LexisNexis Middle East

Umm AlQuwain: Law on Reorganisation of Ummal Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Al Bayan, 19 January 2024: Ummal Quwain’s Ruler has issued Ummal Quwain Law No. 1/2024 on the reorganisation of the Ummal Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ummal Quwain Law No. 1/2007 regarding the Ummal Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Law (as amended) will be repealed.

Any other legislation that conflicts with the Law will also be repealed.

The Law will be published in the Official Gazette and come into force on its publication date.

All relevant parties will be responsible for implementing it.

The Law has been issued to develop and consolidate the Emirate’s economic position.

It has also been issued to support the directions and vision of the Emirate by developing industries, developing new and promising sectors and attracting diverse investments, in a way that serves the economic environment in the Emirate.

To read full story, click here.

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News developments

UAE: Federal Law on Regulating Private and Public Sector Relations Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Al Watan, 19 January 2024: The UAE’s Finance Ministry has announced it has issued Federal Law No. 12/2023, regulating partnerships between the federal public and private sectors.

It came into force on 1 December 2023.

It aims to regulate the partnership between the federal public sector and the private sector in the country and encourage the private sector to participate in development and strategic projects.

It also aims to increase investment in projects of economic, social and service value implemented by the federal public sector and enable the government to implement its strategic projects efficiently and effectively.

In addition, it aims to enable them to benefit from the financial, administrative, organisational, technical and technological capabilities and expertise available in the private sector.

To read the full story, click here.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: First Administrative Enforcement Court to be Established

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 21 January 2024: The first administrative enforcement court is going to be established in Riyadh.

It will have jurisdiction to enforce court decisions issued.

This will apply even where the decision is issued against ministries and government agencies.

The enforcement of administrative rulings will be carried out by submitting a request for enforcement in a statement of claim deposited in the court.

This will be referred to the relevant department to execute.

The department will then notify the party against whom enforcement is requested with a period of five days for urgent judgments and 30 days for other judgments.

Under the Implementing Regulations to the Enforcement Law before the Courts under the Board of Grievances, convicted individuals, including state agencies and companies partially owned by the state should take the initiative to implement the final rulings subject to expedited enforcement.

In terms of enforcement against administrative agencies, such as ministries and government agencies, the Administrative Enforcement Courts will issue a warning to the administrative authority for enforcement within a specific period.

The department may inform the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority or Nazaha of details including in its disciplinary jurisdiction.

The Administrative Enforcement Court may order the imposition of a fine amounting to 10,000 Riyals on the individual against whom the enforcement rule is carried out.

An employee in the public sector will be jailed for up to seven years and fined up to 700,000 Riyals if they exploit their position to prevent enforcement of the ruling.

The employee will also be jailed for five years and fined up to 500,000 Riyals if they deliberately refrain from executing the required document, partially or completely, with the intention of obstruction, eight days after they were notified of the warning or the receipt of the enforcement procedures.

The implementation must be within their jurisdiction.

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News developments

Qatar: Voluntary Continuation of Pension Schemes Decision Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Alayam, 21 January 2024: Qatar’s Finance and National Economy Minister has issued a decision regarding the procedures and controls for voluntary continuation of the retirement system for employees.

These procedures and controls are contained in Qatar Law No. 13/1975 on the organisation of retirement pensions and benefits for government employees.

Article 1 of the Decision states that every employee whose service has ended for any reason and who is not entitled to a retirement pension in line with any of the laws or pension and insurance regulations has the right to continue voluntarily in the retirement system, provided they have an actual period of service of at least five years.

Article 2 of the Decision states that voluntary insurance participation is based on the last basic monthly salary for which the retirement contribution was paid before the end of the employee’s service, in addition to the social allowance, provided that the participant is committed to paying the contributions due in full to the Authority, equivalent to the sum of theirs and the government’s contributions.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Oman: Tax Initiative Launched

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Shabiba, 21 January 2024: Oman’s Tax Department has announced the launch of a Tax Position Settlement Initiative.

It has been launched to help those who are struggling to pay reduced tax rates and help businesses continue operating.

Struggling income taxpayers must use a specific form to submit their requests within six months from the launch of the initiative at the start of January 2024.

To read the full story, click here.

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News developments

Kuwait: Strict Measures Imposed to Prevent Drugs Manipulation

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Alqabas, 20 January 2024: Sources have announced strict new controls have been approved by the Health Minister to control treatment with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

They have also been approved to prevent narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances being exploited for abuse and addiction.

The measures are aimed at preventing the trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances following reports about the exploitation of these types of medicines by turning them from substances for medicinal purposes to profit making sources.

The Health Minister’s recent decision to stop the circulation of narcotic drugs outside the government medical sector followed revelations by inspection committees of 2.5 million narcotic pills in the possession of the private medical sector.

This compared to under a million narcotic pills and psychotropic substances in the public medical sector.

To read the full story, click here.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Artificial Intelligence Law Issued

26/01/202426/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Arabian Business, 22 January 2024: Abu Dhabi’s Ruler has issued a new Artificial Intelligence Law.

The Law establishes the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council or AIATC.

It will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to research, infrastructure and investments in artificial intelligence and advanced technology in the Emirate.

It will also be responsible for developing plans and research programmes together with local and global partners to improve Abu Dhabi’s status in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology.

The Ruler also issued a Decision appointing members of the new council.

Under the Decision, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi will be the Chairman of the Council.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council will be Vice Chairman.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai and Peng Xiao will be members of the Council.

The Law has been issued and the Council established to develop and regulate an emerging technology sector and create investment and research opportunities.

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News developments

UAE: Income Tax Suggestion Rejected

25/01/202425/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 24 January 2024: The Undersecretary to the UAE’s Finance Ministry has rejected suggestions that an income tax is going to be introduced.

The individual said individuals in the country won’t be taxed on their income any time soon.

They made the announcement during a meeting of the Undersecretaries of Finance Ministries in Arab countries.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: January/ February 2024 Edition

24/01/202424/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Welcome to the January – February 2024 issue of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, where we provide a comprehensive examination of the latest legal developments shaping the region. In this edition, we explore key changes in maritime law, tourism legislation, landmark legal cases, and various sectors, offering valuable insights from legal experts and practitioners.

Keep yourself informed about the most recent legal, financial, and fiscal advancements, as well as trending subjects in the MENA region.

FEATURE: NAVIGATING A SEA CHANGE

Discover the substantial changes set to unfold in the shipping and trade landscape in the UAE as we delve into the implications of the recently issued Maritime Code. Ince & Co Middle East experts Mohamed El Hawawy, Natalie Jensen, and Mahmoud El-Sayed guide us through the transformative impact expected in March 2024.

FEATURE: DIRECTION OF TRAVEL

Ahmed Al Barwani of Al Tamimi & Company sheds light on the recent legislative changes in Oman’s tourist law, offering a detailed exploration of the evolving landscape within the country’s tourism sector.

FEATURE: CASE FOCUS

Our case focus zooms in on the intriguing legal battle between AC Network Holding Limited & Others and Polymath Ekar SPV1 & Others. Delve into the details of the case and explore the jurisdiction, court, and recommendations by Faridah Sarah of Ingmiresy Limited.

PROFILE: FROM REGIONAL TO GLOBAL

Read about Bethan Onions, a Global Legal Operations Leader at Arup, as she shares insights
on switching to a global focus and navigating legal operations on a global scale.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOCUS – CREDITOR’S RIGHTS

Waleed Hamad of Al Aidarous explores practical strategies to safeguard creditor’s rights in the face of asset disposal challenges in our Dispute Resolution Focus.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Check out our latest round-up of the top movers and shakers from the world of legal appointments and promotions, brought to you by Jameson Legal. Who is been promoted, who is been appointed, and who is moving on?

CONTRACT WATCH: ARBITRATION CLAUSES

Contributor Paul Taylor, Managing Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, discusses the common practice of using arbitration clauses in UAE construction contracts. Gain valuable insights into the pro-arbitration stance of UAE courts and the importance of clear and complete contractual dispute clauses.

LAW MONITOR

Explore the implications of a UAE Cabinet Decision on Real Beneficiary procedures in our Law Monitor section, offering a detailed analysis of the latest legal developments in the GCC.

Thanks to Jameson Legal for supporting individuals and businesses, and Al Aidarous for keeping us updated on dispute resolution cases.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2024

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 January-February 2023

Lexis Middle East Law Alert March-April 2023

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May June 2023

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July August 2023

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Get updated on the latest in tax and finance with our round-up, including a spotlight on DIFC Crypto Tokens. We provide an in-depth analysis of the significant developments influencing the financial landscape in the Middle East.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay informed with our legal round-up, providing a comprehensive overview of recent developments across the region. Highlighting changes in the ADGM jurisdiction, we ensure you are up to speed on the latest legal landscape.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Penalties for Violating Security Surveillance Cameras Law Clarified

23/01/202423/01/2024
by Tanya Jain

Saudi Gazette, 22 January 2024: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry has clarified the penalties which will be imposed on those who violate the Security Surveillance Cameras Law.

Offenders will be fined 20,000 Riyals if they transmit or publish recordings in violation of the Law or damage or sabotage security surveillance camera system devices or recordings.

They will be fined 10,000 Riyals if they install security surveillance cameras in places where their installation is banned.

They will be fined 5,000 Riyals if they fail to keep recordings according to the period stipulated in the terms and conditions documents.

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