LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Cabinet Approves Regulatory Frameworks for Four Special Economic Zones

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Asharq Al-Awsat, 2 January 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approved regulatory frameworks for four Special Economic Zones, initiating a major step to bolster the Kingdom’s investment ecosystem.

In a decision on 2 January 2026, the Saudi Cabinet approved new regulations governing the special economic zones (SEZs) in Jazan, Ras Al-Khair, King Abdullah Economic City, and the Cloud Computing & Informatics Zone in Riyadh. The move marked the transition of these SEZs into their operational and legal phase, offering investors a clear roadmap on incentives, licensing regimes, and ownership flexibility.

Minister of Investment confirmed that the regulations will come into force in early April 2026, describing the approval as a major leap in developing the Kingdom’s regulatory ecosystem and enhancing global investment competitiveness in line with Vision 2030.

Each zone targets strategic sectors aligned with its regional strengths:

Jazan: a hub for food processing, mining, and manufacturing, leveraging its port and links to African markets.
Ras Al-Khair: a centre for maritime, shipbuilding, offshore rigs, and marine support.
King Abdullah Economic City: a logistics, high-value manufacturing, and automotive hub.
Cloud Computing & Informatics Zone (Riyadh): a data-driven economy zone, facilitating local data storage and processing by global tech firms.

The regulations include incentives like flexible licensing, tax and customs exemptions, streamlined operational procedures, foreign ownership rights, multilingual trade naming, and exemptions from select provisions of Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 678/1443 on the Approval of the Companies Law. Tailored Saudisation frameworks will align workforce policies to each zone’s economic activity, balancing local talent development with investor needs.

The unified governance model will provide clear mandates across government entities, accelerating licensing processes and ensuring a fast, flexible business environment. As a result, firms will have enhanced regulatory clarity and operational agility when entering or scaling within Saudi Arabia’s SEZs

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News developments

Ras Al Khaimah: Police Introduce Advanced Security Dome System to Boost Public Safety

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

UAE News, 7 January 2026: Ras Al Khaimah Police launched a new Integrated Security Dome System to enhance crime prevention, improve road safety and strengthen emergency response across the emirate.

The project represents one of Ras Al Khaimah’s largest security‑transformation initiatives. The system operates as a unified digital platform that integrates smart surveillance, real‑time monitoring and advanced data analytics, providing comprehensive visibility over roads, neighbourhoods and critical infrastructure. This allows the police to make faster and more informed decisions while identifying risks before they escalate.

A core aim of the initiative is to strengthen crime‑prevention capabilities by analysing behavioural patterns and trends, which will enable predictive policing and more efficient deployment of resources. The system will also enhance road safety management by monitoring traffic flow, detecting violations and identifying accident‑prone zones using advanced analytics.

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News developments

Qatar: AI‑Powered Legislative Adviser Launched to Transform Law‑Making

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Times, 5 January 2026: Qatar has unveiled an AI‑driven “Smart Legislative Advisor,” which is a national system designed to modernise how laws are drafted, analysed, and quality‑checked across government.

The new platform marks the first phase of a major digital governance project developed by the Council of Ministers Secretariat General in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It provides legislative teams with advanced analytical tools to enhance precision, speed and consistency of drafting and reviewing legal texts.

Key functions include comparative analysis of regional and international legislation, automated checks for alignment with Qatar’s Constitution and existing legal framework, and linguistic and proofreading review tools that help ensure clarity and compliance. These features collectively form an integrated quality‑assurance system intended to elevate the overall standard of legislative output.

Officials overseeing the initiative have described it as a strategic step in strengthening Qatar’s institutional capabilities. The system is built to support—not replace—human legal expertise. It aims to streamline workflows for legislative departments, reduce manual bottlenecks, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of legal drafting processes.

The programme follows a Cabinet approval issued last October and forms part of a broader national push toward smart governance.

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News developments

Oman: Government Approves New Financial Hub to Attract Investment and Create Jobs

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 6 January 2026: Oman approved the establishment of the Oman Global Financial Centre to boost foreign investment, expand financial services and support long‑term economic diversification.

The Council of Ministers approved the creation of the Financial Centre as part of a wider programme to enhance the investment climate and strengthen the country’s position in regional and global capital markets. The initiative aims to provide a competitive platform for global banks, investment firms and specialist financial institutions, operating within a modern financial, legal and judicial framework aligned with international standards.

The new hub has been developed after extensive reviews of successful international financial‑centre models. It is expected to provide an enabling environment for commercial and Islamic banking, insurance, asset management and related services. The project is also designed to transfer knowledge into the domestic market and create high‑value jobs within the financial sector.

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News developments

Kuwait: Government Launches GCC Customs‑Link System to Enhance Trade Control and Security

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Press, 4 January 2026: Kuwait launched the first phase of its electronic customs‑link project with the GCC Customs Union Authority on 2 January 2026, aiming to modernise customs procedures, accelerate the movement of goods and improve regional oversight.

The General Administration of Customs announced that the new system enables the secure digital exchange of customs‑declaration data and supporting documents between all GCC member states. Authorities stated that the platform is not merely a digitisation exercise but a strategic step toward a unified, transparent and interoperable customs framework across the region. The system is being deployed through the Gulf network under the regulatory framework previously approved by the GCC Customs Union Authority.

Officials said the initiative will standardise customs procedures, reduce administrative burdens for traders and shorten clearance and shipment‑release times at ports of entry. Enhanced data‑sharing capabilities are expected to strengthen risk‑management measures, support auditing and verification processes, and improve detection of smuggling and other illicit trade activities. The project aligns with Kuwait’s broader digital‑transformation goals and forms a key pillar of its efforts to improve operational readiness and supply‑chain efficiency throughout the GCC.

Inspection visits at key customs points—including the Nuwaiseeb land border and terminals at Kuwait International Airport—were conducted to assess technical readiness and ensure that the upgraded system balances efficiency with high security standards. Authorities reiterated that enhanced coordination among GCC customs agencies will help safeguard national economies while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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News developments

Dubai: KHDA Sets New Health and Safety Standards for Dubai’s Early‑Childhood Centres

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 3 January 2026: Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced binding new health, safety and wellbeing standards for early‑childhood centres under its recently approved Early Childhood Quality Framework.

The KHDA has announced a suite of enhanced standards aimed at ensuring consistency and quality across nurseries and early years centres in Dubai. The reforms impose requirements on centre design—covering learning spaces that are attuned to developmental needs, inclusion, and cultural relevance—and mandate comprehensive protection policies, including cybersecurity, infection control, nutritional provisions, and incident-management procedures.

Under the framework, facilities must ensure accessibility, promote participation, and actively reflect Emirati values in their environments. Staff are required to maintain digital safety, conduct continuous hazard identification, and implement preventive health measures. Guardians and centre personnel must also be equipped with protocols for reporting, assessing, and handling safety incidents.

The initiative is part of broader regulatory measures under Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, aimed at elevating childcare provision to first-world standards.

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News developments

Bahrain: MPs Set to Debate New Corporate Tax Draft Law

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Digital News, 6 January 2026: Bahraini lawmakers are preparing to debate a new 61‑article corporate tax draft law after it was formally referred to Parliament for discussion.

Members of Parliament in Bahrain are scheduled to open discussions on a major proposed corporate tax law during today’s parliamentary session. The legislation, comprising 61 articles, was referred to Parliament by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for taxing corporate income and business activities, marking one of the most significant fiscal reforms the Kingdom has seen in recent years.

The proposed law aims to establish a structured and transparent approach to corporate taxation, signalling a shift towards modernised fiscal governance. While full details of the framework are still to be debated, the legislation is expected to set out the scope of taxable activities, compliance requirements, and obligations for businesses operating in Bahrain.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Judicial Department Deploys AI Systems to Modernise Correctional Centres

08/01/202608/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 5 January 2026: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has approved a suite of AI‑driven projects aimed at strengthening security, improving inmate services, and advancing digital transformation across correctional and rehabilitation centres.

The Correctional and Rehabilitation Policies Committee has endorsed new technology initiatives that introduce smart security systems, behavioural detection tools, rapid‑response mechanisms, and a fully digital Inmate Requests Management System (RMS) connected directly to the courts. These systems are designed to streamline operations, reduce human intervention, and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of correctional facilities.

The projects reflect a strategic push toward digital transformation within the justice sector. The initiatives aim to improve monitoring accuracy, strengthen emergency response, and provide inmates with faster, more reliable access to their legal rights through integrated digital channels.

The Committee has also considered enhancements to pretrial detention standards, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades and compliance with international best practices. The reforms form part of a wider vision to build a safe, sustainable, and innovation‑driven justice system that reinforces Abu Dhabi’s competitive position.

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News developments

UAE: National Media Authority Established to Oversee Media Sector

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 18 December 2025: The UAE has announced the creation of a National Media Authority under a new Federal Decree-Law, consolidating key media entities and strengthening the country’s media governance framework.

The newly formed authority will operate as a federal public body affiliated with the Cabinet. It will have full legal personality and administrative independence. It will replace the Emirates Media Council, the National Media Office, and the Emirates News Agency (WAM), assuming all their responsibilities under a unified structure.

Key functions of the National Media Authority will include shaping strategic media directions, coordinating policies across media entities, and managing national messaging. The authority will also monitor stories, work to enhance the UAE’s global reputation, and oversee media crisis management in line with other relevant stakeholders.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Central Bank Cuts Banking and Payment Fees Under New Framework

24/12/202524/12/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Business, 23 December 2025: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has unveiled a new regulatory guide aimed at reducing banking and payment fees, enhancing transparency, and strengthening consumer protection across the financial sector.

SAMA announced the introduction of the “Fees Guide for Financial Institutions’ Services,” which will replace the existing Banking Tariff. The guide sets out revised fee structures for services offered by banks and payment companies, including reductions in administrative charges for financing products, card reissuance, international transactions, and fund transfers. The move is designed to promote financial inclusion, improve pricing clarity, and encourage digital adoption.

In addition to the fee reforms, SAMA issued updated Implementing Regulations under the Saudi Arabia Regulation No. 4/1434 on Implementing Regulation of the Finance Companies Control Law. These updates modernise licensing requirements, adjust aggregate finance limits, and clarify procedures for expired licenses. The changes also repeal outdated rules on microfinance activities, reflecting a broader effort to streamline oversight and support sustainable sector growth.

Both the Fees Guide and the updated regulations are available on SAMA’s Rulebook portal.

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