LexisNexis Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Zakat Imposed on Finance Funds Activities

14/06/202314/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Okaz, 6 June 2023: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has introduced fresh revisions to the regulations concerning the calculation of zakat on financing activities. The objective of these amendments is to include both direct and indirect financing funds within the scope of zakat calculation rules.

Under the proposed amendments, banks, financing companies authorised by the Saudi Central Bank, as well as direct and indirect financing funds licensed by the Capital Market Authority, will now fall under the purview of these regulations.

All funding sources of direct and indirect financing funds will be considered liable for zakat, except for obligations which have a maturity period of less than one year.

For the full story, click he r e.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Sharjah: Social Services Department Regulatory Law Amended

14/06/202314/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Alwatan, 12 June 2023: The Sharjah Advisory Board has approved an amendment to Sharjah Law on Regulating the Social Services Department.

The draft law aims at keeping up with the developments in the Emirate and aims at improving social life.

Based on the law, the Department will be able to enhance its participation in public awareness campaigns, bolstering social values, and encouraging social integration.

For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Fees Exemption Announced for Companies Listing Green Bonds

14/06/202314/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Sharjah 24, 7 June 2023: The Board of Directors of the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority has given its approval to a proposal which grants an exemption from certain fees for companies seeking to list their green bonds and sukuks in the local markets.

According to the decision, companies wishing to register green bonds or bonds related to sustainability will be exempt from paying registration fees for the year 2023.

The purpose of this initiative is to showcase the state’s commitment to achieving sustainable development across multiple fronts, particularly in terms of fostering sustainable economic growth.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Oman: Registration Begins in Small and Medium Enterprises Program

14/06/202314/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily, 6 June 2023: Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises Authority has announced the start of registration for a program aimed at supporting SMEs, as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster these establishments.

One of the key objectives of this program is to empower entrepreneurs in strategically and operationally planning for their enterprises, leading them professionally, seizing opportunities, achieving optimal success, and enhancing their managerial, strategic, and leadership capabilities.

This will be accomplished through a series of seven professional training workshops. The program is designed to benefit two categories of entrepreneurs: small and medium enterprises as well as startups.

Small and medium enterprises applying for the program must have been operational for a minimum of one year. In addition, applicants are required to possess an entrepreneurship card, be fully dedicated to managing the enterprise, and commit to completing the mentoring program over a period of 12 months.

For full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

The MENA Business Law Review No. 01/2023 is out!

13/06/202313/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

We are pleased to share the first edition of the MENA Business Law Review 2023, the definitive business law reference in the Middle East and North Africa!

In this edition:

PRACTICAL GUIDANCE: Contract Lifecycle Management – In-House Strategies for Effectively Delivering Technology Projects

In this article, Tarek Saad, Senior Counsel, and Tamim Momeni, Associate from Crowell & Moring LLP set out a number of general contract management recommendations and techniques that will increase a technology project’s chances of success.

CASE COMMENT: DIFC Court Hears Ground-Breaking Cryptocurrency Claim

Sara Sheffield, Max Davis, and Peter Smith from Charles Russell Speechlys share their insights on the cryptourrency claim. The Court of First Instance of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has handed down judgment following trial of a claim arising from the misappropriation of 300 bitcoins. The case touches on several of the key questions facing the courts around the world.

CASE COMMENT: Rajabieslami v. Tariverdi and others

English Commercial Court casts doubt on enforceability of English court judgments in Qatar. Sophie Eastwood and Joseph Dyke from McNair International sheds light on the case and it’s analysis.

CASE COMMENT: Administration in UAE – A Close Look into the NMC Group

In this, Hana Al Khatib from Global Advocacy & Legal Counsel (UAE) explores the introduction of the Common Law concept of “administration” in the UAE’s Civil Law System through the landmark NMC Group litigation. This legal mechanism aims to rescue distressed companies and prioritize the interests of creditors for better outcomes than liquidation.

FEATURE: The Legal Industry and the Perfect Storm

Rany Sader from SADER Publishing discusses the unstoppable transformation happening in the legal sector, comparing it to a tsunami that demands adaptation. Embracing technology, including tools that utilize big data, is crucial for lawyers to streamline their work, enhance research, and meet client demands for transparency, speed, and cost-efficiency.

FEATURE: Lawyers Must Be Agents of Change

In a thought-provoking perspective, Senior Technology Lawyer, Khaled Shivji emphasizes the need for the legal industry to wholeheartedly embrace technology and digital disruption. Discover why lawyers must seize this opportunity for transformative change.

FEATURE: ChatGPT in the Legal Industry: Balancing Potential Benefits and Limitations

Rosena Nhlabatsi, LLB, LLM, RTTP gives an overview of the benefits and limitations of Chat GPT in the legal sector.

Want to receive more content? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

MENA Business Law Review | Issue 1/2023

Have you read the previous editions of the MENA Business Law Review? Click the links below to access and read previous editions.

LexisNexis MENA Business Law Review No. 01_2022

LexisNexis MENA Business Law Review No. 02_2022

LexisNexis MENA Business Law Review No. 03_2022

FEATURE: UNIDROIT Draft Principles on Digital Assets: Guidance for Law Reform in the MENA Region

Andrew Dahdal and Omran Almulla discuss the UNIDROIT Draft Principles on Digital Assets and their potential impact on law reform in the MENA Region.

FEATURE: Fintech Licensing in Dubai: Navigating Regulatory Requirements

Omran Almulla helps us navigate regulatory requirements for FinTech licensing in Dubai.

FEATURE: The Legislative Environment for Self-Driving Vehicles in the State of Qatar

Fathy Mahmoud Radwan discusses current and future legislation for Self-Driving Vehicles in Qatar.

News developments

Elevate Your Tax Expertise with the Exciting New Summer 2023 Edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax!

12/06/202312/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

We are thrilled to announce the latest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax, the very first of its kind in the GCC region! Our complimentary magazine offers insightful updates on the latest tax and financial developments across the region.

In this edition:

In Comes Transfer Pricing

How will transfer pricing operate in the UAE from 1 June 2023? Alessandro Valente of Crowe explains how it will operate.

Firm Foundation on Tax

Foundations and the UAE Corporate Income Tax Regime – Foundations are often used for succession planning and charitable purposes, but it would be wrong to automatically assume they will be exempt from the UAE’s new corporate income tax law, as Alejandra Esmoris, Head of Private Clients, CVML explains.

What’s Changed? – Electronic commerce

Is your e-commerce business in the UAE compliant with new VAT reporting and record keeping requirements?

Tax News Round-Up

Stay informed about the latest updates in tax treaties and regulations throughout the region. This includes a regulatory round-up of recent changes and information on tax treaties.

Practical Focus on Customs Valuation

Customs arrangements are integral to the design of business operations in the UAE, given its heavy reliance on cross-border trade, encompassing both material exports and high levels of imports. Tax Lawyer, Patryk Karczewski, and Head of Tax, Siegert Slagman, highlight the crucial role of customs arrangements in facilitating successful trade in the UAE.

Tax Professional Profile: A Different Approach

Mourad Chatar, Managing Partner at a Consulting Firm talks about the differences between tax in the UAE and the GCC region.

Practitioner Perspective on Qatar Law No. 24/2018 (the Income Tax Law)

Rami Qudah, Practitioner at Deloitte in Qatar looks at significant recent changes to the Qatar Income Tax Law.

What are the tax benefits of SEZs and SILZs?

Nabil A Issa of King & Spalding explains the tax benefits of Special Economic Zones and Special Integrated Logistics Zones in Saudi Arabia.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2023

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring 2023 edition? Click the link below to access and read the Spring edition.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax |Spring 2023

News developments

Introducing the Latest Release of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert!

08/06/202314/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

We are pleased to present the May 2023 edition of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert!

Discover our complimentary HR publication, the Lexis Middle East – HR Alert, designed to keep you informed about the most recent updates in Labour and Employment Law, highlighting noteworthy cases, and offering valuable insights into region-specific HR policies and templates.

Featuring exclusive interviews with prominent HR experts from the region, this edition also provides expert guidance on emerging industry trends. Stay up-to-date and enhance your HR knowledge with the latest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

In this edition:

Feature: The Rules of Recruitment – UAE recruitment agency obligations

Following recent announcements in the press on the regulation of UAE employment agencies, Victoria Smylie and Saher Khan of PwC Legal explain the obligations for UAE based agencies and employers who use them.

Trend Setter – Interns

Ruth Stephen, Luke Tapp, Lana Akkad and Melissa McLaren of Pinsent Masons look at the legal precautions the increasing number of employers in the MENA region who are interested in offering internship opportunities need to be aware of.

Immigration Focus: Recent GCC Immigration and Visa Changes

The dynamics team at Vialto Partners shares the latest updates from the region, including developments relating to family sponsorships, visit visa extensions, ILOE scheme in freezones, and much more.

Additionally, Dounia Fathi-Benbrahim, Senior Manager Immigration with Vialto Partners explains the role she has taken in enabling the firm’s expansion across the region from both a geographical and service perspective.

HR Profile – Energy

Sarah Tablet, Head of Human Resources for the Middle East at Siemens Energy explains how in order to support diversity it is important to tailor your approach.

Policy Pointers – Unemployment Insurance

As a leading authority in employment law, Shiraz Sethi, Partner & Regional Head of Employment at Dentons, sheds light on the scheme and emphasizes the importance of timely subscription.

Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

LexisNexis-Middle-East-HR-Alert_May-2023

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – January and March 2023 edition? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2023

LexisNexis-Middle-East-HR-Alert_March-2023

News developments

UAE: Virtual Workshops Platforms for Companies Tax Launched

07/06/202307/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Albayan, 4 June 2023: The Federal Tax Authority has introduced an educational platform called “Companies Tax” to provide ongoing knowledge support to taxpayers. This initiative is part of the procedures being implemented to enforce the Federal Decree Law on Companies and Business Tax.

The law is applicable to financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023 and is aimed at enhancing the UAE’s position as an international hub for investment and entrepreneurship, as well as ensuring compliance with international standards for tax transparency.

The platform features 13 seminars conducted in both English and Arabic, remotely scheduled throughout the month of June, focusing on the registration process for this tax.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Qatar: Documents and Archives Law Published

07/06/202307/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Raya, 2 June 2023: Qatar Law No. 7/2023 on Documents and Archives which has been issued in May 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette. The law comes into effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

According to the law, public, historical, and national documents are considered state-owned assets and cannot be owned, possessed, destroyed, or handled in any manner other than what is specified by this law.

Additionally, as per Article 6 of this law, individuals who own or possess private documents must register with the Documents Department in accordance with the regulations and requirements set forth by a decision of the Cabinet.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Oman: Controls for Land and Properties Ownership Amended

07/06/202307/06/2023
by Tanya Jain

Atheer, 4 June 2023: Oman’s Housing and Urban Planning Minister has issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 102/2023 on the amendment of Oman Ministerial Decision No. 45/2021 Regarding the Controls of the Ownership of Land and Real Estate by Companies for Carrying Out Their Activity.

Under the aforementioned decision, companies are now restricted to purchasing lands and properties solely for commercial purposes, including commercial, industrial, and tourism housing, as well as residential real estate units within comprehensive housing compounds.

Previously, companies were prohibited from owning residential real estate units in housing compounds. Moreover, the law permits companies to own more than 50 per cent of lands and real estate properties for conducting activities listed in the commercial record.

Additionally, they have the authority to rent or sell any surplus assets they do not require.

For the full story, click here.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.