LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Distance Learning Continues at Universities with One Exemption

03/04/202603/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 31 March 2026: The UAE extends distance learning for universities while allowing limited in‑person attendance for priority programmes.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research extends remote learning at higher education institutions across the UAE until April 17, following coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The measure applies to public and private universities nationwide, with weekly reviews planned.

Under the updated directive, in‑person classes resume only for priority academic programmes that require physical attendance, such as clinical training, laboratory‑based courses and practical fieldwork, provided approved safety measures are strictly followed. Universities are also permitted to conduct on‑site examinations where necessary.

The ministry urges institutions to maintain academic quality and assessment standards while coordinating closely with local authorities.

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News developments

Sharjah: Municipality Launches Smart Inspection System

03/04/202603/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah Municipality launches a smart inspection system to enhance regulatory oversight and efficiency in field inspections.

Sharjah Municipality introduces an integrated smart inspection system designed to support field inspectors and inspection department heads in carrying out inspections with greater accuracy and efficiency. The system enables comprehensive inspections of establishments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the emirate, including requirements related to hygiene, storage, equipment standards and occupational safety.

According to the municipality, the system allows inspectors to conduct inspections using mobile devices, standardises inspection checklists and supports real‑time data management. It also enables immediate issuance of warnings or administrative measures upon detecting violations, in addition to monitoring corrective actions taken by establishments.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Interior Ministry Bars Sharing of Missile Interception Information

03/04/202603/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 28 March 2026: Saudi Arabia warned against photographing, publishing, or sharing information relating to missile and drone interceptions, citing legal accountability and national‑security risks.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior issued a formal warning prohibiting the photographing, publication, or circulation of any information related to the interception of hostile missiles and drones, including footage of interception operations or impact locations. The Ministry stated that violations would expose individuals to legal liability under applicable laws governing national security and public order.

The warning was issued amid ongoing aerial defence operations, with authorities stressing that unauthorised dissemination of such information could compromise operational effectiveness and expose sensitive defence capabilities. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the restriction applied to all forms of digital and social‑media sharing and urged the public to cooperate fully with security authorities during the current circumstances.

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News developments

Qatar: Tax Authority Clarifies Capital Gains Exemption for Group Restructurings

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar’s General Tax Authority clarified the scope of capital gains tax exemptions introduced for corporate restructuring transactions within the same group.

The General Tax Authority issued official clarifications on the application of capital gains tax exemptions for intra‑group corporate restructuring, confirming that qualifying transactions could proceed without triggering tax liability. The clarification followed the introduction of Qatar Cabinet Resolution No. 3/2026, which had expanded relief under Qatar’s Income Tax framework.

The Authority explained that capital gains arising from the transfer or exchange of assets between companies within the same corporate group could be exempt where the restructuring served a genuine economic, commercial, or financial purpose. The exemption applied to transactions conducted between related parties that met ownership and continuity thresholds defined under the Income Tax Law and its Executive Regulations.

The Authority confirmed that the exemption recognised transfers of tangible and intangible business assets, shares, and ownership interests, including transactions undertaken to improve financial efficiency or facilitate listings on the Qatar Stock Exchange. It also clarified that the relief complemented existing exemptions available to individuals and non‑Qatari investors in respect of securities and real estate not connected to taxable business activities.

The Tax Authority stressed that eligibility for the exemption remained conditional on compliance with prescribed requirements, including group‑relationship duration and ongoing ownership continuity.

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News developments

Oman: State Council Reviews Amendments to Personal Data Protection Law

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 30 March 2026: Oman’s State Council examined proposed amendments to Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022 Promulgating the Personal Data Protection Law aimed at clarifying scope, automated processing, and data‑retention obligations.

Oman’s State Council discussed draft amendments to Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022 during its seventh session of the third regular convening of the eighth term, as part of a package of legislative proposals referred by the Council of Ministers. The review was undertaken pursuant to Article 50 of the Council of Oman Law.

The proposed amendments introduce an explicit definition of “automated processing” and clarify the scope of the law to apply to the processing of personal data of natural persons both within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, where such processing relates to individuals in Oman. The amendments seek to align the legal framework with evolving technological practices and cross‑border data‑processing activities.

Under the draft provisions, data controllers and processors would be required to delete personal data once the purpose of processing has been fulfilled. However, the law allows for retention of personal data where necessary to resolve disputes between the data controller and the data subject, or to comply with legal obligations arising from legislation, court rulings, orders, or judicial decisions.

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News developments

Kuwait: National Emergency System Activated

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Times Kuwait, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior activated a national early‑warning system to deliver emergency alerts to the public through smart devices in response to current security and safety conditions.

The Ministry has conducted field assessments before activating the system, which sends alerts based on real‑time security indicators continuously monitored by the relevant authorities. The alerts are intended to support rapid preventive action, enabling authorities to protect the public during emergencies.

The Ministry instructed residents to take the messages seriously, immediately move to safe areas upon receiving an alert, and avoid windows and open spaces. It warned against going out to observe or photograph incident sites, emphasising that such actions can expose individuals to danger and may lead to legal consequences. Community awareness and strict adherence to official guidance were described as essential pillars in maintaining public safety.

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News developments

Dubai: Regulatory Framework Introduced for Virtual Asset Derivatives Trading

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai establishes a regulatory framework governing the trading of exchange‑traded derivatives linked to virtual assets.

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for exchange‑traded derivatives in virtual assets, setting out a dedicated and enforceable regime under Version 2.1 of its Exchange Services Rulebook. The framework allows licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers to offer derivatives products within a clearly defined regulatory perimeter, subject to explicit authorisation and compliance requirements.

According to VARA, the framework imposes binding obligations covering client suitability and classification, margin and leverage controls, segregation of client assets, enhanced disclosure requirements and regulatory intervention powers. The measures are intended to address the higher risks associated with derivatives trading and to safeguard market integrity as demand for complex virtual asset products grows.

The updated rulebook takes immediate effect and applies to all VARA‑licensed exchanges operating within Dubai, reflecting the emirate’s approach of aligning innovation in the virtual‑assets sector with robust governance and oversight.

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News developments

Bahrain: MP Urges Labour Ministry To Ensure Timely Payment Of Unemployment Allowances

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 31 March 2026: A Bahraini MP called on the Labour Ministry to rectify technical faults in its electronic services and ensure that unemployment allowances and compensation payments are made without delay.

Bahraini MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi urged the Ministry of Labour to promptly resolve a technical fault affecting its online services and to guarantee the uninterrupted payment of unemployment allowances and compensation. His remarks followed an announcement by the ministry on its official social‑media account stating that a technical issue had affected its electronic services and that work was under way, in coordination with the relevant authorities, to address the problem.

The ministry had assured beneficiaries that the technical disruption would not result in the loss of unemployment allowances or compensation payments due to claimants. Al Olaiwi stressed that the ministry must adhere strictly to this assurance, noting that large numbers of jobseekers rely on these payments as their principal source of income.

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News developments

Ajman: New Taxi Fare Takes Effect from April 2026

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 31 March 2026: Ajman introduces a revised taxi fare structure starting April 2026 as part of updates to local transport services.

Ajman authorities announce a new taxi fare structure that comes into force from April 2026, adjusting starting fares and per‑kilometre charges for taxi services across the emirate. The update applies to all licensed taxis operating within Ajman and reflects changes in operational costs and service regulation.

According to the announcement, the revised tariff sets a new base fare for trips and updates distance‑based pricing, with fares calculated using updated digital meters installed in taxis. Officials state that the changes aim to ensure service sustainability while maintaining reasonable pricing for passengers.

Transport authorities confirm that fare details are displayed inside taxis and through official channels, and drivers are required to adhere strictly to the approved rates.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Real Estate Rules Tighten Governance and Investor Protection

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 28 March 2026: Abu Dhabi has issued a new package of regulatory decisions to strengthen governance across its real estate sector, signalling a further tightening of legal oversight aimed at boosting transparency, investor confidence, and market stability.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced four administrative decisions designed to implement Abu Dhabi Law No. 3/2015 Concerning the Regulation of the Real Estate Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which governs real estate activities in the emirate. The measures were introduced to respond to market growth and to align regulatory practices with international standards.

The decisions addressed key stages of real estate development and management. They imposed stricter controls on withdrawals from escrow accounts, limiting disbursements before projects reach 20% completion in order to safeguard purchasers’ funds. They also clarified ownership rights and management responsibilities in jointly owned properties, ensuring the sustainable operation of shared facilities and common areas.

Further measures standardised the bylaws and operational procedures of owners’ committees, strengthening community participation and governance in residential developments. In addition, the decisions set clear compensation ratios, refund periods, and procedures for buyers affected by cancelled off‑plan projects, balancing the legal rights of purchasers and developers when units are resold.

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