LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Personal Data Protection Law Approved

30/11/202130/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

The UAE’s President has approved a Personal Data Protection Law. It will apply to the processing of personal data, whether in whole or partially in electronic systems, inside or outside the country.

It bans the processing of personal data without the consent of its owner.

There are some exceptions where the processing is required to protect the public interest, where the processing is related to personal data which has become available and known to all by an act of the data owner, or where the processing is necessary to carry out any of the legal procedures and rights.

It also defines the controls for the processing of personal data and the general obligations of companies with personal data. They also have to secure personal data and ensure it stays confidential and private.

Finally, it defines the circumstances in which the owner has the right to request inaccurate personal data be corrected and its processing be restricted or stopped. It also sets out the requirements for cross-border transfers and sharing personal data for processing purposes.

A Decision establishing a UAE Data Office has also been issued. Under Decision No. 44/2021, the Office will be affiliated to the Cabinet.

It will be responsible for proposing and preparing policies and legislations related to data protection as well as proposing and approving the standards for monitoring the application of Federal legislation regulating data protection.

In addition, it will be responsible for preparing and approving systems for complaints and grievances and issuing the necessary guidelines and instructions to implement data protection legislation in the country.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi Global Market Launches Consultation on Amendments to Beneficial Ownership & Control Regulations 2018

28/11/202128/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi’s Global Market has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the Beneficial Ownership & Control Regulations 2018. It ends on 23 December 2021.

The amendments are aimed at aligning and strengthening the regulations more with international standards and best practice.

If approved, the amendments will clarify the cascade approach for identifying beneficial owners of ADGM Persons who are natural persons who indirectly have a material ownership interest in an ADGM Person through an intermediate holding entity and impose duties on ADGM Persons which have one or more nominee directors to maintain a record of nominee directors and the identity of the person on whose behalf each nominee director acts and to keep their particulars.

They will also clarify that ADGM Persons must ensure no share transfer or change of ownership in the entity will be recognised or given any effect unless the record of beneficial owners is updated and the required particulars are provided to the Registrar.

In addition, a power will be given to the Registrar to recommend that a person is removed from the record of beneficial owners of the ADGM Person if the Registrar considers that having that person as a beneficial owner is contrary to the ADGM regulations or prejudicial to the interests of ADGM.

Finally, a power will be given to the Registrar to cancel the licence of, or strike-off, an ADGM Person for failing to comply with a notice given by the Registrar.

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News developments

Qatar: Draft Social Insurance Law Approved

28/11/202128/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

Al-Sharq, 24 November 2021: Qatar’s Cabinet has approved a draft Social Insurance Law.

It includes provisions on expanding insurance coverage to all private and public sector employees. It also includes provisions introducing a minimum threshold for pensions. It will be 15,000 Riyals. In addition, a housing allowance will be added to the subscription pool which will include the basic salary, social allowance and housing allowance.

They have also approved a draft Military Pension Law.

Military personnel will also have a special allowance added to their subscription pool.

Insured women will be exempt from the reduction of the pension if they resign if the resignation is due to having to look after a child or disability in line with specific conditions. For full story, click here.

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News developments

Dubai: Notary Public Law Amended

28/11/202128/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

Dubai’s Ruler has issued Dubai Law No. 26/2021 amending Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on Notary Publics in the Emirate of Dubai. It will be published in the Official Gazette and come into force on its published date.

Among other things, an electronic notary public provision has been added to Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013. It covers an automated system which performs a notary public’s duties, without human interference or the need to be present at the office of the notary public.

Under the Law, only UAE citizens with the necessary qualifications and background can perform the role of a notary public.

Article 8 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the Notary Public Affairs Committee has been amended to state the Committee should include at least one judge from Dubai Courts.

Article 10 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the conditions for listing a notary public in the registry of Dubai Courts has been amended as well.

Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the roles and responsibilities of an individual or private company licensed to provide notary public services in Dubai has been amended. Companies providing notary public services should inform the Dubai Courts about licensed individual notary publics working in the company. They should also ensure the individuals are provided all the tools required to provide the service. The private company will be held liable for any mistake made by the company or its individual notary publics. Fines imposed for errors under the Law or any other Decision need to be paid within 30 days.

In addition, Article 20 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the functions of the private company providing notary public services and the Electronic Notary and Article 33 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on procedures set by the head of Dubai Courts for correcting mistakes have been amended.

Penultimately, Article 35 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on electronic notary services, procedures for verifying the identity of a person, virtual calls and paying fees has been amended.

Article 36 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on the creation of a permanent grievance committee has been amended so as it includes at least one judge from the Dubai Court.

Finally, Article 37 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on grievance procedures and Article 39 of Dubai Law No. 4/2013 on inspections conducted on notary publics, guarantees and penalties imposed for violations have been amended.

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.

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News developments

Meet the award winners from the 6th Qatar Business Law Forum held in Doha, Qatar!

25/11/202125/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Qatar Business Law Forum Awards Ceremony!

Thank you to our Gala Dinner Sponsor, Pinsent Masons, for your support.

The Awards Ceremony sets out to recognise exceptional achievement within Qatar’s legal community. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners:

Excellence in Teaching Award

Winner: Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos, Associate Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, for originating and launching this fall HBKU Law’s fourth new degree program, the three-year Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.).

Legal Department of the Year (Small team)

Winner: Barwa Real Estate Company

Highly Commended: Qatar Shell WLL

Legal Department of the Year (Large team)

Winner: Qatar Financial Centre Authority Legal Department

Legal Counsel of the Year

Winner: Abdullah Dohan AlShammari, Senior Legal Specialist, Qatar University Research Office

Highly Commended: Rosalie Tien (Qatar Shell WLL)

General Counsel of the Year

Winner: Dana Al Ansari, Group Director, Legal & Compliance, Barwa Real Estate

Highly Commended: Mona Daraei, Head of Legal, Siemens Energy WLL

ADR Team of the Year

Winner: Pinsent Masons

Highly Commended: Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners

Banking & Finance Team of the Year

Winner: Simmons & Simmons

Highly Commended: K&L Gates

Commercial Litigation Team of the Year

Winner: Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm

Highly Commended: DWF

Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year

Winner: Addleshaw Goddard

Highly Commended: K&L Gates

Employment Team of the Year

Winner: Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm

IPTMT Team of the Year

Winner: Al Sulaiti Law Firm

Highly Commended: Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners

Property & Construction

Winner: K&L Gates

Highly Commended: Pinsent Masons & Dentons

Sports Law Team of the Year

Winner: Al Ansari & Associates

Highly Commended: Al Sulaiti Law Firm

Regional Law Firm of the Year

Winner: Al Marri & El Hage Law Offices

International Law Firm of the Year

Winner: Pinsent Masons

Highly Commended: DLA Piper

Qatar Law Firm of the Year

Winner: Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners

Highly Commended: Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm

We look forward to welcoming you in 2022 for the 7th Qatar Business Law Forum!

News developments

LexisNexis Hosts the 6th Qatar Business Law Forum in Doha, Qatar!

25/11/202125/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Qatar Business Law Forum Conference!

LexisNexis Middle East is pleased to have hosted, in partnership with the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre – QICRDC (LexisNexis Strategic Alliance Partner), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar University (College of Law), and our exclusive Law Firm Partner, Al Sulaiti Law Firm, the 6th Qatar Business Law Forum Conference in Doha, Qatar.

The conference covered the latest legal developments and trends in Qatar and gathered leading professionals from the Qatari legal and business community. The following topics were covered over three sessions:

First Session – Recent and Future Developments Qatar Law
- A New Trade & Investment Court for Qatar
- PPPs – The Story So Far
- Global Hydrogen Policy Developments: An Update for Qatar
- Roundtable: Recent and Future Developments in Qatar Law

Second Session – Hot Topics in Compliance
- Key Compliance Issues for Today’s In-House Counsel
- Issues in Labour and Recruitment Law Compliance
- Transitioning from LIBOR: Managing Compliance Risks
- Corporate Registration: Practical Considerations for Engineering and Construction Companies
- Roundtable: Compliance Issues and Trends for Today’s In-House Lawyers

Third Session – Issues and Trends in Dispute Resolution in Qatar
- Qatar Law and the Singapore Convention on Mediation
- International Arbitration in a Virtual World
- Expert Evidence and the Independence of the Expert in International Arbitration
- Mediation Skills for Lawyers
- Roundtable: Current Issues and Trends in ADR

Special thanks to our incredible speakers and moderators:

Mubarak Al Sulaiti – Chairman, Al Sulaiti Law Firm
Abdullatef Al-Mohannadi – Deputy Registrar, QICDRC
Sultan Al Abdulla – Qatar Lawyers Association
Benjamin Filaferro – Managing Director, LexisNexis Middle East & North Africa
Amr Hossam – Legal Consultant, Al Sulaiti Law Firm
Sean Khalid – Senior Legal Counsel, Barwa Real Estate Company
James Douglass – Partner, K&L Gates
Pawel Piotrowski – Partner, K&L Gates
Huw Davies – Senior Legal Counsel, Qatar Free Zones Authority
Susan Karamanian – Dean, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, College of Law and Public Policy
Lauren Djedid – Senior Legal Counsel, Qatar Financial Centre Authority
Raquel Ferreira – Senior Associate, Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm
Muhammad Ameen Hashim – Head of Corporate & Contracts Department, Al Sulaiti Law Firm
Simon Chan – Counsel, K&L Gates
Paula Boast – Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys
Hilary Bell – Assistant Professor, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, College of Law
Sarrah ElJaili – Associate, Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm
Kirk Durrant – Partner, DWF
Rohit Singhal – Chief Executive Officer, Masin
Dr. Zain Sharar – Senior Legal Counsel, QICDRC

Thank you to our partners and sponsors for your support:

Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Centre – LexisNexis Strategic Alliance Partner
Al Sulaiti Law Firm – LexisNexis Exclusive Law Firm Partner
Ministry of Commerce & Industry – Partner
Qatar University – Partner
Aurifer Middle East Tax – Tax Partner
K&L Gates – Platinum Sponsor
Hamad AlYafei Law Firm – Platinum Sponsor
DWF – Gold Sponsor
Charles Russell Speechlys – Silver Sponsor
Masin – Silver Sponsor
Barwa Real Estate Company – Corporate Sponsor
Qatar Free Zones Authority – Corporate Sponsor
SADER Group – Bronze Sponsor
Pinsent Masons – Gala Dinner Sponsor

Lastly, thank you to all attendees for making the conference a success. We look forward to welcoming you in 2022 for the 7th Qatar Business Law Forum!

News developments

Saudi Arabia: Residency Permits Now Being Issued and Renewed Quarterly

25/11/202125/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

Saudi Gazette, 23 November 2021: The General Directorate of Passports or Jawazat has announced residency permits can now be issued and renewed quarterly.

The new service is being executed together with the Human Resources and Social Development Ministry and the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

It has been launched to implement a new Cabinet Decision which was issued to this effect.

Domestic workers and similar workers are exempt.

The residency permit will be renewed once the expatriate fee has been paid.

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/.

Event

LexisNexis Hosts the 4th Oman Business Law Forum in Muscat, Oman!

24/11/202125/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

LexisNexis Middle East, in collaboration with the Omani Lawyers Association and Omani British Lawyers Association, hosted the 4th Oman Business Law Forum at the Novotel Muscat Airport Hotel in Muscat, Oman. The conference was supported by our Gold Sponsors, S & A Law Firm.

The conference covered the latest legal developments and trends in Oman and gathered leading professionals from the Omani legal and business community. Topics included:

Real Estate in Integrated Tourism Complexes in Oman
Foreign Investment post-COVID in light of the new FCIL and its 2020 Executive Regulations
Labour Law Developments and Omanisation
Arbitration and the New the Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre
New Regulations for Public Joint Stock Companies (Oman Decision No. 27/2021)

Thank you to all speakers for helping us in furthering legal knowledge in Oman.

Paul Sheridan, Chairman, OBLA (Omani British Lawyers Association)
Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman, OLA (Omani Lawyers Association)
Sarah Haddadi, Head of Rule of Law Business, LexisNexis MENA
Ali Al Rashdi, Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution Practice and Head of Maritime Law Practice, S & A Law Firm
Abdullah Al Nabhani, Partner, Head of Criminal Law Practice and Head of Employment Law Practice, S & A Law Firm
Ahmed Al Abri, Partner, Head of Insurance Law Practice and Head of Tax Practice, S & A Law Firm
Dhana Pillai, Partner, Al Hashmi Law
Said Al Shahry, Founder and Managing Partner, Said Al Shahry & Partners (SASLO)
Edward Butler, Partner, Hamad Al Sharji Peter Mansour & Co
Raiyan Al-Toky, S & A Law Firm
John Riddick, Partner, Knights plc

Thank you to our partners, sponsors and attendees for making the conference a success! The photos from the conference are available below!

News developments

Bahrain: Implementation Date for Execution Law in Civil and Commercial Matters Announced

24/11/202124/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Vice President of Bahrain’s Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Court of Cassation has announced the Execution Law in Civil and Commercial Matters is going to be implemented on 17 March 2022.

The Council are preparing the procedural requirements to implement Bahrain Decree-Law No. 22/2021.

They are doing so together with the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.

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: Crowdfunding Rule Changes Announced

24/11/202124/11/2021
by Benjamin Filaferro

Times of Oman, 21 November 2021: Oman’s Capital Market Authority has announced crowdfunding rule changes.

They have been approved as part of amendments to the Implementing Regulations to the Capital Market Law.

Under the amendments, licensing companies cannot specialise in managing crowdfunding platforms if their capital is less than 25,000 Riyals.

Companies wanting to engage in activities will be exempt from licensing fees of 155,000 Rials until January 2023. The aim is to stimulate the establishment of platforms and support owners of SMEs.

Licensed companies will have to provide an electronic system which allows four types of financing. These are donation, rewards, contribution to ownership and debt instruments.

Those operating these platforms will have to display all disclosures issued by the applicants for financing on the same platform.

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.

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