LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: Tokenised Property Resale Opened in Next Phase

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 February 2026: Dubai moves its real estate tokenisation project into a trading phase, allowing resale of property stakes through a controlled secondary market.

Dubai Land Department announces Phase II of its Real Estate Tokenisation Project, shifting the work from pilot testing to operational execution. The new phase will enable resale activity in the secondary market, with trading set to begin on 20 February.

The pilot phase had been launched in March under the REES Real Estate Innovation Initiative and had tested the regulatory, legislative and technical set-up for tokenising real estate assets on title deeds. The pilot had been run with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and other partners, and the department said it confirmed tokenisation could work within a regulated environment.

Under Phase II, around 7.8 million real estate tokens will be made available for trading as part of a controlled framework, while authorities will monitor market functioning, governance, transparency and investor protection under real trading conditions. Dubai Land Department said future expansion will be guided by data and coordination with regulators, and it is working with VARA and technical partners to develop standards for later phases. Authorities are also studying whether they could bring in more participants and onboard additional platforms, subject to regulatory approval and performance reviews.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: January-February 2026 Edition

10/02/202610/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The January–February 2026 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert delivers essential insight into the latest legal, regulatory, tax, and financial developments across the Middle East. This issue features an in-depth analysis of key amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, Bahrain’s strengthened anti-money laundering framework impacting notaries, and major regulatory changes across the GCC. It also covers evolving tax and finance regimes, capital market liberalisation, AI governance and digital transformation, alongside expert commentary, case analysis, and a roundup of significant leadership moves across the region.

This edition offers a comprehensive yet concise look at the shifting legal and regulatory landscape in the Middle East.

FEATURE: IN BETTER COMPANY

Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2025 introduces amendments to just 15 articles of the UAE Commercial Companies Law, but as Ashley Connick of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP explains, these targeted changes are likely to be far-reaching.

FEATURE: AML CHANGE OF NOTE

Noor Al Rayes and Fatema Sarha of Al Tamimi & Company explore how a new Bahraini decision is transforming notaries into key gatekeepers in the battle against money laundering.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: AN AI ON EXPANSION

Roula Khaled, General Counsel and Head of Ethics and Compliance at Khazna Data Centres, shares her insights on how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping legal practice and opening up new pathways for business expansion.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Nick O’Connell of Bird & Bird unpacks Saudi Arabia’s AI Adoption Framework, offering insight into how the Kingdom is shaping responsible AI use.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Promotions, appointments, and leadership changes—discover the career moves driving change across the region’s legal sector.

CONTRACT WATCH: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co highlights Saudi Arabia’s new employment contract reforms, introducing dual registration, standardised contracts, and faster wage enforcement, with phased implementation through 2026.

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Keep pace with the region’s evolving tax and finance landscape, including important updates on the GCC sugar tax.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2026

Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July-August 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May-June 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay up to date with our latest legal round-up, including updates on the UAE Civil Code and other significant regulatory developments.

LAW MONITOR

Discover the latest legal developments across the GCC, including key amendments to the Kuwaiti Capital Market Authority legislation.

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News developments

UAE: State Security Launches Confidential Reporting Service

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

Gulf News, 2 February 2026: The UAE has introduced a new confidential reporting mechanism aimed at strengthening national security by enabling the public to report threats anonymously.

The UAE State Security Department has launched a confidential security reporting service allowing citizens and residents to submit information on security‑related concerns without disclosing their identity. The initiative was unveiled under the slogan “State Security is Everyone’s Responsibility” and is designed to support early detection of risks to public safety and national unity.

According to the authorities, the service covers a wide range of matters, including extremist activity, suspicious behaviour, espionage, information leaks, threats to public order, and insults or defamation targeting the state and its symbols. Reports may be made at any time through several official channels, including a toll‑free number, a dedicated website, a mobile application and an SMS service.

The State Security Department emphasised that confidentiality and data protection sit at the core of the initiative. Individuals may submit reports anonymously, with assurances that personal data will be handled securely and in line with recognised privacy standards.

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News developments

Sharjah: New Resolution Issued to Regulate Economic Activities

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

Gulf News, 28 January 2026: Sharjah’s Executive Council has issued a new resolution regulating economic activities in the emirate, aiming to strengthen its investment climate and support sustainable economic growth.

The decision had been taken during the Council’s regular meeting. Officials reviewed the performance of government departments and their development plans to enhance service quality for individuals and institutions.

The Council also formed a Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee to oversee legal matters. The resolution regulating economic activities seeks to promote Sharjah’s economic position, enhance competitiveness, attract national and foreign investment, and establish a supportive environment for business growth.

Additional details from parallel reporting indicate that the resolution outlines legal provisions governing the role of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, rules for licensing establishments, and obligations for licence holders—creating a structured framework that will guide business operations and strengthen sustainable economic development.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: CMA Fully Opens Capital Market to Foreign Investors

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

Saudi Gazette, 1 February 2026: Saudi Arabia has taken a major regulatory step by fully opening its capital market to all categories of foreign investors, reshaping access to the Kingdom’s main stock exchange.

Saudi Arabia has approved a new regulatory framework allowing all foreign investors to access the capital market directly, and the changes took effect on 1 February. The Capital Market Authority announced that overseas institutions, funds and other foreign entities could now trade directly on the Tadawul All Share Index without meeting prior qualification requirements.

The reform abolished the long‑standing Qualified Foreign Investor regime and removed the regulatory structure governing swap agreements, which had previously limited non‑resident investors to economic exposure rather than direct share ownership. Under the new framework, foreign investors are permitted to invest directly in shares listed on the main market, aligning Saudi Arabia’s access rules more closely with international standards.

The CMA confirmed that foreign ownership limits remained in place. Non‑resident foreign investors, excluding strategic investors, are prohibited from holding 10% or more of any listed company, while total foreign ownership in a listed issuer is capped at 49%. The authority stated that these limits were intended to balance market openness with stability and regulatory oversight.

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News developments

QFC: Secured Data Protection Adequacy with ADGM and DIFC

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

Qatar Tribune, 30 January 2026: The Qatar Financial Centre has secured reciprocal data protection adequacy recognition with Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre, easing lawful cross‑border data transfers between the three financial hubs.

The Qatar Financial Centre announced that it was included in the data protection adequacy lists of both ADGM and DIFC, following a comprehensive assessment of its data protection framework, enforcement mechanisms, and alignment with international best practices. In return, the QFC recognised the adequacy of the data protection regimes in the two UAE financial free zones, establishing mutual regulatory trust.

The adequacy recognition means that personal and sensitive data may now be transferred between entities operating in the QFC, ADGM, and DIFC without the need for additional transfer safeguards or contractual mechanisms, provided transfers comply with the applicable local data protection regimes. The review process was supported by specialist legal firms and reserved for jurisdictions demonstrating consistently high standards of data protection.

Regulators stated that the move will reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for businesses operating across the three centres, while maintaining strong rights, accountability, and enforcement protections for data subjects. The initiative is expected to support digital trade, regional data‑driven business models, and shared services arrangements within the Gulf’s financial services ecosystem.

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News developments

Oman: Labour Ministry Mandates Professional Classification for Industry Roles

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

Oman Observer, 29 January 2026: Oman’s Ministry of Labour have announced the rollout of a mandatory professional classification and licensing system for industrial sector occupations, tying workforce accreditation to work‑permit issuance.

Under the new framework, workers in designated industrial occupations will be required to obtain professional classification certificates or professional practice licences through the official accreditation platform. The Ministry have stated that the phased implementation will begin on 9 February 2026, while full enforcement will take effect from 1 May 2026. From that date, the Ministry will not issue or renew work permits unless the required professional accreditation has been obtained for the listed occupations.

The classification track covers professional and technical roles such as factory managers, operations and maintenance managers, analytical chemists, risk analysts, technicians, and designers, while the licensing track applies to skilled operational roles including machine operators, food industry technicians, carpenters, and stone and marble workers. The system applies to both Omani and expatriate workers employed in the relevant positions.

The Ministry urged employers to complete registration and accreditation procedures within the prescribed timelines to avoid disruptions to employment or operational activities.

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News developments

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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