LexisNexis Middle East

Qatar: The QICDRC Signs a Cooperation Agreement with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes

24/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Qatar’s International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. It was signed for the QICRDC by its CEO, Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti and for ICSID by its Secretary-General, Meg Kinnear. Under the agreement the two organisations will share arbitration and alternative dispute resolution insights. Each organisation will also be able to conduct all or any part of arbitration proceedings at the other Centre. The other organisation will also have priority access to the facilities and services at their counterpart’s organisation including using meeting rooms and office space as well as interpretation and translation services.

News developments

Bahrain: Parliamentary Investigations Launched into Illegal Abortion Clinics in Bahrain

24/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Two Parliamentary investigations have been launched into illegal abortion clinics in Bahrain. According to reports, houses and apartments are being used to perform illegal abortions and hymen reconstruction surgeries. The reports have added those carrying out these procedures are charging between 300 and 500 Dinars each time. The Parliamentary investigations will focus on the smuggling of medicines like Cytotec to assist abortions. Under the existing law, abortions can only be carried out at authorised hospitals if a woman’s life is in danger and if three consultant doctors approve it.

Weekly Spotlight

Weekly Spotlight: The DIFC Launches a Consultation on Amendments to the 2007 Data Protection Law

24/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

The DIFC has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the 2007 Data Protection Law. The consultation ends on 18 August 2019. If the amendments to DIFC Law No. 1/2007 are approved the Law’s remit will be expanded.

The main proposals are to align the 2007 law to incorporate international data protection standards, including elements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act and not just incorporate EU best practices.

It is also proposed to expand the compliance framework and safeguards to include principles of accountability, jurisdiction, data breach notification, prior consultation and data protection officer appointments and provide clarity on consent and data subjects’ rights with respect to advance technology developments. Finally it is proposed to revise the powers of the Commissioner of Data Protection, administrative requirements and sanctions and enforcement.

Weekly Spotlight

Weekly Spotlight: DIFC Insolvancy Law Approved

16/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Dubai’s Ruler has approved a new DIFC Insolvency Law which will come into force on 28 August 2019. New Insolvency Regulations have also been approved and they will come into force on 28 August 2019 as well.

DIFC Law No. 1/2019 provides for a new administration process where there is evidence of mismanagement or misconduct. It also enhances the rules governing winding up procedures and incorporates the Uncitral Model Law on cross border insolvency proceedings with certain modifications for application in the Centre. In addition, it introduces a new debtor in possession bankruptcy regime in line with best international practices.

News developments

Kuwait: Amendments to Tenders Law Approved

15/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Financial and Economic Committee of Kuwait’s Parliament has approved the amendments to the Tenders Law. Under the amendments, the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development’s will join the board of directors of the Central Agency for Public Tenders. Membership terms and grievance periods are also laid out. It will receive its second reading next week.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: Midday Working Ban to Start Next Week

15/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Saudi Arabia’s Labour and Social Development Ministry has announced the midday working ban in the Kingdom will start on Saturday this week. The Ministry has stressed all private sector companies must comply with the ban which runs until 15 September. It means affected workers cannot work between 12pm and 3pm. However, the Ministry also said there are certain exemptions from this ban including those working in the oil and gas industry and emergency maintenance workers. The necessary procedures should be followed to protect these workers.

News developments

Qatar: New Electric Appliance Regulations on the Way

15/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

The Head of the Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department at Qatar’s General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has announced new regulations to the Tarsheed law are expected to be issued by the end of this year. The aim is to make air conditioners and other electric home appliances more energy efficient. If approved, the energy efficiency ratio of split unit air-conditioners will be increased from the existing 9.5 to 10.5. The move is part of the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency which is aiming to reduce electricity consumption by 6% per capita, water by 10% and carbon footprints by 7% by the end of 2022.

News developments

Bahrain: Draft Amendments to the Commercial Companies Law Approved

14/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved draft amendments to the Commercial Companies Law promulgated by Bahrain Decree-Law No. 21/2001 proposed by Parliament, following a recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs. The amendment will facilitate procedures for attending General Assembly meetings on behalf of partners using special power of attorney, without having to be authenticated by the relevant authorities.

Weekly Spotlight

Weekly Spotlight: Foreign Capital Companies in Bahrain Authorised to Explore for Oil and Gas

09/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

Bahrain has agreed to allow companies with foreign capital to own 100% of exploring for oil and natural gas operations in the Kingdom. The approval was contained in Bahrain Edict No. 10/2019 which has been issued by the King. The conditions for these permits include a requirement for foreign parent company to sign or be in the last stages of signing an exploration agreement with the Bahraini Government.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: Details of Neom Freezone Announced

08/06/201911/12/2019
by Benjamin Filaferro

According to local newspaper reports, Saudi Arabian authorities have established a joint committee with the UK to introduce a visa-free document to allow Neom investors and employees to move freely between several Red Sea countries including Egypt and Jordan. Holders of this document will also be exempt from specific Saudi legislation. In addition, those who have this document will have visas and residency rights.