LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Federal Tax Authority Signs Government Services Quality Accord

27/07/202327/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Albayan, 23 July 2023: The Federal Tax Authority has signed the Government Services Quality Charter, which was launched by the UAE government in order to improve customer service and levels of efficiency and effectiveness of government.

Through the charter, the Authority will work to develop three transformative paths for the development of services shortly, which include a smart application called “Maskan” for tax refund services for state citizens building new homes, through which the Authority will make relevant refunds of VAT incurred by these citizens.

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News developments

Sharjah: 16 million AED Compensation for Landowners

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 19 July 2023: The ruler of Sharjah has ordered that 16 million AED will be diverted to owners of land and properties impacted by the Kalba Market projects.

The project will start next September, and compensation will be paid by the Department Of Town Planning and Survey later in July.

The Sharjah Ruler had directed the relevant department to review the “Al-Bahais” compensation case n Kalba, in an agreement with owners to hand over land in return for reasonable compensation.

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News developments

Saudi Arabia: New Real Estate Brokering and Services System Started

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Almadina, 19 July 2023: The Saudi Real Estate General Authority has announced the start of brokerage activities and real estate services in line with the Real Estate Brokerage System, which has been approved by the Council of Ministers.

The period was granted for real estate brokers to correct their position and change their operations expired on 18 July 2023.

The new system includes seven real estate activities licensed establishments can undertake. These are real estate brokerage, real estate marketing, property management, facilities management, real estate auctions, real estate advertising, and real estate consultancy and analysis.

Individuals are limited to undertaking only four activities – brokerage, marketing, advertisement, consultancy and real estate analysis.

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News developments

Qatar: New Standards for Home Nurses

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf Times, 24 July 2023: The Qatari Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced a new home nursing service regulations. The Ministry has introduced a new job title of home nurse for which there will be registration and licensing standards within the nursing categories set by the Healthcare Professions Department at MoPH.

The regulation of home nursing will allow nursing staff who are sponsored by a patient or their family and those who do not work for any of the licensed health facilities, to apply for registration and licensing through MoPH. They will have to meet all conditions and requirements that ensure a nurse’s competence and integrity. This will include the verification of the validity of their certificates and documents, work experience, academic qualifications, and they will also have to pass the Ministry’s licensing examination for nursing staff.

Applicants will need to have an intermediate certificate in nursing, such as associate degree in nursing or diploma from a technical secondary nursing school or another relevant nationally recognised study programme. The licence will also be granted to nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing who can demonstrate commitment to the scope of practice and the field of work.

These nurses will also have to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, as 80 credits will be required for licence renewal.

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News developments

Oman: Unified Contracts Initiative

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 23 July 2023: The General Directorate of Studies and Development at the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has launched Unified Contracts Initiative for several sectors in Oman to improve consumer services.

The initiative focuses on aluminium workshops, kitchens, and electrical and electronic goods. The aim is to better define the rights of suppliers and consumers during and after the purchasing process, and provide consumer safety. It is hoped the initiative will help fight fraud, limit negative practices, reduce consumer complaints. The first phase of the initiative will include drafting, approving and renewing contracts. The second phase will involve applying contracts to commercial establishments.

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News developments

Kuwait: Progress of Iqama Draft Law

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 22 July 2023: The Revised iqama draft law (which covers residence) is to be sent to the Cabinet.

The law which regulates the residence of foreigners in Kuwait is expected to be voted on by the parliament in the next session. The bill underwent a radical revision in the past weeks of most of its articles, with the aim of putting an end to iqama trading.

It is expected the law will be ready for adoption by the Cabinet during the current summer session, and be referred to the National Assembly before the start of the next session at the end of October, According to the new proposal, an expatriate would be granted a residence permit not exceeding five years. Investors would be given a residence permit of up to 15 years, depending on their activity. Fees would be imposed so that Kuwait can benefit from these investments.

Other proposals also include giving 10-year residence permits to children of Kuwaiti women. Residency permits would e given to a person who owned property in Kuwait, provided they were not absent from Kuwait for a period of more than six months, with the exception of children of Kuwaiti women. Domestic workers would only be allowed to travel outside Kuwait for four months.

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News developments

Dubai: Amendment to Railway Regulations

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 24 July 2023: Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 1/2017 has been amended. The amendments involve the roles and responsibilities of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. They also detail the functions of the RTA, which include planning, design and development of the public railway network in Dubai.

The RTA has been tasked with defining the requirements, procedures, controls, standards and specifications applied by its Safety Regulatory Entity, as well as the requirements, procedures and controls necessary for issuing the certificates specified in this resolution by the RTA Rail Agency and the Safety Regulatory Entity. Dubai Resolution No. 53.2023 also tasks the RTA with ensuring that certificates issued by the Rail Agency of the RTA and the Safety Regulatory Entity are free from any conflict of interest. These certificates will be issued independently of the owners, operators, contractors and any other individuals or entities covered by the provisions of this resolution.

The RTA will also be responsible for cooperating and coordinating with relevant authorities in Dubai and neighbouring emirates including on integrating of railway and other transportation systems.

The RTA will be authorised to enter into contracts and agreements involving railway systems, adopting policies, plans and programmes submitted to it by the Rail Agency and the Safety Regulatory Entity in all matters related to the provisions the resolution and associated resolutions.

Article 6 outlines the functions of the Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which includes proposing policies, plans, and programmes for developing and designing the public railway network, submitting them to the Director General of the RTA for approval, and supervising implementation after approval.

The Rail Agency will also approve the Railway Protection Rules, General Guidelines, Planning and Design Standards Guide, and establish the criteria for contractor, consultant and operator qualification and accreditation, as well as issuing no-objection certificates and compliance certificates.

Dubai Resolution No. 53/2023 also amends Article 7 and 10 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 and replaces Article 15 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 on penalties and administrative measures, Article 17 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/201 on judicial seizure and Article 18 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 on complaints.

The Resolution has also replaced two tables Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 – Table 4 on fees for issuing certificates and providing services, and Table 6 on violations and fines related to the RTA Rail Agency.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Fire Safety Fine Reminder

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 25 July 2023: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has issued an advisory notice reminding residents and property owners of fire safety requirements.

There are stringent rules in Abu Dhabi on fire safety which include ensuring that detectors and firefighting systems are always in good condition. The authority has stated that along with installing these devices residents and property owners need to ensure they have a maintainance contract in place for this equipment.

A fine of 10,000 AED is imposed where there is no valid maintenance contract by a contractor approved by the Civil Defence Authority for fire alarm systems and devices, fire fighting systems and equipment. These requirements are specified in Cabinet Decision No. 24/2012 On Regulation of Civil Defence Services in the State.

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News developments

UAE: Controls for Annual Leave Entitlement Announced

20/07/202320/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Emaratalyoum, 14 July 2023: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed employees appointed in any of the ministries or government agencies, working full-time, are entitled to an annual leave with a total salary, which amounts to approximately 30 working days or 22 days, depending on their grade.

If it is necessary for the employee’s work interests, the head of the federal entity may summon them back from their annual leave.

In such cases, the remaining days of leave will be transferred to the employee following the approved procedures. Federal Decree-Law No. 11/2008 on the Human Resources in the Federal Government.

These include instances where the employee is on study leave or an educational assignment during the requested year of leave, as well as periods of absence from work without salary. Additionally, an employee cannot request annual leave for the duration they spend in prison as a result of a judicial ruling (unless termination of service is decided), and finally, during the probationary period, if the employee’s service ends for any reason.

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News developments

Oman: Internet of Things Permit Granted

20/07/202320/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 17 July 2023: The Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has issued a new permit to provide Internet of Things services to beneficiaries.

The permit has been issued to the Future Cities Company (Tadoom) which specialises in smart city solutions using the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. Using the permit Tadoom will be able to provide various Internet of Things applications including utility management, smart meters, irrigation and agriculture applications and parking management.

The Internet of Things is regulated under Oman Resolution No. 93/2022. IoT services in Oman cannot be provided without a permit from the Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

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