LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Authorities Launch Essential Goods Price Monitoring Platform

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a digital platform enabling consumers to compare daily prices of 33 essential goods across 12 major retailers, reinforcing transparency and consumer protection. The Essential Goods Price Platform provides real‑time price comparisons for 33 staple items, including rice, poultry, dairy, cooking oil, eggs, sugar, meat, fish, bread, fruits, and vegetables. Prices are updated daily through direct integration with participating retailers, allowing consumers to build customised shopping baskets and identify the lowest total cost. Consumers can report discrepancies between listed and in‑store prices, enabling enforcement action against non‑compliant outlets.

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News developments

UAE: Government Considers Shifting Oil Payments Away from US Dollars

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: During meetings in Washington last week, UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama raised the idea of establishing a currency swap line with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve officials. The proposal was presented as a precautionary measure to shield the UAE economy from further fallout of the Iran conflict. Emirati officials indicated that if dollar liquidity tightens, the UAE may consider settling oil transactions in alternative currencies. The Chinese Yuan has been identified as a leading option.

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News developments

Bahrain: MPs to Vote on Draft Law for Unemployment Insurance Wage Support

22/04/202623/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Digital News, 21 April 2026: Bahraini MPs are set to vote today on a draft law that would provide wage coverage for private sector workers in April 2026 from the unemployment insurance fund, with payments capped at the insured salary.

Bahrain’s Parliament confirmed that the draft law will be debated and voted on, with the aim of supporting labour market stability amid current economic conditions.

The Parliamentary Services Committee has recommended approval of the bill, stressing that it seeks to:

Mitigate the social and economic impacts of the regional situation.
Ensure the continued payment of wages without infringing on workers’ rights.
Enhance social protection and prevent crises from escalating into actual unemployment.

The committee also called for extending wage support to cover April, May, and June 2026, with additional assistance directed to the most affected sectors.

Government entities have confirmed that the matter is under review and that an appropriate decision will be taken if the crisis persists.

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News developments

Kuwait: Force Majeure Declared on Oil Shipments Amid Hormuz Blockade

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has declared force majeure on crude oil and refined product exports, citing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as making it impossible to meet contractual obligations.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has declared force majeure on certain oil shipments following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The declaration was issued after shipping routes were impacted by escalating regional conditions, preventing the fulfilment of contractual delivery obligations. Force majeure clauses have been invoked to suspend performance under affected supply contracts due to circumstances beyond operational control.

The measure applies to export agreements involving crude oil shipments, allowing Kuwait to temporarily halt deliveries without breaching contractual obligations.

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News developments

Kuwait: Banks Resume Full Operations Nationwide

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

16 April 2026: The Kuwait Banking Association has confirmed that banks across the country are now operating at full capacity again. The announcement comes during a period of relative stability in Kuwait, following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

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News developments

GCC States Announce Draft Resolution on Maritime Navigation Security

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

16 April 2026: GCC member states have announced a new draft resolution addressing threats to maritime navigation.

This development has followed rising concerns over threats targeting maritime routes, prompting coordinated regional action to safeguard shipping lanes.

The draft resolution sets out a framework for strengthening maritime security cooperation among GCC countries, including measures aimed at protecting vessels, ensuring safe passage, and enhancing coordination between relevant authorities. It reflects commitments under international maritime law to maintain secure and open sea routes.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Approves Wage Support for Affected Private Sector Workers

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

15 April 2026: The Bahrain Parliament has approved an urgent proposal to provide wage support for affected private sector workers for April 2026.

The decision was taken during the twenty-sixth ordinary session and extends support from the unemployment fund to groups whose income has been directly impacted. These include professional fishermen, driving instructors, taxi drivers, and bus operators who rely on daily earnings.

MPs have said the measure responds to income disruption faced by workers during a challenging period, with many experiencing a decline in daily revenues. The proposal provides financial support aimed at helping affected individuals manage immediate economic pressures.

The support applies to specified categories within the private sector whose livelihoods depend on daily activity, ensuring continued income assistance through the unemployment fund framework. It is designed as a targeted relief measure to address short-term financial instability.

This is one of the areas where there are crisis shortages.

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News developments

Qatar: Online System Launched for Agricultural Licences and Fertiliser Import Approvals

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has introduced an online application system for agricultural business licences and approvals to import restricted fertilisers.

The new platform allows businesses to submit applications, track approvals, and ensure compliance with the legal requirements governing agricultural operations and the importat of controlled fertiliser products.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2026

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

In this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2026, we highlight key legal developments, regulatory updates, and practical HR considerations shaping employment practices across the region. From evolving approaches to employment claims in the UAE to new health and safety frameworks in Saudi Arabia, this issue provides focused insights to help organisations remain compliant and prepared.

As workforce dynamics continue to shift and governments introduce new initiatives to support economic growth and workforce development, employers must balance opportunity with risk. Our contributors explore how to safeguard training investments, manage immigration changes, and respond to increasing litigation trends, offering clear and actionable guidance.

Stay up to date with Lexis Middle East HR Alert — your reliable source for HR and employment law developments across the Middle East.

Happy reading!

FEATURE: THE RIGHT TIME

Asim Ahmed and Ahmed Labib of BSA LAW analyse how recent legal changes and court rulings have impacted limitation periods for employment claims in the UAE.

TREND SETTER: TRAINING SUPPORT

Hashem Alahdal of BSA LAW outlines how employers can protect their investment in employee training amid growing government support initiatives.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE

A concise overview of key HR and legal developments from across the region, including updates on Kuwait’s freelance work visa and other regulatory changes impacting employers.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: RECENT GCC IMMIGRATION AND VISA CHANGES

Sponsored by Vialto Partners, this section reviews key regional updates, including Qatar’s self-sponsored visa developments.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: PRE-PLANNING FOR HAJJ SEASON

Adel Moumen of Vialto Partners Middle East looks at two concurrent developments which are impacting short term business travel to Saudi.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim of Pinsent Masons reviews Saudi Arabia’s new national health and safety framework under Ministerial Decision No. 64762/1447.

MOVES AND CHANGES

A regional overview of the latest executive movements, leadership appointments, and HR leadership changes across key industries.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the latest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

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

LMHRA_2026_02_Mar_ePDF

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

HR PROFILE: A CHANGE IN APPROACH

Natalie Jones of Mishcon de Reya shares insights on employers’ growing willingness to pursue litigation and its impact on HR strategy.

POLICY POINTERS: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Bassem Ehab of Habib Al Mulla and Partners provides practical guidance on managing conflicts of interest in the workplace.

News developments

UAE: CMA Issues Comprehensive Virtual-Assets Regulatory Framework

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The National, 13 April 2026: The UAE’s Capital Market Authority has issued a robust Virtual Assets Framework, establishing a specialised regulatory regime governing the virtual-asset sector.

The framework consists of five core modules:

General Requirements – overarching obligations for virtual-asset providers.
Conduct of Business – licensing, governance, compliance and risk-management rules.
Alternative Trading System (ATS) – dedicated governance for trading platforms, covering virtual and tokenised securities.
Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) – targeted safeguards.
Prudential Requirements – capital adequacy, client protection and operational resilience.

The framework expands regulated activities from three to eight, including:

Dealing in virtual assets as principal
Dealing in virtual assets as agent
Providing custody
Arranging custody
Arranging investment deals
Providing investment advice
Portfolio management
Operating a multilateral trading facility

A dedicated ATS module now regulates trading venues for virtual assets and tokenised securities, reflecting market convergence and evolving business models.

The CMA emphasised that the framework enhances investor protection, market integrity, and innovation, aligning with IOSCO and FATF standards, and upholding the principle: “same activity, same risk, same regulatory outcome”

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