LexisNexis Middle East

Kuwait: Introduces New Digital Commerce Law

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Economy Middle East , 19 November 2025: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved a comprehensive Digital Commerce Law that introduces specific measures to regulate online business activities and resolve e-commerce disputes, establishing new regulatory bodies and digital business protocols.

The law creates specialised Digital Dispute Resolution Committees to handle e-commerce conflicts and implements a Regulatory Sandbox framework for testing new technologies. It also introduces formal recognition of electronic documents, digital signatures, and online contracts within the legal system.

Under the new legislation, digital merchants will operate under a unified legal definition, with streamlined licensing procedures now in place for online businesses. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will coordinate implementation efforts across government departments and private sector entities.

The framework provides specific legal mechanisms for consumer protection in digital transactions and establishes clear protocols for dispute resolution. Officials have confirmed that dedicated committees will oversee the swift resolution of conflicts arising from online commercial activities.

The Ministry has indicated that implementation will begin immediately following ratification, with coordination planned between various government bodies to establish the new regulatory structure.

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News developments

Dubai: Ruler Issues New Decrees Establishing Free Zone and Appointing Judges

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai’s Ruler has issued several new decrees, including the establishment of a new free zone in Al Aweer First area and the appointment of judges to the DIFC Courts.

The newly established free zone will be located on plot number 71117180 in Al Aweer First area. The decree outlines that companies and establishments licensed to operate within this free zone will enjoy the same privileges and exemptions granted under existing free zone legislation and regulations applicable in Dubai.

The decree requires all companies operating within the new free zone to align their operations with the authority’s regulations within one year from the decree’s implementation date. The Dubai Municipality will maintain oversight of the markets within the free zone, with the ability to delegate management or operational responsibilities to other entities through formal agreements.

Additionally, the Dubai Ruler issued a decree promoting several members of the judicial authority in Dubai Courts and Public Prosecution.

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News developments

Bahrain: New Anti-Money Laundering Rules Introduced for Charities

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 19 November 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development has implemented new regulations through Bahrain Decision No. 78/2025, requiring licensed charitable organisations to appoint compliance officers as part of enhanced financial monitoring measures.

Under the new requirements, all entities licensed to raise funds for charitable, social, educational, or cultural purposes must designate dedicated compliance officers. These officers will be responsible for ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering laws and monitoring fund transfers.

The regulations mandate that compliance officers verify donation proceeds are used solely for ministry-approved purposes. They must also conduct screening procedures against sanctions and terrorism lists, covering board members, founders, and employees of charitable organisations.

The ministry confirmed that the regulations apply to all legal entities that have received official permission to collect public donations or have been notified of ministry consent for fundraising activities. The new measures set out detailed procedural requirements for maintaining financial compliance within the charitable sector.

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News developments

Ajman: Launches Automated Tax Reporting System

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Department of Finance in Ajman has implemented a new digital tax reporting system, eliminating manual procedures and reducing processing steps by 75 percent.

The streamlined process now enables automatic generation and delivery of tax reports within minutes, replacing the previous paper-based system. All required physical documentation has been eliminated through the new digital framework, standardising forms and procedures across government entities through a single consolidated screen. The technical integration enables automated data exchange between departments, removing the need for manual intervention.

The new platform incorporates standardised reporting templates and automated validation processes to maintain data consistency. Local government departments can now access and process tax information through the centralised system.

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News developments

UAE: Launches Comprehensive Family Benefits Package

21/11/202521/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 November 2025: New workplace and civil reforms are being implemented across the United Arab Emirates, introducing significant changes to family-related benefits for government employees ahead of the country’s designated ‘Year of the Family’ in 2026.

UAE has introduced a new Human Resources law offering flexible working hours and remote work options for government employees. The legislation also includes expanded family leave provisions, covering maternity, paternity, marriage, childcare and bereavement leave. Special considerations have been made for pregnant employees and those with five or more children.

Dubai government has established a 10-day fully paid marriage leave for Emirati nationals, effective from early 2025, while Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved an eight-day marriage leave policy. Sharjah has additionally introduced “Care Leave” for female employees who give birth to children requiring special care.

Abu Dhabi has implemented a Civil Family Law for non-Muslim expatriates, establishing secular options for marriage, divorce and custody matters. The emirate maintains a 90-day fully paid maternity leave policy for government employees and has extended adoption leave rights to female employees in specific jurisdictions.

At the federal level, the UAE provides five days of paid parental leave within six months of a child’s birth. Recent Personal Status Law reforms have extended child custody to age 18 and grant children over 15 the right to choose their custodial parent. The legislation also ensures equal travel rights for both parents regarding their children.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Shura Council Approves New Plant Varieties and Patent Laws

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Madina, 17 November 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council has approved four new regulatory frameworks covering plant varieties, integrated circuit layouts, designs, and patents.

The Council endorsed new regulations for plant varieties, integrated circuit layout designs, industrial designs, and patents and utility models.

Members called for updates to laboratory science curricula to include modern technologies such as molecular diagnostics, medical genetics, and artificial intelligence in laboratory analysis. They also emphasised the need for enhanced research support and computing applications, particularly in engineering and computer science facilities.

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News developments

Qatar: New Property Owners’ Draft Law Under Review

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 17 November 2025: Qatar’s Shura Council has referred a new draft law on Owners’ Association to its Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for detailed examination.

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News developments

Oman: Processes Foreign Vessels’ Navigation Permit

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 17 November 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has released detailed guidance on obtaining navigation permits for foreign vessels entering Omani territorial waters.

The ministry has established a framework requiring all foreign ships to submit their permit applications prior to arrival in Omani waters. Applications must meet all specified requirements before they will be processed by authorities.

Under the new guidelines, the ministry has confirmed it will handle applications during official holidays in exceptional circumstances to maintain continuous maritime operations.

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News developments

Kuwait: Introduces Three-Month Limit for Court Order Implementation

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 12 November 2025: Kuwait’s Public Prosecution has established a new three-month deadline for the implementation of court rulings, as part of amendments to the country’s Penal Code under Kuwait Decree-Law No. 87/2025.

The announcement modifies Article (58 bis) of Kuwait Law No. 31/1970 and requires all court orders to be executed within three months of the enforcement notice being served.

Under the new regulations, failure to implement court decisions within the specified timeframe will be treated as a criminal offence. The Public Prosecution has confirmed it will pursue legal action against any individuals or authorities who deliberately delay or refuse to execute final court rulings beyond the prescribed period.

The three-month window applies to all state authorities, institutions, and individuals who are subject to court orders. The timeframe has been established to allow implementing bodies sufficient opportunity to take necessary enforcement measures.

The Public Prosecution’s statement outlined that the implementation of court rulings is now a mandatory legal requirement rather than an optional measure. The office will monitor compliance and initiate accountability procedures against those who fail to meet the deadline.

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News developments

Dubai: New Digital System Cuts Business Banking Setup to Five Days

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 12 November 2025: Dubai has reduced the time required to open a business bank account from 65 days to just five days through its new digital licensing system.

Seven major banks have integrated with the new system, allowing new businesses to open accounts directly using their unified licence. The digital platform now serves as a single point of access for businesses operating in both mainland Dubai and free zones.

The initiative has established connections with key government departments, including human resources, electricity and water, transport, and foreign affairs authorities. These integrations enable businesses to manage multiple regulatory requirements through one digital gateway.

The unified licence provides each business with a unique, government-verified digital identity that can be used to access essential services including banking, utilities, trade, and labour processing. This centralised approach has created a single verified registry for business information.

The system operates across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions, offering a standardised approach to business administration throughout the emirate.

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