LexisNexis Middle East

Dubai: Hotels and businesses gain breathing space under fee deferral push

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

5 April 2026: Authorities in Dubai have introduced new economic measures allowing hotels and businesses to defer key government fees, as authorities move to ease short‑term financial pressures and support economic resilience.

Hotels and businesses will be able to defer a range of government fees for an initial period of three months, with effect from 1 April 2026. The decision forms part of a wider Dh1 billion economic incentive package aimed at strengthening liquidity and maintaining business continuity across core sectors.

Under the measures, hotels will be permitted to postpone payment of 100% of sales fees on room revenues, food and beverage services, as well as the Tourism Dirham. The relief applies across all hospitality establishments, including hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes, and is designed to address near‑term cash‑flow pressures in the tourism sector.

The deferral programme also extends to businesses across multiple sectors. Eligible companies may defer fees relating to premium business names, licence amendments, newspaper announcements, local service charges, accommodation fees, waste management fees and service improvement fees. The measures apply to both new licences and renewals, with authorities confirming that businesses will receive further guidance at the end of the three‑month period.

Officials stated the move was an administrative policy response rooted in Dubai’s adaptive economic model.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: ZATCA waives bank guarantees and metal plates for transit carriers

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

6 April 2026: Saudi Arabia has removed the requirement for bank guarantees and metal transit plates for transit carriers, streamlining customs procedures to support trade flow and logistics efficiency.

Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced that transit transport activities may now be carried out without submitting a bank guarantee, as part of a broader effort to simplify customs procedures and increase operational flexibility during the current phase. The measure applies across land, sea, and air ports in the Kingdom and is intended to ensure uninterrupted cargo movement.

In addition, ZATCA confirmed that metal transit plates are no longer required for carriers transporting goods under the domestic transit system between air and sea ports. The removal of this requirement is designed to facilitate faster transfers between ports and reduce procedural burdens on logistics operators.

The changes aim to enhance the efficiency of supply chains, support the smooth flow of trade, and strengthen the resilience of customs services under varying regional and global conditions. The simplified framework should improve logistics flexibility while allowing Zatca to maintain operational oversight through existing electronic and regulatory controls.

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News developments

Kuwait: Central bank moves to shield banks amid regional conflict

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

6 April 2026: The Kuwaiti Central Bank has adopted proactive regulatory and liquidity measures to support local banks and safeguard financial stability amid the risk of escalation in the ongoing regional war.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has taken a series of precautionary decisions aimed at preparing the banking sector for potential disruptions arising from the continuing conflict in the region. The measures have been adopted in anticipation of worst‑case geopolitical scenarios, with a view to maintaining financial stability and ensuring uninterrupted banking services across the country.

The Central Bank has activated macro‑prudential policy tools and issued revised regulatory instructions related to liquidity and capital adequacy requirements. These include temporary easing of liquidity standards, allowing banks greater operational flexibility while preserving strong regulatory buffers. The Central Bank has stressed that Kuwaiti banks remain financially sound, as liquidity and capital ratios already exceeded international regulatory benchmarks.

The measures are designed to enhance banks’ capacity to continue lending, support economic activity, and absorb potential shocks without undermining depositor confidence or system integrity. The moves build on the central bank’s long‑standing prudential approach and reflect its assessment that proactive intervention is preferable to reactive crisis management.

The central bank has confirmed it is closely monitoring geopolitical developments, financial markets, and economic indicators on a continuous basis. It has added additional measures could be taken if required to protect monetary stability, payment systems, and public confidence in Kuwait’s banking sector.

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News developments

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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