LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: Dubai South rolls out rent relief and fee waivers for SMEs

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

6 April 2026: Dubai South has announced a new support package offering rent relief, flexible payment terms and waived administrative fees to small and medium‑sized enterprises operating at its Business Park.

Dubai South has introduced a targeted relief package for SMEs based at its Business Park, designed to ease financial pressures and support business continuity. The measures include rent‑free incentives linked to contract renewals, enhanced flexibility on payment deferrals, and the waiver of minor administrative penalties, alongside a commitment to maintain current rental rates for eligible renewals.

Officials have said the initiative aligns with broader UAE government efforts to preserve economic stability and strengthen the SME sector, which plays a key role in innovation, employment and diversification.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Abu Dhabi: Residents allowed to generate electricity under expanded solar policy

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

31 March 2026: Abu Dhabi is allowing residents to generate, store and use electricity at home under an expanded solar self‑supply policy.

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi has expands its Solar Self‑Supply Policy to include the residential sector for the first time, enabling villa owners and eligible residential buildings to install rooftop solar systems, store electricity and integrate with the main power grid.

This builds on an earlier rollout that focused on farms and similar properties, and aims to support decentralised energy generation, improve efficiency and reduce pressure on the grid. Authorities have said the new framework introduces simplified regulatory procedures, standardised technical requirements and safety controls to facilitate residential adoption.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Bahrain: MPs seek suspension of fishing ban

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

31 March 2026: A group of Bahraini MPs proposed temporarily suspending a ban on catching three fish species to address supply shortages and rising prices caused by regional disruptions.

Five Bahraini MPs have submitted an urgent proposal calling for the temporary suspension of Bahrain Decision No. 2/2024, which prohibits the catching of safi, shaari, and andaq fish. The proposal has argued that recent regional security incidents, including Iranian attacks, disrupted supply lines and reduced fish imports, are leading to higher prices in local markets.

The motion stated that strained regional logistics have made local fish production essential to maintaining food availability for citizens and residents.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Bahrain: Interior ministry imposes comprehensive ban on drone use

08/04/202608/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

31 March 2026: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has imposed a complete nationwide ban on the use of drones following ongoing airspace security concerns.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has announced a total ban on the use of drones, applying to all devices regardless of purpose, in response to heightened airspace security threats.

Officials have confirmed that any drone detected in breach of the ban will be intercepted and destroyed, and legal action will be taken against those responsible.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

UAE: Distance Learning Continues at Universities with One Exemption

03/04/202603/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 31 March 2026: The UAE extends distance learning for universities while allowing limited in‑person attendance for priority programmes.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research extends remote learning at higher education institutions across the UAE until April 17, following coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The measure applies to public and private universities nationwide, with weekly reviews planned.

Under the updated directive, in‑person classes resume only for priority academic programmes that require physical attendance, such as clinical training, laboratory‑based courses and practical fieldwork, provided approved safety measures are strictly followed. Universities are also permitted to conduct on‑site examinations where necessary.

The ministry urges institutions to maintain academic quality and assessment standards while coordinating closely with local authorities.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Sharjah: Municipality Launches Smart Inspection System

03/04/202603/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah Municipality launches a smart inspection system to enhance regulatory oversight and efficiency in field inspections.

Sharjah Municipality introduces an integrated smart inspection system designed to support field inspectors and inspection department heads in carrying out inspections with greater accuracy and efficiency. The system enables comprehensive inspections of establishments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the emirate, including requirements related to hygiene, storage, equipment standards and occupational safety.

According to the municipality, the system allows inspectors to conduct inspections using mobile devices, standardises inspection checklists and supports real‑time data management. It also enables immediate issuance of warnings or administrative measures upon detecting violations, in addition to monitoring corrective actions taken by establishments.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Saudi Arabia: Interior Ministry Bars Sharing of Missile Interception Information

03/04/202603/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 28 March 2026: Saudi Arabia warned against photographing, publishing, or sharing information relating to missile and drone interceptions, citing legal accountability and national‑security risks.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior issued a formal warning prohibiting the photographing, publication, or circulation of any information related to the interception of hostile missiles and drones, including footage of interception operations or impact locations. The Ministry stated that violations would expose individuals to legal liability under applicable laws governing national security and public order.

The warning was issued amid ongoing aerial defence operations, with authorities stressing that unauthorised dissemination of such information could compromise operational effectiveness and expose sensitive defence capabilities. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the restriction applied to all forms of digital and social‑media sharing and urged the public to cooperate fully with security authorities during the current circumstances.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Qatar: Tax Authority Clarifies Capital Gains Exemption for Group Restructurings

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar’s General Tax Authority clarified the scope of capital gains tax exemptions introduced for corporate restructuring transactions within the same group.

The General Tax Authority issued official clarifications on the application of capital gains tax exemptions for intra‑group corporate restructuring, confirming that qualifying transactions could proceed without triggering tax liability. The clarification followed the introduction of Qatar Cabinet Resolution No. 3/2026, which had expanded relief under Qatar’s Income Tax framework.

The Authority explained that capital gains arising from the transfer or exchange of assets between companies within the same corporate group could be exempt where the restructuring served a genuine economic, commercial, or financial purpose. The exemption applied to transactions conducted between related parties that met ownership and continuity thresholds defined under the Income Tax Law and its Executive Regulations.

The Authority confirmed that the exemption recognised transfers of tangible and intangible business assets, shares, and ownership interests, including transactions undertaken to improve financial efficiency or facilitate listings on the Qatar Stock Exchange. It also clarified that the relief complemented existing exemptions available to individuals and non‑Qatari investors in respect of securities and real estate not connected to taxable business activities.

The Tax Authority stressed that eligibility for the exemption remained conditional on compliance with prescribed requirements, including group‑relationship duration and ongoing ownership continuity.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Oman: State Council Reviews Amendments to Personal Data Protection Law

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 30 March 2026: Oman’s State Council examined proposed amendments to Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022 Promulgating the Personal Data Protection Law aimed at clarifying scope, automated processing, and data‑retention obligations.

Oman’s State Council discussed draft amendments to Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/2022 during its seventh session of the third regular convening of the eighth term, as part of a package of legislative proposals referred by the Council of Ministers. The review was undertaken pursuant to Article 50 of the Council of Oman Law.

The proposed amendments introduce an explicit definition of “automated processing” and clarify the scope of the law to apply to the processing of personal data of natural persons both within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, where such processing relates to individuals in Oman. The amendments seek to align the legal framework with evolving technological practices and cross‑border data‑processing activities.

Under the draft provisions, data controllers and processors would be required to delete personal data once the purpose of processing has been fulfilled. However, the law allows for retention of personal data where necessary to resolve disputes between the data controller and the data subject, or to comply with legal obligations arising from legislation, court rulings, orders, or judicial decisions.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

News developments

Kuwait: National Emergency System Activated

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Times Kuwait, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior activated a national early‑warning system to deliver emergency alerts to the public through smart devices in response to current security and safety conditions.

The Ministry has conducted field assessments before activating the system, which sends alerts based on real‑time security indicators continuously monitored by the relevant authorities. The alerts are intended to support rapid preventive action, enabling authorities to protect the public during emergencies.

The Ministry instructed residents to take the messages seriously, immediately move to safe areas upon receiving an alert, and avoid windows and open spaces. It warned against going out to observe or photograph incident sites, emphasising that such actions can expose individuals to danger and may lead to legal consequences. Community awareness and strict adherence to official guidance were described as essential pillars in maintaining public safety.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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