LexisNexis Middle East

Kuwait: Justice Ministry Issues New Debt Collection Guidelines

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 9 October 2025: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice has implemented new regulations governing enforcement procedures for debt collection, following Kuwait Administrative Circular No. 26/2025.

Under the new guidelines, existing asset seizures and travel bans will remain in force even if debtors file initial objections to enforcement procedures. However, arrest warrants and subpoenas must be suspended once a valid objection is lodged, and any imprisoned debtors must be released.

The circular specifies that creditors may reinstate arrest procedures without proving debtor solvency if the objection is ultimately rejected or dismissed.

All enforcement judges, department directors, and supervisory staff across the General Administration of Enforcement and its regional branches are required to implement these new procedures with immediate effect.

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News developments

GCC: New Permanent Residency Schemes

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 14 October 2025: GCC countries have introduced comprehensive long-term residency schemes, expanding opportunities for foreign nationals to establish permanent roots in the region.

Under the new frameworks, each GCC nation has established distinct residency pathways. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme offers two options: an annual renewable permit for SAR 100,000 or a permanent residency for SAR 800,000. The scheme enables holders to live and work without requiring a sponsor.

Qatar has implemented a property-based residency programme, granting temporary status for $200,000 investments and permanent residency for $1 million investments. The processing time ranges from four to six weeks, with successful applicants gaining rights to work and sponsor family members.

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa provides a 10-year renewable permit for individuals meeting specific criteria, including property ownership valued at BHD 200,000 or a monthly income threshold of BHD 2,000 after five years of residence. Retirees can qualify with a monthly income of BHD 4,000.

Oman has introduced a tiered system through its Investor Residency Program, offering 10-year visas for OMR 500,000 investments and 5-year visas for OMR 250,000 investments. The programme includes provisions for retirees with fixed monthly incomes of OMR 4,000.

Each programme includes specific provisions for property ownership, business operation, and family sponsorship, with varying investment thresholds and eligibility requirements across different GCC states.

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News developments

DFSA: Launches Digital Application Platform

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

DFSA has introduced a new digital platform to accelerate regulatory approvals, responding to an 18% rise in licence applications during the first nine months of 2025.

Key Features of DFSA Connect: automated application processing, streamlined workflow system, online approval tracking, reduced manual procedures and AI-ready infrastructure.

Current Impact: 33% efficiency improvement expected, faster processing times and simplified authorisation process.

The platform handles: financial services authorisations, regulatory approvals, licence applications and compliance documentation.

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News developments

Bahrain: Introduces Strict New Building Controls with Maximum Fines

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 12 October 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament is considering sweeping new construction legislation that would give municipalities unprecedented enforcement powers and introduce fines of up to BD50,000 for building violations.

The draft law introduces immediate stop-work authority for municipal officers when safety risks are identified. Officials would be empowered to halt construction, demolish unsafe structures, and close hazardous buildings without prior court approval.

Under the proposed rules, all construction projects must obtain municipal permits before work begins, though minor works may be exempt with advance notice. Licensed engineering offices must oversee all major developments, with large projects requiring on-site resident engineers. Also strict compliance with approved designs and safety standards and comprehensive accessibility provisions for disabled persons.

The legislation establishes a streamlined permit system through municipal ‘one-stop shops’ where applicants can secure all necessary approvals within fixed timeframes. Private sector firms may be authorised to handle permit processing, inspections, and certification services, with costs borne by applicants.

Municipal officers would gain authority to conduct both external and internal building inspections, with the option to obtain judicial warrants if access is refused.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Implements New Biodiversity Protection Framework

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Abu Dhabi has introduced comprehensive biodiversity legislation through Abu Dhabi Decision No. 6/2025, establishing new protocols for environmental conservation across the emirate.

The decree outlines specific measures for protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been designated to oversee the implementation of these new regulations, working in coordination with relevant government entities.

Under the new framework, systematic procedures will be introduced to monitor and analyse the impact of conservation efforts. The policy specifically addresses habitat protection, species preservation, and the restoration of natural ecosystems across Abu Dhabi’s varied landscape, which includes coral reefs, mangrove forests, sand dunes, and mountainous regions.

The legislation establishes regulatory mechanisms for environmental protection and introduces nature-based solutions for habitat preservation. It has been developed in collaboration with government agencies and private sector institutions to ensure alignment with existing national policies.

The new measures take into account current environmental challenges, including habitat degradation and climate change impacts. The policy sets out specific requirements for protecting marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems, with clear implementation timeframes and monitoring protocols.

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News developments

UAE: Issues First Drone Traffic Management Licence

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 3 October 2025: The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in drone regulation with the issuance of its first U-Space Service Provider (USSP) certification to a national air navigation organisation.

The approved organisation will operate a specialised platform for managing drone traffic throughout the UAE airspace. The system offers immediate flight approvals and incorporates radar data, weather information, and aeronautical notifications.

The newly certified platform features advanced conflict detection and avoidance capabilities, designed to support future urban air mobility operations across UAE cities.

Officials confirmed that the certification process included comprehensive operational readiness assessments and system validations to ensure compliance with international standards.

Applications for drone operations under the new system will span various sectors, including delivery services, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.

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News developments

Sharjah: Announces Free Home Care for Elderly on Low Incomes

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 8 October 2025: The Ruler of Sharjah has approved the provision of free home care services for senior citizens with limited income, with immediate effect.

The announcement confirms that eligible elderly residents will receive home care without any deductions from their monthly social assistance payments. Any fees already collected this month will be refunded to recipients.

They outlined the new directive during the television and radio broadcast, explaining the practical implementation of the service.

The measure forms part of the emirate’s existing social welfare programmes for elderly citizens. Those already receiving social assistance will automatically qualify for the free home care provision.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Central Bank Issues New Rules for Salary Payment Processing

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Saudi Gazette, 2 October 2025: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has released seven new directives to banks and financial institutions regarding salary and financial support payments processing.

Key requirements include: immediate processing of salary deposits upon data completion, maintenance of adequate technical and human resource, enhanced system monitoring during payment periods, implementation of contingency plans for technical issues, mandatory reporting of payment disruptions, development of internal escalation procedures and submission of detailed transaction reports within three business days.

Specific timing requirements state that: banks must report any government salary payment disruptions by 11:00 a.m. on payment day, transaction reports must include both processed and rejected payments, and institutions must provide contact details for staff responsible for government salary processing.

The directives mandate that banks: conduct system change assessments to prevent payment disruptions, notify SAMA of delays via Treasury Support Messages, maintain operational resilience monitoring and establish clear problem-escalation procedures.

The new requirements apply to all salary and financial support payments processed through the Saudi financial system.

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News developments

Qatar: New Digital Customs Archive System Launches

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar’s customs authority has implemented a new digital archiving system to centralise and automate its international customs documentation processes.

The system creates a unified database for customs documents and international cooperation procedures. It will manage records of regional and international meetings, customs agreements, and memoranda of understanding.

Using artificial intelligence technology, the platform analyses document content and provides enhanced security features that comply with current data protection standards.

The new digital archive introduces improved information-sharing capabilities between customs departments, allowing for more streamlined interdepartmental communication.

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News developments

Oman: Hiring Local Worker Mandatory for Foreign Businesses

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 5 October 2025: Foreign-owned companies in Oman must employ at least one Omani citizen within their first year of operation, according to new legislation announced by the country’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

The requirement, established through Oman Ministerial Decision No. 411/2025, introduces Article (12) bis to the Foreign Capital Investment Law’s (Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2019) executive regulations. Under the new rules, foreign businesses must ensure their Omani employees are officially registered with the Social Protection Fund.

Existing foreign companies that have been operating for more than a year will need to comply with the regulation within six months. This adjustment must occur when they either renew their commercial registration, obtain a new work permit, or renew an existing permit, whichever comes first.

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