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Lexis Middle East Law Alert: May-June 2025 Edition

19/06/202520/06/2025
by Tanya Jain

The May-June 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert provides legal professionals across the GCC with the latest updates, expert insights, and analyses on pivotal developments in the region. This issue focuses on major changes in the legal landscape, including the recent introduction of a comprehensive law aimed at simplifying the framework for DIFC courts. We also explore the upcoming Oman Investment and Trade Court, set to begin operations in October 2025, which promises to reshape dispute resolution in the region. Additional coverage includes significant proposed amendments to Saudi Arabia’s Data Protection Law and the evolving tax regulations in the UAE, particularly impacting non-resident investors.

This edition also highlights key developments affecting the legal and financial sectors, in addition to an in-depth profile of Rahaf Saad, the rising star from Alinma Bank, who shares her experiences in strategic deals and regulatory compliance. The issue is rounded out with a movers and shakers segment and a focused look at Saudi employment contracts. It’s a comprehensive resource for legal professionals seeking to stay ahead of emerging trends and regulatory shifts in the Middle East.

FEATURE: ENFORCING CHANGE

Dr. Mahmood Hussain of M&Co delves into the DIFC Centre Courts Law, which aims to simplify and consolidate the legal framework governing the DIFC courts, providing a more comprehensive law for stakeholders.

FEATURE: NEW DISPUTE ROUTES

A preview of the upcoming Oman Investment and Trade Court, set to open in October 2025. Legal experts Oliver Stevens, Ali Aideed, and Mohammed Al Siyabi from Addleshaw Goddard explore what’s known about its structure and operational model.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE

Rahaf Saad, a Legal Associate at Alinma Bank, shares her journey and how her work on strategic deals and regulatory compliance initiatives earned her the LexisNexis Rising Star Award.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

A roundup of significant career moves in the region, presented in association with Jameson Legal.

CONTRACT WATCH

A detailed look at Saudi Employment Contracts by Sara Khoja, Employment Partner at Clyde and Co.

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Key updates on tax and finance, with a particular focus on UAE’s new tax changes for non-resident investors.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Updates on the evolving landscape of data protection in Saudi Arabia.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May June 2025

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 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_October-November 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_August-September 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May/June 2024

LAW MONITOR

Discover the recent legal progressions in the GCC, with a focus on the newly implemented competition law regulations in the UAE.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Summer 2025 Edition

16/06/202519/06/2025
by Tanya Jain

Brought to You by Tolley+ Middle East

The Summer 2025 Edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax brings readers a sharp and timely exploration of evolving tax regulations and practices across the GCC region. This issue is rich with expert insights, legislative updates, and practical guidance for tax professionals navigating an increasingly complex landscape.

FEATURE: WITHHOLDING TAX: YOU NEED TO KNOW

Shiraz Khan and Richard Ferrand from Al Tamimi & Co. delve into Saudi Arabia’s evolving position on Withholding Tax (WHT). The article explains the latest ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) clarifications surrounding WHT benefits and how entities can apply for these incentives. It is an essential read for taxpayers and advisors managing cross-border payments and seeking certainty in compliance.

FEATURE: ADVANCES IN TRANSFER PRICING

Zain Satardien and Aakriti Sharma of Hourani and Partners provide an authoritative overview of recent ZATCA developments regarding Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs). Their analysis highlights how Saudi tax authorities are refining their transfer pricing approach to offer greater predictability for multinational enterprises operating in the Kingdom.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

A comprehensive digest of reent tax treaty updates and regulatory shifts across the Gulf. This section is a must-read for professionals seeking to stay abreast of strategic tax changes and how they may affect operations across multiple jurisdictions.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: FOCUS ON NATURAL RESOURCES

This piece by Baqar Palavandishvili of Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants examines the implications of Sharjah Law No. 3/2025, a landmark reform introducing a corporate tax regime for extractive and non-extractive natural resource companies. The article breaks down the scope, compliance expectations, and what it means for businesses involved in energy and resource sectors.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: TAKING A MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH

In a candid interview, Illyana Panova, Global Tax Director for a Family Office, reflects on her experience as the first UAE-based tax expert to join the fractional executive community. She shares insights on adopting a flexible work model, lessons learned from leading global tax strategies, and how the regional tax landscape is evolving to accommodate non-traditional executive roles.

ANY QUESTIONS? WHAT’S DUBAI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECISION NO. 11/2025’S TAX IMPACT?

Andre Anthony and Adelina Frunza of CMS explore the tax implications of this new Dubai freezone regulation. Their article dissects the operational and strategic impact of Decision No. 11/2025 on freezone entities, offering clarity on potential challenges and planning opportunities for affected businesses.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Summer 2025

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

News developments

Bahrain: New Human Resources Regulation to Streamline Policies

22/05/202522/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Mubasher, 19 May 2025: Bahrain Decision No. 29/2025 has been issued establishing a new framework for shared human resources services.

This regulation was proposed by the Civil Service Bureau to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in government operations, impacting government entities by standardising human resources practices, including on recruitment, promotions, transfers, and performance management. It mandates the transfer of HR personnel to the Civil Service Bureau, except for department directors, who will be transferred by the Bureau’s president in coordination with the relevant government authority.

Key provisions include the rotation of HR managers and department heads, restrictions on reassignments within the same government entity, and the delegation of HR tasks to government bodies with Bureau approval. The regulation also outlines procedures for seconding HR staff to government entities, managing their employment terms, and ensuring compliance with civil service rules.

The decision obliges government entities to manage HR-related expenses within their budgets, coordinate training and development programmes, and provide necessary resources for HR staff. It also establishes guidelines for performance evaluation, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures.

For full story, click here.

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News developments

Bahrain: Implements New Halal Regulations

15/05/202515/05/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 8 May 2025: Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has issued Bahrain Decision No. 61/2024 to regulate halal production and certification processes.

This legal framework aims to ensure that halal goods meet Islamic rules throughout all stages of preparation and sale, aligning with Bahraini product standards and GCC agreements.

The decision impacts producers and certifying bodies, requiring them to obtain halal certification from the Ministry or recognised entities. Companies must conduct regular internal checks and comply with site visits, sample testing, and production audits by Ministry inspectors to verify adherence to halal standards.

The Ministry oversees requests for halal checks and approves certifying bodies, ensuring their capability to issue certificates. Article 6 of Bahrain Decision No. 61/2024 outlines the responsibilities of these bodies, including collaboration with the Ministry and ensuring compliance by endorsed entities.

Halal audit teams are tasked with inspecting and testing food and services to ensure compliance, with penalties for non-compliance detailed in Article 13 of Bahrain Decision No. 76/2024. The initiative includes developing the Bahrain Halal Platform, an online system for verifying product certification.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Approves Proposal to Cap Work Permits

08/05/202508/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

Akhbar Al Khaleej, 7 May 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament approved a proposal to amend the Labour Market Regulation Law (Bahrain Law No. 19/2006), introducing a cap on the total number of work permits issued by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority.

The proposal aims to address concerns about unlicensed labour and ensure that work permits are issued based on project size and necessity, in order to protect local employment opportunities and maintaining market balance.

There has been an emphasis on the need to regulate work permit numbers, and it has been suggested permits should be aligned with project requirements. The proposal also included suggestions on using technology, such as centralised databases and GPS tracking, to monitor and manage labour movements effectively.

For full story, click here.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Passes Bill Mandating Advance Notice or Full Compensation

01/05/202501/05/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 30 April 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a bill amending Bahrain Law No. 36/2012 (labour law), which would require employers to provide advance notice or full compensation for economic dismissals

The bill, has now moved to the Shura Council for review, and will set stricter conditions for terminating employment due to economic reasons, such as business closures or changes in production methods.

The proposal would require employer to pay full compensation unless they have notified the Labour Ministry 60 days before informing the workers of dismissal, and have provided recent audited financial statements or financial records covering the last three years, depending on the circumstances. In cases where both a Bahraini and a foreign worker hold the same job with similar experience and skill, the Bahraini must be retained unless the company is closing entirely. Failure to meet these conditions would lead to all payments under Article 111 of Bahrain Law No. 36/2012 being made. If the requirements are met only half the amount would be payable.

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News developments

Bahrain: Legislative Committee Begins Deliberations on New Law for Legal Profession

10/04/202510/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Akhbar Al Khaleej, 8 April 2025: Bahrain’s Legislative Committee has begun discussions on a proposed law to regulate the legal profession.

The proposal, has been prioritised for swift consideration and aims to regulate the profession as mandated by the constitution. The committee aims to finalise its report within a month, before the end of the current legislative session.

The proposed law would allow the Minister of Justice to establish law firms. Comments have been sought by the committees from bodies, including the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Bahrain Bar Association, and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The General Secretariat’s Studies Department has also been tasked with conducting a comparative study of legal profession regulations in other countries to identify best practices.

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News developments

Bahrain: Court Rulings to be Reviewed for Possible Legal Changes

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Daily Tribune, 30 March 2025: The Minister of Legal Affairs has stated judgments from Bahrain’s top courts are being reviewed to see if the country’s laws need to be reformed.

The Minister told the Parliament Court of Cassation judgments were being reviewed to see if there are any gaps or inconsistencies in the legislation. While some jurisdictions allow judges to call for changes to the law, this is not the case in Bahrain. The Ministry of Legal Affairs works closely with the Legislation and Legal Opinions Commission on new laws. The Ministry also reviews international laws and drafts possible legislation. The commission is in charge of the final wording and also draws up regulations and government decisions.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

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News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Approves Reduction in Housing Loan Deductions and Interest Rates

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 19 March 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a reduction in housing loan deductions and interest rates to ease financial pressures on citizens.

The Parliament has passed a proposal to lower the monthly deduction for housing services from 25% to 20% of salaries. This decision aims to ease the financial burden on Bahraini citizens who are receiving housing loans. Additionally, Members of Parliament urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to collaborate with Eskan Bank to reduce the overall interest paid on housing loans by 20%.

Currently, citizens pay up to half the loan value in interest alone.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: March-April 2025 Edition

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the March-April 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, a premier source for in-depth analysis of the evolving legal landscape across the MENA region. This issue provides a detailed examination of significant legal reforms and updates that are poised to shape the future of law and business in the area.

In this edition, the focus is on pivotal legal reforms and updates within the MENA region, with particular emphasis on the newly enacted Omani Banking Law (Oman Sultani Decree No. 2/2025) and the revised Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) Arbitration Rules. These legislative advancements are designed to modernise existing legal frameworks, bolster global competitiveness, and adeptly incorporate technological innovations within their respective domains. The Omani Banking Law marks a significant shift from a complex regulatory framework to a streamlined legal structure, enhancing the regulation of financial institutions and addressing digital banking. Meanwhile, the updated QICCA Arbitration Rules introduce technology-driven procedures and expedited processes, focusing on customer-centric reforms to improve dispute resolution competitiveness. Despite differences in jurisdiction and sector focus, both reforms reflect a strategic commitment to embracing technological advancements and refining regulatory details to meet contemporary business needs.

Stay informed with Lexis Middle East Law Alert, your source for the latest legal developments and insights from across the MENA region.

FEATURE: BANKING REVOLUTION

Sakshi Puri and Asad Vellani from Al Tamimi & Co discuss the implications of Oman Sultani Decree No. 2/2025 on the country’s banking and financial sectors.

FEATURE: AIMING FOR BEST PRACTICE

Alexander Whyatt, Neil Donald, and Omid Mousavi from Eversheds Sutherland outline the new arbitration rules implemented by QICCA, aimed at making the arbitration process more efficient and straightforward.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: POWER, POLICIES, AND LEGAL PROWESS

Padideh Ahmadi, Group Legal Counsel at Energetech, shares valuable insights into industry trends, regulatory developments, and the art of balancing legal risks with business strategy, drawing from her journey from law school to spearheading commodity and renewable energy deals.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Hayden Morgan from Pinsent Masons discusses the implications of a new UAE law aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

An overview of significant appointments and career advancements in the legal sector across the region, emphasising key changes transforming the professional environment.

CONTRACT WATCH: CLOUD COMPUTING

David Walker, Partner at ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners in Bahrain, explains Bahrain Law No. 1/2025, which was introduced in January 2025 to regulate timesharing in residential units and establish a legal framework for such arrangements.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

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 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_October-November 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_August-September 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May/June 2024

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Stay updated on the latest tax and financial developments in the region, with a focus on the recent UAE Tax Disputes regulations.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Keep informed with our legal round-up, featuring the latest DIFC regulations concerning its judicial and administrative roles.

LAW MONITOR

Discover the recent legal progressions in the GCC, with a focus on the newly implemented competition law regulations in the UAE.

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/.