LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: Regulatory Framework Introduced for Virtual Asset Derivatives Trading

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

Dubai establishes a regulatory framework governing the trading of exchange‑traded derivatives linked to virtual assets.

The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority introduces a comprehensive regulatory framework for exchange‑traded derivatives in virtual assets, setting out a dedicated and enforceable regime under Version 2.1 of its Exchange Services Rulebook. The framework allows licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers to offer derivatives products within a clearly defined regulatory perimeter, subject to explicit authorisation and compliance requirements.

According to VARA, the framework imposes binding obligations covering client suitability and classification, margin and leverage controls, segregation of client assets, enhanced disclosure requirements and regulatory intervention powers. The measures are intended to address the higher risks associated with derivatives trading and to safeguard market integrity as demand for complex virtual asset products grows.

The updated rulebook takes immediate effect and applies to all VARA‑licensed exchanges operating within Dubai, reflecting the emirate’s approach of aligning innovation in the virtual‑assets sector with robust governance and oversight.

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News developments

Bahrain: MP Urges Labour Ministry To Ensure Timely Payment Of Unemployment Allowances

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

Bahrain Daily Tribune, 31 March 2026: A Bahraini MP called on the Labour Ministry to rectify technical faults in its electronic services and ensure that unemployment allowances and compensation payments are made without delay.

Bahraini MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi urged the Ministry of Labour to promptly resolve a technical fault affecting its online services and to guarantee the uninterrupted payment of unemployment allowances and compensation. His remarks followed an announcement by the ministry on its official social‑media account stating that a technical issue had affected its electronic services and that work was under way, in coordination with the relevant authorities, to address the problem.

The ministry had assured beneficiaries that the technical disruption would not result in the loss of unemployment allowances or compensation payments due to claimants. Al Olaiwi stressed that the ministry must adhere strictly to this assurance, noting that large numbers of jobseekers rely on these payments as their principal source of income.

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News developments

Ajman: New Taxi Fare Takes Effect from April 2026

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

Khaleej Times, 31 March 2026: Ajman introduces a revised taxi fare structure starting April 2026 as part of updates to local transport services.

Ajman authorities announce a new taxi fare structure that comes into force from April 2026, adjusting starting fares and per‑kilometre charges for taxi services across the emirate. The update applies to all licensed taxis operating within Ajman and reflects changes in operational costs and service regulation.

According to the announcement, the revised tariff sets a new base fare for trips and updates distance‑based pricing, with fares calculated using updated digital meters installed in taxis. Officials state that the changes aim to ensure service sustainability while maintaining reasonable pricing for passengers.

Transport authorities confirm that fare details are displayed inside taxis and through official channels, and drivers are required to adhere strictly to the approved rates.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Real Estate Rules Tighten Governance and Investor Protection

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

Gulf News, 28 March 2026: Abu Dhabi has issued a new package of regulatory decisions to strengthen governance across its real estate sector, signalling a further tightening of legal oversight aimed at boosting transparency, investor confidence, and market stability.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced four administrative decisions designed to implement Abu Dhabi Law No. 3/2015 Concerning the Regulation of the Real Estate Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which governs real estate activities in the emirate. The measures were introduced to respond to market growth and to align regulatory practices with international standards.

The decisions addressed key stages of real estate development and management. They imposed stricter controls on withdrawals from escrow accounts, limiting disbursements before projects reach 20% completion in order to safeguard purchasers’ funds. They also clarified ownership rights and management responsibilities in jointly owned properties, ensuring the sustainable operation of shared facilities and common areas.

Further measures standardised the bylaws and operational procedures of owners’ committees, strengthening community participation and governance in residential developments. In addition, the decisions set clear compensation ratios, refund periods, and procedures for buyers affected by cancelled off‑plan projects, balancing the legal rights of purchasers and developers when units are resold.

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News developments

Bahrain: Maritime Movement Restricted Amid Heightened Security Threats

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

Bahrain imposed temporary restrictions on maritime movement after rising security risks prompted protective measures for seafarers and coastal safety.

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced a ban on maritime movement for seafarers operating fishing and leisure vessels as part of precautionary steps to safeguard lives and protect the Kingdom’s coastline. The decision was taken amid heightened security concerns following Iranian missile and drone activity targeting Bahrain.

Under the measure, maritime movement was prohibited daily from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am, effective immediately and until further notice. The Ministry clarified that the restriction extended earlier regulatory decisions governing maritime movement, with designated areas defined on official navigational maps.

Authorities stated that the ban aimed to minimise risks to citizens and residents and enhance national preparedness in light of the prevailing security situation. Seafarers were urged to strictly comply with the restrictions, avoid approaching coastal areas during prohibited hours, and follow official instructions.

The Ministry warned that non‑compliance could attract legal accountability, reaffirming that the measures formed part of broader efforts to ensure maritime safety and maintain public order during heightened alert conditions.

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News developments

Kuwait: Social Insurance Authority Revises Public Service Hours

02/04/202602/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

Times Kuwait, 29 March 2026: Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) has rescheduled its official visiting hours, introducing new timings intended to regulate public access while encouraging greater reliance on digital government services.

Under the revised arrangement, PIFSS will now receive visitors from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, while telephone enquiries will remain available via the unified hotline 114 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The authority confirmed that the changes took effect following an internal administrative decision issued on Saturday.

PIFSS stated that all core transactions, certificates, and beneficiary services had already been made available electronically through its official website, the “Thakher” mobile application, and the government’s unified services platform “Sahel”. The revised visiting hours were therefore introduced to reduce footfall at service centres and streamline administrative processes.

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News developments

Kuwait: Authorities Warn Against Bribery and Illegal Photography

31/03/202631/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Times Kuwait, 29 March 2026: Kuwaiti authorities have issued a public legal warning against accepting money or bribes in exchange for providing information or taking unauthorised photographs, stressing that such conduct constitutes a serious criminal offence that may endanger national security.

The warning, published in multiple languages to reach the expatriate community, stated that receiving payment to share information or capture images of locations inside Kuwait without permission was strictly prohibited. Officials emphasised that these actions were not minor violations but offences that could compromise sensitive sites and state security interests.

Authorities confirmed that anyone found engaging in such activities will face immediate legal action under applicable laws. Potential consequences include criminal prosecution, severe penalties, and deportation for non‑citizens. The statement made clear that zero tolerance would be shown toward individuals who knowingly cooperate in the unlawful collection or transmission of information.

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News developments

Kuwait: Draft Law to Fast‑Track Terrorism and State‑Security Cases

31/03/202631/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 25 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice introduces a draft decree‑law creating specialised courts to expedite terrorism and state‑security cases while preserving judicial safeguards.

The Ministry has reviewed delays in high‑risk cases before proposing a new judicial structure dedicated to internal and external security offences. Under the draft, litigation will be limited to two stages: an initial hearing before a specialised criminal court at the Court of First Instance, followed by a single appeal before a specialised chamber at the Court of Appeal. Decisions issued at the appeal stage will be final and not subject to further challenge.

Only Kuwaiti judges will preside over these matters, and the specialised courts will hold exclusive authority to review and renew pretrial detention orders. The draft further requires existing courts to transfer all pending terrorism‑related and state‑security cases to the new specialised circuits for completion. Officials stated that the initiative is intended to enhance national security, streamline proceedings, and ensure that sensitive cases are handled efficiently within a focused judicial framework.

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News developments

Egypt: New Closing‑Time Rules Exempt Tourist Sites and Restaurants

31/03/202631/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Egypt Today, 26 March 2026: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed that new government measures setting daily closing times for shops will not apply to tourist attractions or restaurants.

The Cabinet has announced energy‑rationalisation measures beginning Saturday, 28 March, for one month, including mandatory closing times of 9 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy clarified that these restrictions do not affect any tourist sites, restaurants, or tourism‑service providers, ensuring continuity of operations without reduced service quality.

The Minister confirmed that destinations such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Luxor, Aswan and Sharm El‑Sheikh continue receiving visitors normally, stressing the state’s commitment to maintaining a safe, high‑quality tourism experience while implementing national energy‑conservation policies.

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News developments

Kuwait: Health Ministry Orders Overseas Employees to Return to Duty

31/03/202631/03/2026
by Tanya Jain

Arab Times, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health issued a circular instructing employees currently abroad to take the necessary steps to return to work due to exceptional circumstances and the need to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

The Ministry has reassessed its staffing needs before directing all employees abroad to submit official documentation confirming their return to duty. Staff were instructed to file either a formal letter of return or a notice of return from leave, each requiring approval from both the immediate supervisor and the next level of management, along with all required supporting papers.

Employees on annual leave must also attach a copy of their pre‑approved leave authorisation and submit entry and exit records generated through the Ministry of Interior’s Sahel application. The Ministry emphasised that all paperwork must be submitted to the Administrative Affairs – Leave Department at the employee’s designated workplace to ensure proper and expedited processing of administrative procedures.

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