Dubai Archives - Page 3 of 31 - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Central Bank Gains New Powers Under Financial Stability Law

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 11 October 2025: The UAE has introduced sweeping new financial regulations, granting the Central Bank enhanced powers to intervene in troubled institutions and impose larger penalties for violations.

Federal Decree-Law No. 6/2025 establishes several key measures: Crisis Management Powers: authority to remove and appoint bank management, power to transfer or sell assets and obligations, ability to override shareholder rights, authority to implement forced mergers or liquidations and power to establish temporary entities for asset management.

Consumer Protection Measures: creation of “Sanadak” unified complaints system, establishment of specialised judicial committees, final binding decisions for disputes up to AED 100,000 and mandatory financial access requirements for institutions.

Enhanced Penalties: increased administrative fines, penalties up to ten times violation value, automatic deduction of fines from accounts and direct recovery powers from responsible individuals.

The law strengthens early intervention protocols, allowing the Central Bank to impose additional capital requirements, mandate recovery plans, and restructure troubled institutions’ operations.

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News developments

GCC: New Permanent Residency Schemes

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 14 October 2025: GCC countries have introduced comprehensive long-term residency schemes, expanding opportunities for foreign nationals to establish permanent roots in the region.

Under the new frameworks, each GCC nation has established distinct residency pathways. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme offers two options: an annual renewable permit for SAR 100,000 or a permanent residency for SAR 800,000. The scheme enables holders to live and work without requiring a sponsor.

Qatar has implemented a property-based residency programme, granting temporary status for $200,000 investments and permanent residency for $1 million investments. The processing time ranges from four to six weeks, with successful applicants gaining rights to work and sponsor family members.

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa provides a 10-year renewable permit for individuals meeting specific criteria, including property ownership valued at BHD 200,000 or a monthly income threshold of BHD 2,000 after five years of residence. Retirees can qualify with a monthly income of BHD 4,000.

Oman has introduced a tiered system through its Investor Residency Program, offering 10-year visas for OMR 500,000 investments and 5-year visas for OMR 250,000 investments. The programme includes provisions for retirees with fixed monthly incomes of OMR 4,000.

Each programme includes specific provisions for property ownership, business operation, and family sponsorship, with varying investment thresholds and eligibility requirements across different GCC states.

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News developments

DFSA: Launches Digital Application Platform

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

DFSA has introduced a new digital platform to accelerate regulatory approvals, responding to an 18% rise in licence applications during the first nine months of 2025.

Key Features of DFSA Connect: automated application processing, streamlined workflow system, online approval tracking, reduced manual procedures and AI-ready infrastructure.

Current Impact: 33% efficiency improvement expected, faster processing times and simplified authorisation process.

The platform handles: financial services authorisations, regulatory approvals, licence applications and compliance documentation.

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News developments

UAE: Issues First Drone Traffic Management Licence

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

Gulf News, 3 October 2025: The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in drone regulation with the issuance of its first U-Space Service Provider (USSP) certification to a national air navigation organisation.

The approved organisation will operate a specialised platform for managing drone traffic throughout the UAE airspace. The system offers immediate flight approvals and incorporates radar data, weather information, and aeronautical notifications.

The newly certified platform features advanced conflict detection and avoidance capabilities, designed to support future urban air mobility operations across UAE cities.

Officials confirmed that the certification process included comprehensive operational readiness assessments and system validations to ensure compliance with international standards.

Applications for drone operations under the new system will span various sectors, including delivery services, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.

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News developments

Dubai: Launches New Support Package for Local Start-ups

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

Gulf News, 1 October 2025: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has announced new incentives for Emirati-owned start-ups through a partnership between its SME division and Emirates Petroleum Company.

The scheme introduces several cost-reduction measures including: discounted registration and product fees, reduced rates for advertising services, lower rental costs for retail spaces and kiosks, new revenue-sharing arrangements and access to promotional platforms.

Under the agreement, eligible businesses will receive access to premium retail locations and marketing support across the petroleum company’s network. The programme includes co-branded marketing opportunities and preferential rates for payment and logistics services.

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Expired Advocacy 101: Mastering Courtroom Skills for Legal Success | 5-6 November 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

07/10/202510/10/2025
by Maristela Albores

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Advocacy 101: Mastering Courtroom Skills for Legal Success | 5-6 November 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
05/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D
Advocacy 101: Mastering Courtroom Skills for Legal Success | 5-6 November 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
06/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join LexisNexis and SOL International for an expert-led introduction to courtroom advocacy. This CLPD-certified course equips legal professionals in the Middle East with the skills to prepare for hearings, structure persuasive arguments, and respond effectively to judicial cues.

News developments

UAE: Announces Nationwide Push for Local Inspectors and Regulators

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Etihad, 24 September 2025: The United Arab Emirates has launched a comprehensive initiative to increase local employment in inspection and regulatory roles across both government and private sectors.

The programme focuses on recruiting and training Emirati nationals for supervisory positions in several key areas, including: Environmental monitoring and pollution control, Food safety and consumer protection, Occupational health and safety, Infrastructure project supervision and Market quality control.

Officials have confirmed that the initiative will implement specialised training programmes incorporating artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies to prepare local candidates for inspection and monitoring roles.

The scheme requires new inspectors to undergo extensive field training and obtain scientific qualifications to handle major infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The programme includes continuous professional development to ensure inspectors can effectively use the latest technological tools.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Dubai: Introduces Workforce Performance Measurement System

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 September 2025: Dubai has launched a new workforce productivity measurement system across its government departments, to be implemented in phases under the supervision of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The initiative, established by Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 67/2025, introduces three key implementation phases. The first phase will focus on measuring service delivery against workforce size, analysing total salary costs, assessing actual working hours, and collecting related performance data. This will be followed by a second phase involving analysis of initial results, development of efficiency initiatives, and implementation of service improvements. The final phase will concentrate on system evaluation and performance assessment.

The resolution assigns specific responsibilities to government bodies. The Executive Council’s General Secretariat will identify and classify government services, provide technical support, and approve performance indicators.

The DGHR’s duties encompass system management and supervision, preparation of procedural guides, development of productivity indicators, and coordination with the finance department on budgets.

All government departments must follow prescribed timelines, provide workforce and budget data, submit regular performance reports, and implement recommended efficiency measures as part of their obligations under the new system.

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News developments

UAE: Cabinet Approves Regional Industry Clusters and New Cybersecurity Policies

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: UAE government has approved a series of significant policy measures, including a new economic clusters initiative and comprehensive cybersecurity reforms.

The National Policy for Economic Clusters will establish industry-specific zones across the emirates, focusing on financial services, tourism, space, communications, and food sectors.

The Cabinet also endorsed new cybersecurity policies introducing unified information security standards and enhanced monitoring systems. The framework includes measures for risk management and rapid response protocols.

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News developments

Dubai: Introduces Direct Debit System for Property Service Charges

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 18 September 2025: Dubai property owners can now pay their community service charges through the UAE Central Bank’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS), offering an automated alternative to traditional payment methods.

The new system allows homeowners to set up recurring payments directly from their bank accounts or via credit and debit cards.

The paperless payment system operates under the UAE Central Bank’s regulatory framework, eliminating the need for cheques and physical documentation.

Property owners can access the service through Itihad Community Management, which has integrated the Central Bank’s direct debit infrastructure into its payment systems.

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