LexisNexis Middle East

Egypt: Amendments to Brokers and Agencies Law Approved

31/03/202231/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Youm7, 29 March 2022: Egypt’s House of Representatives has approved the final amendments to Egypt Law No. 120/1982 on brokers and commercial agencies.

The law aims to control and restrict expanding brokery activities to reduce chaos in the real estate market by registering brokers and agencies in the related authority.

It supports Government attempts to activate electronic payments and registry in order to tackle money laundering attempts and increase investment projects. For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Bahrain: Central Bank Issues Updated Investment Fund Operation Directives

31/03/202231/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain’s Central Bank has issued updated investment fund operation directives.

They have done so following a comprehensive review of the rules governing the work of these entities as part of its plan to carry out a comprehensive review of the entire legislative system related to the financial sector.

The amendments focus on dividing investment funds into two categories.

The first category of funds relates to small investors and contain details of the nature of investment in the funds and require approval from the Bank first.

The second category of funds relates to investors with high financial solvency and experience. Those in this category only have to notify the Bank of the fund marketer.

The updated rules take the rapid and continuous changes in the investment fund sector into account.

They are aimed at reducing administrative procedures and facilitating approvals for the establishment and marketing of investment funds in order to create an environment to enable the sector to grow with appropriate regulations in place.

This will improve the competitiveness of investment fund operators and investment managers. For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Kuwait: Trade Fair Rules Must be Complied With

30/03/202230/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Arab Times, 27 March 2022: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has announced trade fair rules must be complied with.

The security directorates in the respective governorates have to be informed of temporary exhibitions.

They have to be organised and comply with the relevant Ministerial Decision on the establishment of temporary trade fairs.

The rules for hosting concerts are different. The General Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the Information Ministry has to be informed by the organiser of the concert.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/

News developments

UAE: Sustainable Green Building Codes Launched

29/03/202229/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

The UAE has announced it has launched a range of new green building codes.

They were launched to help save energy and water during Expo 2020 Dubai’s Water Week.

The Energy and Infrastructure Minister introduced the list of terms, conditions and specifications which Government buildings and organisations should uphold to get sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

They specify a list of standards, conditions and requirements which will ensure a more sustainable environment for future generations, reduce energy and water consumption, mitigate the carbon footprint of construction and building sites and improve the quality of buildings and their surrounding environment.

They aim to unify local and federal efforts and goals related to energy and water efficiency standards at the national level and contribute to creating high-efficiency buildings. They also aim to work on updating current construction manuals and streamline the development of new guidelines and regulations which align with the UAE’s objectives for the next 50 years as well as its plans to become a global leader in the field of sustainable economic development.

The codes were prepared by the Ministry together with relevant federal and local authorities in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the Water Security Strategy 2036. Also reported in Alroeya on 25 March 2022. For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Qatar: Business Map Portal Launched

28/03/202228/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Peninsula, 25 March 2022: Qatar’s Commerce and Industry Ministry has announced it has launched the Qatar Business Map portal.

It is available on the Ministry’s website.

It has been launched in line with Qatar Law No. 1/2020 (the Unified Economic Register Law).

It aims to support the transparency of economic and financial transactions by compiling basic information, data and documents for economic establishments, legal arrangements and non-profit organisations and freelancers.

It also aims to make them available to the public and stakeholders in line with Financial Action Task Force requirements.

The portal provides a comprehensive database for users, allowing them to view the investment advantages of Qatar’s various regions through a search service for commercial establishments per region and for various commercial activities.

A QR code will be included on the documents issued via the Ministry’s Single Window platform in order to assist the relevant authorities in viewing the commercial registration data and verifying their validity and accuracy. It is a database for entrepreneurs and investors to facilitate their access to target customers. It aims to help users select the ideal location to establish a business and choose a lucrative business activity. It also helps identify the location of potential competitors.

It helps find residential areas for entrepreneurs and investors to establish their commercial activities as well as analysing the location to understand the target customer base and measure the feasibility of the commercial project in a specific area.

It is aimed at assisting the relevant authorities by reducing the levels of misleading data submitted to the relevant authorities by some companies. This will help ensure the validity and accuracy of commercial registration data and release commercial companies from having to use the company’s seal to stamp the requests submitted to the relevant entities to obtain their services.

It also aims to help them by exempting the relevant companies from obtaining the seal and manual signature of the relevant administrative units at the Commerce and Industry Ministry to ensure accuracy and validity of data of the commercial registers where they refer back to the relevant authorities and enable the relevant authorities to confirm the accuracy of documents by scanning the QR code on the official documents issued by the Ministry.

It also provides statistics on the number of commercial licenses registered in each municipality, new and signed-off commercial licenses and the latest commercial establishments registered in Qatar.

It can be accessed via https://businessmap.moci.gov.qa. Also reported in Al-Sharq on 24 March 2022. For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Oman: New Al Buraimi Economic Zone to be Established

28/03/202228/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Times of Oman, 23 March 2022: Oman’s Sultan has announced it is going to establish a new Al Buraimi Economic Zone.

It will be established in the Al-Rawdah District.

Site visits will be carried out in the next few days to determine the location.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: First Woman Appointed to Saudi Bar Association Board

25/03/202225/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Saudi Gazette, 23 March 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Justice Minister and Chairman of the Saudi Bar Association has announced they have issued an Order appointing the first woman to the Association’s board.

They are one of five new members appointed.

The new members are Ethar Al-Daej, Jasser Al-Jasser, Dr Osama Al-Qahtani, Anas Al-Zamil, Dr Louay Al-Akkas.

The Minister has also approved the professional conduct rules for lawyers.

They are aimed at developing the legal profession and enhancing its professional standards as well as transparency and responsibility.

In addition, they are aimed at strengthening legal protections for lawyers as well as their clients and redefining their responsibility towards clients, colleagues, judicial authorities and society.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: Full Implementation of Personal Data Protection Law Postponed

23/03/202223/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Arab News, 23 March 2022: Saudi Arabia’s Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence has announced it has postponed the full implementation of the Personal Data Protection Law until 17 March 2023.

They were responding to feedback received.

They have received feedback from various stakeholders. Also reported in Al Madina on 22 March 2022. For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Qatar: Draft Right to Information Law Reviewed

22/03/202222/03/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Peninsula, 21 March 2022: Qatar’s Shoura Council has reviewed the draft right to information law.

It was referred to them by the Cabinet.

They have decided to refer it to the Council’s Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee to consider and report back on.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

LexisNexis Hosts the First Women in Law Awards in the Middle East!

22/03/202217/08/2022
by Benjamin Filaferro

Dubai, UAE – 23 March 2022

LexisNexis Middle East is pleased to announce the success of our first-ever Women in Law Awards held on 23 February 2022 at The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sponsored by Yungo Legal Consultants, New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi, Al Tamimi & Company, HFW Middle East, DLA Piper, and Phoenix Advisors, the Women in Law Awards celebrate women’s achievements in legal practice in the GCC.

The awards categories had been divided into two sections ⸺ company awards and individual awards. This was to ensure that all components of Women in Law were being celebrated. The winners in each category were announced at the gala dinner and awards ceremony on 23 February 2022. The winners are as follows:

LAW FIRM AND COMPANY CATEGORIES:

Legal Department of the Year (Small Team) – Dubai Future Foundation
Legal Department of the Year (Large Team) – Novartis
Law Firm of the Year (Regional Firm) – Fichte & Co
Law Firm of the Year (International Firm) – Baker & McKenzie
Equality Initiative of the Year – Gateley for its Equal Pay Initiative

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES:

General Counsel of the Year – Francesca Gori, Accenture
Legal Counsel of the Year – Elizabeth Williamson, Accenture
Arbitration Lawyer of the Year – Pamela McDonald, Pinsent Masons
Banking, Finance & Restructuring Lawyer of the Year – Dalia Nammari, Linklaters
Construction Lawyer of the Year – Brittney Nash, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Corporate Lawyer of the Year – Sonia Abdul-Rahmen, White & Case
Employment Lawyer of the Year – Thenji Moyo, Gateley UK LLP
Litigator of the Year – Sarah Malik, SOL International Ltd
Rising Star – Legal Counsel of the Year – Nasim Bazari, Novartis
Rising Star – Private Practice Lawyer of the Year – Jenan Banahi, DLA Piper
Private Practice Lawyer of the Year – Alexandra Aikman, Pinsent Masons
Law Firm Leader of the Year – Diana Hamade, Diana Hamade Law Attorneys at Law
Entrepreneur of the Year – Rukhsana Khan, Westway Law
Legal Services Innovator of the Year – Amna Al Owais, Chief Registrar at DIFC Courts
Professional Achievement Award– Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar & Chief Executive at ADGM Arbitration Centre
Woman of the Year – Her Royal Highness Princess Hala Bint Khaled Bin Sultan Al-Saud

Over 150 women – all legal practitioners or otherwise active in the legal industry in the GCC – entered for an award in 20 different categories of law practice. LexisNexis Middle East thanks all the women who submitted an entry; their participation has made these awards successful. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate women’s achievements in the GCC! We are pleased to announce the date for the next edition, 2 March 2023!

Visit the LexisNexis Women in Law Awards website for more information.