LexisNexis Middle East

Qatar: Terms for Power and Water Connection Approved

01/09/202301/09/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Times, 30 August 2023: Qatar’s Cabinet has approved a draft Ministerial Decision specifying the works to be implemented in line with Qatar Law No. 4/2018 on organising the electricity and water service connection and the required conditions and controls.

They also approved a draft Decision from the Chairman of the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation or Kahramaa specifying the conditions and procedures for connecting electricity and water to buildings and facilities whose maximum demand exceeds five megawatts of electricity and 600 cubic metres per day of water.

In addition, they approved a draft law amending Qatar Law No. 9/1987 on the control and regulation of narcotic drugs and dangerous psychotropic substances. They have referred it to the Shoura Council to consider.

Finally, they approved a draft Cabinet Decision amending Qatar Decision No. 36/2014 establishing the National Committee for the Customs Clearance System and Cross-Border Trade Facilitation.

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News developments

UAE: Foreign Affairs Ministry Announces Visa-free Travel List

31/08/202331/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 28 August 2023: The UAE’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has announced nationals from more than 80 countries can now enter without a visa.

They are nationals from Australia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US, Mexico, Japan, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Ukraine, Barbados, Brunei Darussalam, the Solomon Islands, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Argentina, Uruguay, Albania, Brazil, Portugal, El Salvador, China, the Maldives, Germany, Austria, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Paraguay, Bulgaria, Poland, Peru, Belarus, Chile, San Marino, Slovenia, Singapore, the Seychelles, Serbia, Finland, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Korea, Costa Rica, Colombia, Kiribati, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Mauritius, Nauru, Honduras Georgia, Luxembourg, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Vatican City State, Russia, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Oman, the Bahamas, Canada, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Spain, Bahrain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Montenegro and New Zealand.

More information can be found on the Foreign Affairs Ministry website or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security’s website.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: Passenger Rights Protection Regulations Approved

29/08/202329/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times (UAE), 24 August 2023: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced it has approved new passenger rights protection regulations. The regulations have been issued to strengthen the protections for travellers where there are airline or airport disruptions.

They will come into force on 20 November and cover ticketing, boarding, in-flight services, baggage handling, and helping passengers with special needs, including those with reduced mobility.

Under the changes, compensation provisions have been strengthened and extended. Compensation of between 150 and 200% of the original ticket value could be awarded for flight delays, cancellations, overbooking and unexpected stopovers.

For lost or damaged baggage, travellers could be compensated with approximately 6,568 Saudi Riyals. There are also provisions for unique travel circumstances like the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage.

In these cases, passengers will be able to request the termination of the contract with the air carrier where the flight is delayed for more than two hours.

Also reported in Al Madina on 23 August 2023. Read the full story here.

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News developments

Qatar: Heirs Determination Service Launched by Courts

29/08/202329/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Al-Sharq, 27 August 2023: Qatar’s Supreme Judicial Council has announced it has launched a new service to determine heirs and distribute estate consensually through the Mahakem portal.

The Council has said that the new service has been launched as part of the implementation of Qatar Law No. 4/2023 concerning the distribution of inheritance to facilitate the processes for settling inheritance matters.

Applications must be submitted within the legal term stipulated by the law which is 30 days from the date of death.

The law sets out the rules for distributing the inheritance. These include that the debts of the deceased must be paid off under the supervision of the judge before the distribution of inheritance.

Read the full story here.

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News developments

Oman: Loan Ceiling for SMEs Increased

29/08/202329/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 28 August 2023: Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority has announced it has approved an increase in the loan ceiling for SMEs from 5,000 Rials to 20,000.

The aim is to help entrepreneurs launch and expand their projects nationally and internationally. It is hoped this will support the economic contribution of SMEs in the Sultanate.

The Authority also revoked Article 14 of the existing regulation, allowing flexibility in financing beneficiaries in projects other than those previously funded in line with the plans and programmes drawn up by the Authority.

The regulation defines the roles and responsibilities of each of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and the Oman Development Bank. It also defines the conditions that must be met by those applying for financing from entrepreneurs and craftsmen through a dedicated link with the required documents and data attached.

The regulations include the maximum time period for deciding on financing applications, which is 60 days from the date of completing the application. It also defines the grace period for paying the installments due for financing, the obligations of the beneficiary applying for financing, the mechanism for disbursing the total amount of financing, and the maximum period for disbursing it.

Also reported in Atheer on 27 August 2023. For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Fujairah, UAE: New Real Estate Laws Approved

29/08/202329/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Arabian Business, 24 August 2023: Fujairah’s Ruler has approved two new real estate laws in the Emirate. They have issued Fujairah Law No. 3/2023. This regulates joint property ownership in the Emirate.

They have also issued Fujairah Law No. 4/2023. This regulates real estate development guarantee accounts in the Emirate.

The two laws state that developers, management companies, associations and owners’ unions have to comply with the law within six months of their issued date. The relevant authority’s director may extend the deadline for compliance by another six months when required.

In addition, the two laws do not affect contracts signed between developers and owners before they come into force. Fundamental association systems approved and deposited by a relevant authority are also not affected unless they relate to the formation of owners’ associations.

Also reported in Al Bayan on 24 August 2023. Read the full story here.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: July – August 2023 Edition

29/08/202329/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Presenting the latest July-August edition of our complimentary law magazine, the Lexis Middle East – Law Alert! Keep yourself informed about the most recent legal, financial, and fiscal advancements, as well as trending subjects in the MENA region.

In this issue, we delve into the reasons behind the necessary amendments to Saudi Arabia’s Civil Transactions Law and its potential implications. We also cover recent legal and tax updates, regulations, and much more. Stay in the loop with our comprehensive insights.

Feature: A More Civil Approach

Explore the Saudi Civil Transactions Law with an in-depth analysis by Professor Najib Hage-Chahine from Hage-Chahine Law Firm. Gain an understanding of how this new law influences relationships between individuals and their property rights.

Feature: From Ship to Shore

Dive into the new Oman Maritime Law, as explained by Abdullah Hassan Khan and Shehreyar Khan of MAR Law. Discover the significant changes it brings to the legal framework governing the maritime sector and disputes.

Profile: An Effective Approach to Litigation

Meet Judge Ahmed Bakry Abdalla Hassan Elsayed, the Head of the Commercial Circuit in the Abu Dhabi Commercial Court. Gain insights into his approach to successful litigation and the role he plays in the legal landscape.

Dispute Resolution Focus

Shireen Fazal, Partner at Al Aidarous, explains the critical importance of selecting the right dispute resolution method, particularly in construction disputes.

Movers & 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?

Dispute Resolution Focus: Cases and Updates

Hashem AlAidarous, Partner at Al Aidarous, qualified in three jurisdictions, explains
the differences between dispute resolution in the UAE, the US, and Australia.

Contract Watch: Job Sharing Contracts

Explore contracts with Yulia Kasiyanova, Associate Partner at SCHLÜTER GRAF Legal Consultants, and gain a deep understanding of this legal aspect.

Law Monitor

Delve into the Kuwaiti Law on Issuing Instructions for Electronic Payment of Funds, staying informed about the evolving legal landscape.

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_July August 2023

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

Tax and Finance Round-Up

Stay ahead with the UAE Corporate Income Tax Freezone clarifications, covering recent key tax and finance developments in the region.

Legal Round-Up

Get the latest insights into arbitration submission agreements in Saudi Arabia, covering recent key legal developments across the region.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Punitive and Correctional Establishments Law Issued

24/08/202324/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates), 23 August 2023: Abu Dhabi’s Ruler has issued a law regarding punitive and correctional establishments in the Emirate. It will come into force on 1 January 2024 and is aimed at supporting rehabilitation in the Emirate.

It will transfer responsibility for managing punitive and correctional establishments, as well as juvenile facilities in Abu Dhabi, from the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

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News developments

UAE: Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia to be Implemented Next Month

23/08/202323/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 17 August 2023: Indonesia’s ambassador to the UAE has announced the country’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE will be implemented next month.

He made the announcement to mark Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day.

The agreement was signed in July 2022 and is expected to increase annual bilateral trade to $10 billion within five years and could increase the total value of trade in services between the two countries to $630 million by 2030.

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News developments

Sharjah: Mechanism for Renting Storage in Industrial Zones Should be Introduced

23/08/202323/08/2023
by Tanya Jain

Sharjah24, 17 August 2023: Sharjah’s Ruler has instructed the relevant authorities in the Emirate to work together to set up a mechanism to enable warehouse owners in the industrial areas in the country to rent them out.

The owners of these warehouses must be allowed to obtain a licence for their storage facilities. This should be the case even where there is no power connection yet.

Read the full story here.

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