News developments
Qatar’s Prime Minister has approved various conditions, including a decision extending the term of the real estate sector development committee for another six months. The Committee is responsible for proposing a strategy to develop the sector in the State. They are also responsible for suggesting policies and plans to implement the strategy.
News developments
Oman’s Labour Ministry has announced residency permits for drivers will not be renewed when they expire. The only exception will be where an applicant provides a valid driving license consistent with the type of profession they occupy. It will be implemented from 1 June 2021 together with the Royal Oman Police.
News developments
The Women and Family Committee has approved a proposal to give permanent residence to children of Kuwaiti women who are married to non-Kuwaitis. They will also get priority in employment after Kuwaitis and be treated like Kuwaitis in Ministries and Government institutions. Additionally, the Head of the Committee has announced the Committee has called for centres to shelter women and children who are domestic violence victims. They also called for the approval of the Implementing Regulations to the Domestic Violence Law to be expedited.
News developments
The General Secretariat of the Dubai Executive Council have announced the Dubai authorities have identified Government information leakers. The individuals attempted to disclose this information. They attempted to do so through messaging applications and social media platforms. Those who leak this information will be punished. The authorities added Government employees should comply with policies and procedures on the dissemination and exchange of Government information and upholding confidentiality and privacy.
News developments
The Foreign, Defence and National Security Committee of Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a proposal to increase the penalties for those who refuse to report medical profession crimes. This relates to individuals who must do so because of their legal capacity. They should report any information which might help any suspected crimes be discovered. The law proposes replacing the text of Article 231 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 15/1976 (the Penal Code) by increasing the penalties for those who work in the medical professions but fail to report suspected crimes. Under the amendment, the jail term would be between three months and a year and a fine of between 200 and 2,000 Dinars.
News developments
Abu Dhabi’s Securities Exchange has announced it will reduce the total commissions for the trading activities on all deals which happen from this month. It is part of its ADX One strategy which is aimed at doubling the market value of the companies listed in the market over the next three years. This is the second time the Exchange has reduced commissions on transactions over the last two years to improve market liquidity.
Weekly Spotlight
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has announced a raft of judicial reforms including a new Civil Transactions Law are on the way. A new Personal Status Law, Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions and Law of Evidence will also be introduced.
Once the draft laws are finalised, they will be referred to the Cabinet and other relevant bodies to consider. Once the Cabinet and other relevant bodies have reviewed them, they will be submitted to the Shoura Council to consider. They will be drafted in line with Sharia Law and the Kingdom’s international and regional treaty obligations.
They will help clarify the lines of accountability and ensure the consistency of legal references to limit discrepancies in court rulings. Discrepancies in court rulings have led to a lack of clarity in the rules governing incidents and practices as well as prolonging cases which are not based on established legal provisions and creating a lack of a clear legal framework for individuals and businesses.
News developments
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has announced its intention to plans to establish a major airline company in the Kingdom. It will compete with State-owned Saudi Arabian Airlines and other major aviation companies in the region. The Fund has made significant progress in establishing an aviation company which will operate both international and domestic flights. The aim is offer consumers more choice and increase the contribution of the aviation sector to the country’s GDP.
News developments
The Compliance and Data Protection Department of Qatar’s Transport and Communications Ministry has announced it has published the guidelines to Qatar Law No. 13/2016 (the Personal Data Privacy Protection Law). They provide a set of guidelines, controls, assistance tools, checklists and templates for regulated entities covered by the Law to support compliance with it. They also include guidance for individuals to be more aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Law. Regulated entities should refer to them and adapt according to their individual role either as data processor or data controller, without prejudice to the Law to avoid liability. They were issued on Data Privacy Day. They are aimed at helping individuals, regulated entities and stakeholders understand their respective responsibilities, rights and practices under the Law. They have also been introduced as part of efforts to implement the Law.
News developments
Oman’s Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Ministry has confirmed GCC investors do not need a residence card. It follows rumours on social media that GCC citizens need a lease contract and a municipal license to obtain a residence card. The Ministry confirmed GCC citizens are treated the same as Omani citizens. They are working with the Royal Oman Police Directorate-General of Civil Status. The Ministry added they do not ask GCC investors to obtain residence cards to get a commercial registration or facilitate the establishment of a business in the Sultanate.
