiation and preventing associated risks.

The first Decision includes the adoption of the regulation on the security of radioactive and nuclear sources. It clarifies the basic parameters for maintaining the safe and peaceful use of all radiation sources in the country and how to preserve them.

For the first time it includes new regulatory issues, by ensuring the security of nuclear materials through the detection-delay mechanism. This addresses and manages security to prevent the possibility of unauthorised withdrawal of nuclear and radioactive materials.

The second Decision specifies the procedures and documents required to apply for a licence for entities dealing with ionising or non-ionising radiation sources.

It is aimed at simplifying the procedures and reducing the process of obtaining the licence for the location and use of ionising or non-ionising radiation.

The third Decision includes exposure limits and radiation safety standards to deal with non-ionising radiation sources.

It will enable Kuwait to enter the field of communication networks to ensure the safety of workers, the general public and the environment from the risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields arising from non-ionising rays of various spectra.

They were approved following recommendations from the radiation prevention committee and proposals from the radiation prevention department of the public health sector.

They have been approved to update the legislative framework for radiation protection and maintain the safe and peaceful use of all radiation sources in the country.

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Saudi Arabia: Bonded Zone Rules Issued

30/01/202430/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Arabian Business, 27 January 2024: Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has announced it has issued Bonded Zone Rules.

The rules aim to outline the statutory provisions for licensing of bonded zones and for practicing activities in these zones.

The rules specify the obligations of operators and Authority control and supervisory functions relating to the bonded zones.

In addition, they clarify the procedures for licensing activities in bonded zones and the conditions for applying for licences.

They clarify the requirements, specifications and obligations and the provisions related to the obligations of operators and the Authority’s powers in this area too.

Bonded zones are a special customs area. Importers, exporters and logistics companies in these areas can store goods and carry out logistic activities and operations with customs duties and taxes suspended until they are entered into the local market, sold or re-exported.

This gives these companies increased liquidity and management flexibility.

It also enables an environment that supports movement of goods to be created.

In addition, it provides increased flexibility of clearance, storage and re-exporting to different destinations.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2024 Edition

29/01/202429/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Introducing the January 2024 edition of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert!

Delve into our complimentary publication, Lexis Middle East – HR Alert, designed to provide you with a comprehensive source of insights and updates to keep you well-informed about the latest developments in the Labour and Employment landscape of the MENA region. We have meticulously curated the most recent HR updates and developments to ensure you remain empowered. This publication highlights significant cases and offers valuable insights into HR policies and laws within the region.

This edition offers a comprehensive overview of recent employment law developments in the Gulf region, focusing on the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. Featured topics include alternative approaches to end-of-service gratuity in the UAE, trends in remote work and immigration, updates on part-time employment in Kuwait, and key changes in the legal landscape, such as new UAE pensions laws. The publication also includes a case study on discrimination and victimisation, profiles a People Partner supporting career development, covers personnel movements, and examines the impact of Oman’s new Labour Law on parental leave rights. Overall, the magazine serves as a valuable resource for professionals staying abreast of the evolving employment law dynamics in the Gulf.

Stay up-to-date and enhance your HR knowledge with the latest release of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: Rewarding Service

Authors; Shiraz Sethi and Ali Al Assaad of Dentons and, Chris Cain and Ben McLean of Equiom Group explore a voluntary alternative to the traditional end-of-service gratuity in the UAE, aiming to provide employers and employees with higher returns and increased flexibility.

Trend Setter – Remote Working

Vialto Partners‘ survey findings reveal a growing consideration for remote work and virtual assignments among employers in the Gulf, with insights provided by experts on the practical implications.

News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay abreast of recent developments, including employment-related matters, highlighting notable changes in Kuwait’s approach to part-time working.

Immigration Focus: Recent GCC Immigration and Visa Changes

Stay updated! Examining key immigration developments, this segment focuses on dependant residency visas in Qatar, shedding light on the latest changes in the region.

What’s Changed? – UAE Freezones

Anir Chatterji of Vialto Partners discusses the consequences of suspending visa and residence permit transfer services within UAE freezones, particularly affecting employees seeking to change employers.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Highlighting significant legal modifications across the MENA region, this section zooms in on a new UAE Pensions Law. Sabrina Saxena and Noor Jamaluddin of Al Tamimi & Co. provide insights into the radical changes it introduces.

Case Focus

A specific case, Miskofi v Milbart, in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Small Claims Tribunal is examined, showcasing how discrimination and victimisation cases are handled, recommended by Ayesha Karim.

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_January 2024

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous 2023 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2023

LexisNexis-Middle-East-HR-Alert_March-2023

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2023 Edition

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – August 2023 Edition

Moves and Changes

Providing a roundup of significant personnel movements and changes in roles across the Gulf region.

Policy Pointers: Parental Leave

Author Emma Higham from Clyde & Co, explores the implications of Oman Sultani Decree No. 53/2023, the new Labour Law, on parental leave rights and increased employer responsibilities in Oman.

HR Profile: Supporting Development

Delia Popescu, People Partner at Arup, shares insights into how her work in human resources supports and contributes to the career development of others.

Umm AlQuwain: Law on Reorganisation of Ummal Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Al Bayan, 19 January 2024: Ummal Quwain’s Ruler has issued Ummal Quwain Law No. 1/2024 on the reorganisation of the Ummal Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ummal Quwain Law No. 1/2007 regarding the Ummal Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Law (as amended) will be repealed.

Any other legislation that conflicts with the Law will also be repealed.

The Law will be published in the Official Gazette and come into force on its publication date.

All relevant parties will be responsible for implementing it.

The Law has been issued to develop and consolidate the Emirate’s economic position.

It has also been issued to support the directions and vision of the Emirate by developing industries, developing new and promising sectors and attracting diverse investments, in a way that serves the economic environment in the Emirate.

To read full story, click here.

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UAE: Federal Law on Regulating Private and Public Sector Relations Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Al Watan, 19 January 2024: The UAE’s Finance Ministry has announced it has issued Federal Law No. 12/2023, regulating partnerships between the federal public and private sectors.

It came into force on 1 December 2023.

It aims to regulate the partnership between the federal public sector and the private sector in the country and encourage the private sector to participate in development and strategic projects.

It also aims to increase investment in projects of economic, social and service value implemented by the federal public sector and enable the government to implement its strategic projects efficiently and effectively.

In addition, it aims to enable them to benefit from the financial, administrative, organisational, technical and technological capabilities and expertise available in the private sector.

To read the full story, click here.

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Saudi Arabia: First Administrative Enforcement Court to be Established

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 21 January 2024: The first administrative enforcement court is going to be established in Riyadh.

It will have jurisdiction to enforce court decisions issued.

This will apply even where the decision is issued against ministries and government agencies.

The enforcement of administrative rulings will be carried out by submitting a request for enforcement in a statement of claim deposited in the court.

This will be referred to the relevant department to execute.

The department will then notify the party against whom enforcement is requested with a period of five days for urgent judgments and 30 days for other judgments.

Under the Implementing Regulations to the Enforcement Law before the Courts under the Board of Grievances, convicted individuals, including state agencies and companies partially owned by the state should take the initiative to implement the final rulings subject to expedited enforcement.

In terms of enforcement against administrative agencies, such as ministries and government agencies, the Administrative Enforcement Courts will issue a warning to the administrative authority for enforcement within a specific period.

The department may inform the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority or Nazaha of details including in its disciplinary jurisdiction.

The Administrative Enforcement Court may order the imposition of a fine amounting to 10,000 Riyals on the individual against whom the enforcement rule is carried out.

An employee in the public sector will be jailed for up to seven years and fined up to 700,000 Riyals if they exploit their position to prevent enforcement of the ruling.

The employee will also be jailed for five years and fined up to 500,000 Riyals if they deliberately refrain from executing the required document, partially or completely, with the intention of obstruction, eight days after they were notified of the warning or the receipt of the enforcement procedures.

The implementation must be within their jurisdiction.

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Qatar: Voluntary Continuation of Pension Schemes Decision Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Alayam, 21 January 2024: Qatar’s Finance and National Economy Minister has issued a decision regarding the procedures and controls for voluntary continuation of the retirement system for employees.

These procedures and controls are contained in Qatar Law No. 13/1975 on the organisation of retirement pensions and benefits for government employees.

Article 1 of the Decision states that every employee whose service has ended for any reason and who is not entitled to a retirement pension in line with any of the laws or pension and insurance regulations has the right to continue voluntarily in the retirement system, provided they have an actual period of service of at least five years.

Article 2 of the Decision states that voluntary insurance participation is based on the last basic monthly salary for which the retirement contribution was paid before the end of the employee’s service, in addition to the social allowance, provided that the participant is committed to paying the contributions due in full to the Authority, equivalent to the sum of theirs and the government’s contributions.

For the full story, click here.

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