LexisNexis Middle East

Bahrain: State oil company declares force majeure

11/03/202611/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Times of Israel, 9 March 2026: Bahrain’s state oil company declares force majeure after a strike had set its refinery ablaze, disrupting operations amid escalating regional conflict.

The company has announced the measure through the state news agency, explaining that operations had been affected by extraordinary circumstances at the refinery complex. The declaration released the company from certain shipment obligations while it focused on stabilising operations and stated that domestic demand would still be met.

State media reported that a fire broke out at the Al Ma’ameer oil facility, causing material damage and prompting firefighters to respond; no casualties were recorded. Subsequent updates from wire reports noted that the force majeure applied to shipments and framed it as a standard contractual step in the circumstances.

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News developments

Kuwait: Visit visas extended and three‑month absence permit granted to residents abroad

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

5 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced an automatic one‑month extension for all visit visas, along with a three‑month absence permit for residents currently abroad.

The Ministry has confirmed all visit entry visas expiring or nearing expiry from 28 February 2026 will be automatically extended for one month through the electronic system, with all fees and fines waived during the period. Residents outside Kuwait who have exceeded the permitted absence duration will receive an automatic three‑month absence permit, which will also be issued electronically and will be exempt from fees. Authorities have also stated these measures may be extended depending on developments.

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News developments

Qatar: Qatar Energy declares force majeure

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

QatarEnergy has announced a declaration of force majeure after an unforeseen external event led to a temporary halt in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at one of its facilities.

QatarEnergy has confirmed a temporary halt in LNG production due to external circumstances outside its control, prompting them to activate force‑majeure provisions under its contractual obligations. Technical teams have secured the affected site and initiated inspection, assessment and safety‑verification procedures to determine the timeline for restoring operational capacity. The company has stated that some supply commitments may be delayed until production resumes. Official updates will be issued once the technical review is completed.

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News developments

UAE: Banks tighten security with biometrics and AI checks

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 28 February 2026: UAE banks are strengthening digital‑security controls by phasing out SMS and email one‑time passwords and adopting biometric logins and AI‑based fraud detection.

Banks across the UAE have begun removing SMS and email‑based OTPs after new directives from the Central Bank required all licensed financial institutions to discontinue these methods by the end of next month. Under the updated authentication framework, customers now approve transactions directly within banking apps using biometrics, facial recognition or secure in‑app PIN verification.

Regulators stated that the shift forms part of a broader 2026 initiative aimed at strengthening fraud prevention, tightening AI governance and enhancing operational resilience. Fraud‑control specialists noted that the rules require new capabilities, including detecting active calls and screen‑sharing attempts, and encourage the use of behavioural intelligence to interrupt real‑time scams.

Industry experts explained that impersonation scams, phishing attempts and SIM‑swap attacks have increased, reinforcing the need to retire legacy authentication mechanisms. Banks confirmed that the new systems will support routine digital activities such as card payments, online shopping and transfers while reducing exposure to fraud.

The new security framework will continue rolling out across the sector, with smaller institutions now accelerating compliance to meet the Central Bank’s deadline.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Labour‑law violations reclassified into new categories

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 25 February 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issues a ministerial order reorganising labour‑law violations into clearer, activity‑based categories.

Saudi authorities have been reviewing labour‑market regulations to improve clarity and compliance across different sectors. The new order reclassifies several labour‑law violations into defined categories based on the nature of the activity, offering clearer guidance for establishments and workers. These categories cover general violations, mining and quarrying operations, maritime employment contracts, operations and maintenance, human‑resources and recruitment companies, recruitment offices, domestic‑worker regulations, support‑services advertising, unlicensed employment and outsourcing, and rules governing agricultural workers and private shepherds.

The ministry states that the amendments aim to strengthen labour‑market stability, protect workers’ rights and enhance the attractiveness and flexibility of the work environment. The updated schedule takes effect immediately from the date of issuance, aligning with earlier royal‑order amendments and revisions to the executive regulations.

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News developments

Qatar: Financial regulator shifts to remote work

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 3 March 2026: Qatar’s Financial Markets Authority has shifted its operations to remote work, instructing all licensed entities under its supervision to do the same until further notice.

The authority has confirmed that the remote‑work requirement would begin on Tuesday and remain in place until further notice. In its announcement, it stated that each institution would determine which employees must attend on‑site based on the nature of their duties.

Officials noted that this step aligns with earlier guidance issued on flexible working arrangements. The regulator said the decision forms part of general precautionary measures being adopted across several sectors, ensuring business continuity and safeguarding staff while operational conditions are reassessed.

Institutions were advised to continue following official updates and ensure internal procedures support uninterrupted service delivery during the remote‑work period.

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News developments

Oman: Royal Decree strengthens economic‑zones regulatory system

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Oman Observer, 2 March 2026: Oman has issued a new regulatory system under Oman Sultani Decree No. 39/2026 expanding the powers of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).

OPAZ has announced that the new system, promulgated by Oman Sultani Decree No. 39/2026, grants the Authority broader regulatory, supervisory and permitting powers across all special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities. Officials stated that the framework integrates with the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law, streamlines procedures through an independent regulatory system and supports investment by enhancing governance, administrative efficiency and legislative stability. The Authority confirmed that the new mandate includes unified oversight across existing and future zones and delivery of licensing and approvals via a single‑window platform.

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News developments

Kuwait: Government sets maximum prices for all food commodities

06/03/202606/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 2 March 2026: Kuwait has issued a ministerial decree fixing maximum selling prices for all food commodities based on rates in effect before 28 February 2026.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry had announced a decree establishing that prevailing retail prices for all food items prior to 28 February 2026 constitute the maximum permissible rates. Any increase above these levels requires ministerial approval. The measure will take effect one month from issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette. Violations will be subject to penalties under Kuwait Decree-Law No. 10/1979 on Supervision on trade In Goods and Defining Certain Prices, with relevant authorities instructed to enforce the pricing controls and monitor local markets to prevent unjustified price hikes.

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News developments

Dubai: Police prioritise delivery‑rider safety

05/03/202605/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 2 March 2026: Dubai Police have launched new field‑awareness initiatives for delivery‑motorcycle riders to strengthen traffic safety and reduce road accidents.

Dubai Police, through Hatta Police Station, launched a field‑awareness initiative for delivery‑motorcycle riders under the traffic‑safety campaign “Your lives matter, your safety is our goal,” focusing on compliance with road‑traffic regulations and the reduction of violations such as distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes and obstructive group riding.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament moves to tighten oversight of instalment sales

05/03/202605/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Digital News, 25 February 2026: Bahrain’s Parliament have unanimously approved an urgent proposal to strengthen oversight of instalment sales amid concerns about unclear contracts and hidden fees.

Bahrain’s Parliament have endorsed a proposal aimed at regulating instalment sales, particularly those offered by electronics retailers. Lawmakers raised concerns about ambiguous contract terms and undisclosed charges that had allegedly affected consumers. The proposal, submitted by five MPs has now been referred to the Cabinet for review.

If adopted, the initiative would lead to future consumer‑protection measures requiring greater transparency from retailers and stricter scrutiny of instalment agreements. Businesses offering deferred‑payment schemes may eventually face requirements to standardise disclosures and align with enhanced regulatory guidelines.

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