LexisNexis Middle East

Kuwait: Central Bank Cuts Daily Cash Cap at Exchange Firms

05/02/202605/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 2 February 2026: Kuwait’s central bank has tightened controls on cash transactions by sharply reducing the amount exchange companies may accept from customers each day.

The Central Bank of Kuwait lowered the maximum daily cash amount that exchange firms may accept from a customer to KD 1,000, down from the previous ceiling of KD 3,000. The restriction applies to all customer dealings, including foreign remittances and the buying or selling of currencies, and took effect as part of strengthened supervisory measures.

Under the directive, exchange companies are prohibited from accepting cash payments exceeding the new limit, or its equivalent in foreign currency, from any customer in a single day. The regulator clarified that the decision does not impose a cap on the overall value of transfers or currency transactions. Any amount above the KD 1,000 cash threshold must instead be settled through bank account deductions or other non‑cash payment methods approved by the central bank.

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News developments

Dubai: Launch of New Family‑Focused Digital Media Platform

05/02/202605/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new digital media platform designed to provide family‑focused content across a range of genres and formats.

The approval was granted by Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, during the Council’s first meeting of 2026. The platform forms part of Dubai Media’s strategy to strengthen the emirate’s digital media ecosystem and respond to evolving content‑consumption trends.

The launch follows a review of sector priorities, including investment in talent, technology and new production capabilities, with further initiatives expected as part of the emirate’s ongoing media development plans.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Debate GCC Land Transport Framework

05/02/202605/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Digital News, 30 January 2026: Bahrain’s Shura Council has put on its agenda a debate on a decree‑law approving a unified GCC framework for international land transport, marking a step towards regional legal harmonisation in cross‑border road transport.

Shura Council placed on its agenda a debate on Bahrain Decree-Law No. 35/2025 on the Approval of the Unified System (Law) for International Land Transport Among GCC Countries. Bahrain Decree-Law No. 35/2025 seeks to align Bahrain’s domestic legal framework with a regional system governing cross‑border land transport between Gulf Cooperation Council member states.

The unified framework is intended to regulate the movement of goods and passengers across GCC borders by establishing common legal standards for licensing, operational requirements, and compliance obligations. Officials indicated that the harmonised regime aims to facilitate trade flows, improve road safety, and enhance coordination among GCC transport authorities, reducing regulatory fragmentation between member states.

During discussions, it has been noted that several GCC states have already begun implementing the unified system, and Bahrain’s approval is designed to ensure consistency and legal compatibility across the region. The framework is expected to support regional supply chains by streamlining cross‑border transport procedures and reducing administrative barriers for operators engaged in international land transport.

The Shura Council’s consideration of the decree forms part of Bahrain’s constitutional process for reviewing decree‑laws issued when Parliament is not in session. Parliamentary debate allows members to assess the legal, economic, and regulatory implications of adopting region‑wide legislation and to ensure alignment with national transport policies and public‑interest considerations.

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News developments

ADGM: Discussion Paper on Crypto Mining Regulation

05/02/202605/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The ADGM Registration Authority has launched a public consultation on a proposed regulatory framework to govern crypto mining activities conducted within or from the financial free zone.

The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market published Discussion Paper No. 1/2026, inviting stakeholder feedback on proposed guidance for crypto mining operations linked to ADGM. The initiative aimed to provide regulatory clarity while supporting responsible innovation and strong governance standards across the crypto mining ecosystem.

Under the proposals, crypto mining would be regulated as a licensed commercial activity overseen by the Registration Authority, rather than as a financial service. The framework adopts a technology‑neutral approach, applying to all consensus mechanisms, including proof‑of‑work, proof‑of‑stake, and future blockchain technologies. This distinction reflects the Authority’s position that mining activity aligns more closely with infrastructure and operational services than with regulated financial activity.

The discussion paper also set out clear governance and compliance expectations, including corporate transparency, disclosure of beneficial ownership, and standards of operational integrity. Supervisory oversight would follow a risk‑based model, with regulatory scrutiny calibrated according to the scale, complexity, and geographic reach of mining operations.

A notable feature of the proposal is the introduction of global headquarters oversight, requiring ADGM‑registered entities that manage or coordinate overseas crypto mining activities to maintain consistent governance and control across international operations. The Registration Authority invited responses from mining operators, ADGM‑based headquarters, technology providers, auditors, and other industry participants, with consultation submissions open until 20 March 2026.

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News developments

UAE: New Stablecoin Rules Reshaped Payments and Banking

30/01/202630/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 21 January 2026: The UAE had introduced one of the Gulf’s most comprehensive stablecoin regulatory frameworks, formally integrating dirham‑backed digital tokens into its financial system.

The Payment Token Services Regulation (PTSR) had taken effect on 31 August 2024, establishing the legal structure through which dirham‑backed stablecoins may operate inside the UAE. According to S&P Global Ratings, the framework had been designed to connect the traditional banking system with the digital‑asset ecosystem, marking a significant shift in how digital payment instruments are supervised.

Under the PTSR, any stablecoin used for domestic payments must be issued by a licensed entity under ongoing regulatory supervision. The regulation governs issuance, conversion, custody and transfer, and had set strict operational conditions intended to protect consumers and strengthen market integrity. It requires the segregation of reserve assets, monthly external audits, and a minimum initial capital requirement of Dh15 million, together with additional capital linked to tokens in circulation.

The PTSR also draws clear boundaries on what stablecoins can and cannot do. It prohibits interest or any time‑based financial benefits linked to holding payment tokens and bans algorithmic stablecoins entirely. Foreign payment tokens cannot be used locally to buy goods or services—other than virtual‑asset purchases—ensuring that domestic payment activity remains within the regulated UAE environment.

Licensed dirham‑backed tokens have already entered the market. In December 2024, the Central Bank approved AE Coin as the UAE’s first fully licensed payment stablecoin. By January 2026, AE Coin had been integrated into Network International’s point‑of‑sale and online‑payment systems, enabling merchants across the country to accept stablecoin payments. Banks have also begun positioning themselves within the evolving ecosystem: FAB, ADQ and IHC had announced plans in April 2025 to issue a regulated stablecoin, while digital bank Zand launched “Zand AE” in November 2025 and RAKBANK secured initial approval in January 2026.

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News developments

Sharjah: Higher Monthly Allowances for Thousands of Citizens

30/01/202630/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 26 January 2026: The Ruler of Sharjah has directed an increase in monthly financial allowances for more than 6,300 citizens, strengthening the emirate’s social welfare framework and expanding state‑backed support for vulnerable groups.

Monthly allowances for 6,317 Emirati citizens will be raised to Dh17,500. The directive applies to eligible beneficiaries including senior citizens, widows, divorcees, and low‑income families with two or more members.

The decision is expected to carry an annual cost of approximately Dh524 million and will take effect from January 2026, with payments to be made in line with existing administrative procedures. The measure reflects continued use of executive powers to expand social protection without altering eligibility criteria.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: New Rules on Foreign Property Ownership

30/01/202630/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 23 January 2026: Saudi Arabia has begun enforcing a new regulatory framework governing how non‑Saudis can acquire real estate, marking the formal rollout of rules that channel foreign property ownership through a single digital system.

The Real Estate General Authority have confirmed that the Regulation on Real Estate Ownership by Non‑Saudis under Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 42/1447 have officially taken effect, bringing into force a system that standardises applications and approvals for property ownership by foreigners. Under the regime, all requests must now be processed through Saudi Properties, the government’s unified digital portal for real‑estate services.

The rules apply to residents holding valid residency permits, non‑residents, and foreign companies and entities, with each category subject to a distinct administrative pathway. Resident applicants are permitted to apply directly through the portal, while non‑residents were required to initiate the process through Saudi diplomatic missions abroad to obtain a digital identity before completing applications electronically. Foreign companies without a physical presence in the Kingdom must register first with the Ministry of Investment and obtain a unified identification number before seeking ownership approval.

The regulation allows non‑Saudi ownership across multiple regions of the Kingdom, but introduces heightened controls for strategically sensitive locations. Ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, will be governed by a separate geographic zoning framework that authorities indicated is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2026. In Mecca and Medina, ownership remains restricted to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals.

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News developments

Qatar: Shura Council Reviews Draft Laws and Social Policy Reports

30/01/202630/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Times, 27 January 2026: Qatar’s Shura Council has examined proposed legislative amendments and reviewed government follow‑up reports on key social policy issues, highlighting growing institutional coordination between the legislature and the executive.

The Shura Council reviewed a draft law proposing amendments to existing GCC‑framework legislation on fertilisers and soil conditioners, which had been referred by the government. The Council forwarded the proposal to its Committee on Health, General Services and the Environment for detailed study and the preparation of a report, marking the next step in the legislative review process.

The Council also examined a government statement responding to earlier recommendations on services and benefits for senior citizens. That matter was referred to the Committee on Social Affairs, Labour and Housing for review and follow‑up, reflecting the Council’s supervisory role over social policy and welfare matters.

In addition, members were briefed on government follow‑up reports addressing rising divorce rates in Qatari society and the national framework for promoting values and moral conduct. The Council welcomed the reports, noting that they demonstrated a coordinated and systematic response to parliamentary recommendations and a high level of institutional integration between state authorities.

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News developments

Oman: New Regulation For Work Injuries And Occupational Diseases

29/01/202629/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 26 January 2026: Oman has introduced a new regulation governing work injuries and occupational diseases, expanding social insurance coverage and clarifying employer obligations under the country’s social protection framework.

The Social Protection Fund issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 1/2026 approving updated rules for the Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases Insurance Branch as part of efforts to strengthen worker protection across the Sultanate. The regulation requires employers to pay a monthly contribution of 1% of an insured employee’s wage, with the full cost borne by the employer.

Coverage is mandatory for all Omani workers, regardless of the form of employment. This includes workers employed under permanent, temporary, training, and part‑time contracts, as well as retired employees who continue to work. Authorities said the expansion aims to close protection gaps and ensure consistent insurance coverage across the labour market.

The Social Protection Fund stated that the regulation is designed to enhance financial security for workers who suffer workplace injuries or occupational illnesses, while reinforcing national standards for social protection.

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News developments

Kuwait: Cabinet Approved Amendments to Civil‑Service Law

29/01/202629/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Significant amendments to Kuwait Law No. 28/2016 amending Certain Provisions of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 15/1979 on the Civil Service gave been approved to strengthen administrative efficiency, improve public‑sector performance, and modernise workforce management.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, the Civil Service Council have endorsed a package of amendments aimed at raising efficiency within Kuwait’s administrative system and aligning state management with modern governance standards. The amendments have been designed to enhance the optimal use of human resources while improving the quality and consistency of public services.

The reforms have focused on reinforcing productivity, linking job‑related incentives to actual performance, and strengthening the principles of job justice and equality across the civil‑service structure. The changes also introduce stronger mechanisms for oversight, accountability, and unified recruitment policies, ensuring that organisational inconsistencies will be addressed more systematically.

The amendments have promoted the use of automated assessment systems and information‑driven decision‑making tools, enabling government agencies to evaluate employee performance through modern, data‑supported methods.

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