Introducing the October 2023 edition of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert!

Delve into our complimentary publication, Lexis Middle East – HR Alert, designed to provide you with a comprehensive source of insights and updates to keep you well-informed about the latest developments in the Labor and Employment landscape of the MENA region. We have meticulously curated the most recent HR updates and developments to ensure you remain empowered. This publication highlights significant cases and offers valuable insights into HR policies and laws within the region.

Within this edition, you will discover exclusive interviews with prominent HR professionals and expert advice on emerging industry trends. Stay up-to-date and enhance your HR knowledge with the latest release of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: The New Order

Gain valuable insights into the evolving Omani Labour Law regime and its impact on the region. New legislation in Oman, explained by Thomas Wigley and Elisha Wilson of Trowers & Hamlins, is set to influence various aspects, from employment contracts and pensions to policies and termination.

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Trend Setter – AI and Workforce Decisions

Embark on a journey into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping workforce decisions. Delve into the legal considerations surrounding AI in employment relationships, with Joanna Matthews Taylor, Partner at Baker McKenzie.

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News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay abreast of recent developments, including updates on labour disputes and other significant news items.

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Status Report: The Latest on Localisation

Stay updated with the latest developments, including substantial changes in labor disputes within the UAE. A detailed status report on localisation policies across the GCC, authored by Rekha Simpson, Ali Ibrahim, and Ren Jongerius of Vialto Partners, examines their impact on expatriate employees and employers.

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Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Uncover critical updates, including amendments to the DIFC Data Protection Regulation. Joshua Decker, Senior Counsel at Vaishvik Law International Ltd, sheds light on the significance of these changes.

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Case Focus:

Dive into the details of a landmark case – the first-ever race discrimination case in the QICDRC courts, involving Khadija Al-Marhoon and Ooredoo Group Company. Recommended by K&L Gates LLP.

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HR Profile – Labour Risk

Meet Rachael Sands, Senior Legal Counsel – Labor and Employment at Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ), and explore her unique approach to managing labor-related risks.

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Policy Pointers – Death in Service

Delve into the topic of death in service payments and its legal implications, featuring contributions from Yulia Kasiyanova, Associate Partner at SCHLÜTER GRAF Legal Consultants.

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Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

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

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

We are excited to introduce the newest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax. Our complimentary magazine provides valuable insights into the latest tax and financial developments throughout the region.

In this issue, we delve into the finer points of free zones in the UAE, where recent Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions have shed light on the operation of Corporate Income Tax. Discover the clarifications and implications that may affect your business.

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In this edition:

FEATURE: FINER POINTS ON FREEZONES

Explore how recent Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions have brought clarity to the operation of Corporate Income Tax within UAE freezones. Mourad Chatar of Value Square unravels surprises in determining liabilities.

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FEATURE: E-INVOICING: WHAT NEXT?

Dive into the adoption of new technology across the GCC to enhance tax compliance. Discover how tax regulators are leveraging mandatory e-invoicing for improved tax regulation. Insights provided by Ekansh Agrawal and Shashank Chandak of KPMG.

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TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

Stay informed about the latest updates in tax treaties and regulations throughout the region.

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WHAT’S CHANGED?

Discover the significance of the new UAE clarification procedure within the dynamic tax landscape. Brought to you in partnership with Crowe.

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PRACTICAL FOCUS: TAX AND M&A

Gain valuable insights from Mourad Chatar and Ismail El Koundi of Value Square, tailored for tax and M&A professionals.

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INHOUSE TAX PROFILE: SUSTAINABLY MINDED

Explore the intersection of sustainability and tax planning with Rajpal Bal, Global Head of Tax, Treasury & Customs at Aramex.

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ANY QUESTIONS? – HOW DOES TAX RETENTION OPERATE?

Delve into the workings of tax retention in Kuwait with insights from Rami Alhadhrami of BDO Kuwait, shedding light on the requirements that apply to entities trading in Kuwait.

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Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

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

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring and Summer 2023 editions? Click the links below to access them.

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

Explore our complimentary publication, the Lexis Middle East – HR Alert, which offers a comprehensive array of insights and updates to keep you well-informed about the latest happenings in the Labor and Employment landscape of the MENA region. We have meticulously brought together the latest HR updates and developments of the region to ensure you stay empowered at all times. The publication showcases significant cases and provides insightful information on HR policies and laws of the region.

Inside this edition, you will find special conversations with leading HR professionals, along with expert advice on upcoming trends in the industry. Stay current and enrich your understanding of HR by diving into the newest release of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

This edition presents a diverse range of features:

Feature: Coping with Contracts

Explore the changes to employment contract forms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Fadi Hassoun and Hadeel Mohamed of Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants provide you with the essential knowledge to navigate these adjustments effectively.

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Trend Setter – From Employee Well-Being to Healthy Organisations

Learn from a forward-thinking technology company, Atlas’s perspective on employee well-being and the importance of maintaining healthy organizations. Presented by Sushmita Acharjee, Senior Manager, HR Service Delivery & Benefits for Atlas in Africa & the Middle East.

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News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay abreast of recent developments, including updates on the Omani Social Protection Fund and other significant news items.

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Immigration Focus: Recent GCC Immigration and Visa Changes

The dynamics team at Vialto Partners shares the latest immigration updates from the region, including changes in Emiratisation policies specifically affecting small companies.

Additionally, Umme Salma, Senior Manager at Vialto Partners explains why keeping connected and being prepared is so important in corporate immigration.

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Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Explore the ramifications of a recent Ministerial Decision that has brought about changes to Emiratisation fines, thus changing the legal landscape.

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Case Focus:

Delve into a case study involving an employee who initially failed to claim all their entitlements, providing valuable lessons for HR professionals.

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HR Profile – Hospitality

Meet Monique Dekker, a Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Hyatt, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in the hospitality sector. Gain insights into managing resilience and growth in this dynamic industry.

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Policy Pointers – Family Business Policies

Explore policies tailored for family businesses and their implications. Ayesha Karim, Advocate, shares key insights into the crucial aspect of HR management.

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Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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/.

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

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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.

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FEATURE: Fintech Licensing in Dubai: Navigating Regulatory Requirements

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What’s Changed? – Electronic commerce

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

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

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

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

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