Qatar Archives - Page 2 of 39 - LexisNexis Middle East

Qatar: Issues New Ministerial Powers Act and Business Regulations

22/08/202522/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Sharq, 18 August 2025: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice has published its official gazette, introducing new legislation governing ministerial powers and commercial operations.

The Qatar Ministerial Decision No. 12/2025, comprising 37 articles, outlines key ministerial responsibilities including: Development of strategic and executive ministry plans, Implementation of approved policies and programmes, Presentation of reports to the Cabinet, Supervision of government agencies, Setting service fees after Cabinet approval, Management of ministry personnel and Preparation of annual budgets.

The law defines ministers as Cabinet members, including state ministers and officials appointed to ministerial-grade positions. It establishes accountability measures for ministers involved in crimes related to: Public office misconduct, Obstruction of justice and Money laundering.

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News developments

Qatar: Issues Metro Guidelines for Passengers

14/08/202514/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 12 August 2025: The Ministry of Interior has published a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for Doha Metro users, outlining key measures for passenger security and conduct.

The new advisory, released via official social media channels, details specific requirements for metro travel. These include: Securing personal belongings while travelling, Maintaining safe distances from train doors during operation, Following posted signage and instructions throughout stations, Reporting emergencies to station staff immediately, Observing no-smoking rules within station premises and Supervising children on escalators.

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News developments

Qatar: Introduces Prison Terms and Fines for Online Privacy Violations

08/08/202508/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 5 August 2025: Qatar has implemented stringent new cybercrime legislation that imposes jail sentences and substantial fines for publishing or sharing individuals’ images or videos online without consent.

The amendment adds Article 8 (bis) to Qatar Law No. 14/2014 on Cybercrimes. The new provision carries penalties of up to one year in prison and fines of up to QR100,000.

Under the revised legislation, individuals who violate others’ privacy in public places by sharing their images or video clips through information networks or other technology platforms without permission will face prosecution. The law applies to any unauthorised sharing that occurs outside legally permitted circumstances.

The amendment specifically targets:

Unauthorised publication of images and videos
Distribution of content without subject consent
Privacy violations in public spaces
Sharing via information networks and technology platforms

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2025 Edition

05/08/202505/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Brought to You by Tolley+ Middle East

The Autumn 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax delivers a focused and timely overview of the latest tax developments across the GCC. Packed with expert commentary, legislative updates, and actionable advice, this edition is an essential resource for tax professionals working through the region’s increasingly intricate fiscal environment.

FEATURE: CRS AND FATCA: THE FINER POINTS

Dhana Pillai of DP Taxation Consultancy examines the key takeaways from recent penalties imposed by UAE authorities, shedding light on crucial compliance insights related to CRS and FATCA regulations.

FEATURE: NOW THAT’S VAT

Chadi Abou-Chakra, PwC Middle East’s Indirect Tax Leader and ME TLS Chief Operating Officer, provides insights into the implications of the recent changes to Saudi Arabia’s VAT Implementing Regulations.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

A focused overview of key tax treaty revisions and regulatory changes in the Gulf, offering valuable insights for navigating compliance and cross-border impact.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIP

Authored by Aunali Merchant, Sanjay Shukla, and Palak Khetawat of MMJS Consulting, this article examines the impact of UAE corporate tax reforms on partnership structures and their compliance obligations.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE: ADDING VALUE

Manish Arora, Tax Director at Adidas, emphasises that delivering value as an in-house tax professional requires more than just staying informed about the latest tax developments.

ANY QUESTIONS? WHAT DOES FORMAL ADOPTION OF OECD GUIDANCE MEAN?

Bhumit Gangar of Deloitte breaks down the practical implications of the UAE’s official implementation of the OECD’s Pillar 2 Guidance.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: July-August 2025 Edition

04/08/202504/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The July-August 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert provides legal professionals across the GCC with essential updates and expert analysis on recent legislative and regulatory developments. This issue explores Saudi Arabia’s new Procedural Guide on Off-Plan Real Estate Sales, designed to strengthen existing frameworks, as well as changes to Abu Dhabi’s property market regulations and Kuwait’s implementation of GCC voluntary work requirements. It also features updates on UAE tax compliance through revised map guidance, and examines Oman’s evolving public health legislation under a new decree. Additional coverage includes the introduction of Close-out Netting and Collateral Arrangement regulations by the Saudi Central Bank—marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s financial sector. The issue further explores how legal teams are adapting to digital transformation and concludes with a roundup of major leadership changes across the region.

This edition offers a comprehensive yet concise look at the shifting legal and regulatory landscape in the Middle East.

FEATURE: OFF PLAN SELLING EXPLAINED

Jaafer Alsir Ali of Al Ghazzawi & Partners sheds light on how Saudi Arabia’s new Procedural Guide on Selling and Leasing Off-Plan Real Estate Projects is set to reinforce and complement the country’s existing legal framework in this dynamic sector.

FEATURE: HEALTH MATTERS

Ahmed Al Barwani of Al Tamimi & Company explores Oman’s public health strategy under the newly enacted Sultani Decree No. 43/2025.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: HANDLING DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS

Gopa Talukdar, Head of Legal for the Middle East at Reckitt, shares her approach to navigating change in a dynamic business environment.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Ksenia Andreeva of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP discusses Saudi Arabia’s proposals to shape the future of Global AI Hubs.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

From partner promotions to leadership transitions—this roundup spotlights the influential career moves reshaping the legal landscape across the region.

CONTRACT WATCH: CLOSE-OUT NETTING IN SAUDI ARABIA

Mohammed Negm, Litigation Lawyer at Al Tamimi & Company, explains Saudi Arabia’s first Regulation on Close-out Netting issued by SAMA in February 2025, which ensures the enforceability of certain financial contracts and collateral arrangements outside bankruptcy proceedings.

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Stay ahead of the curve with the newest tax and finance updates in the region—featuring the UAE’s latest MAP guidance for taxpayers.

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LEGAL ROUND-UP

Keep informed with our latest legal round-up, featuring key changes to Abu Dhabi’s property market regulations.

LAW MONITOR

Explore recent legal developments across the GCC, with a spotlight on Kuwait’s implementation of the GCC voluntary work requirements.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – July 2025 Edition

04/08/202504/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

In this edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, we explore the most pressing legal, regulatory, and HR developments shaping the employment landscape across the region, with a particular focus on the ongoing impact of nationalisation policies. These legislative initiatives remain a central concern for HR professionals, regardless of their industry or jurisdiction. Alongside the need to understand the evolving legal requirements, organisations must also adopt a practical and culturally sensitive approach to implementation. In our featured interview, the Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company shares how their organisation is proactively and innovatively adapting to these changes. However, not all responses have been as constructive—some employers are attempting to circumvent the rules through misreporting or fraudulent hiring practices. With the introduction of stricter enforcement mechanisms and the implementation of Cabinet Decision No. 43/2025, the UAE authorities are shifting from discretionary to structured penalties, significantly increasing the scope of punishable offences and the severity of fines. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s Enforcement Report 2024 underscores the government’s readiness to prosecute offenders, further raising the stakes for non-compliance. This edition offers practical insights and guidance to help organisations assess their compliance status and, where necessary, take swift and innovative action to align with nationalisation goals in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Empower your HR strategy with cutting-edge analysis from Lexis Middle East HR Alert, delivering the latest updates shaping workplaces in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: GETTING TOUCH

Raka Roy and Yusur Dalloul of Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants delve into the UAE’s stricter enforcement measures against individuals and companies that falsify records to bypass Emiratisation rules or improperly benefit from related incentives.

TREND SETTER: AUTOMATED WORKFORCE MONITORING

Diana Froyland, Senior Counsel at Hadef & Partners, examines the implications of automated employee monitoring in the UAE and the data privacy concerns it raises for employers and HR teams.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE

This section presents a curated summary of major legal and HR updates from across the region, including the latest on Oman’s immigration grace period.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: SAUDI VISIT VISA CHANGES

Experts from Vialto Partners explain the recent revisions to Saudi Arabia’s visit visa policies, which now affect travellers from 14 countries, highlighting compliance considerations for affected stakeholders.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Aarti Thadani and Sarah Sheppard from Norton Rose Fulbright (Middle East) LLP discuss the anticipated impact of Dubai Decree No. 19/2025, a regulatory shift set to enhance health and safety protocols in the emirate’s construction sector.

CASE FOCUS

A recent ruling from the QICDRC in Zia Ur Rehman v Forvis Mazars LLC [2025] QIC (A) 7 (issued 14 May 2025) underscores the need for robust evidence in breach of contract claims, the conditions under which non-compete compensation may apply, and the high threshold for appeals.

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.

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HR PROFILE: AN AGILE APPROACH TO CHANGE

Samia AlRajaby, Head of HR Operations at Al Tamimi & Company, shares how adopting an agile mindset has empowered her to navigate technological transformation and shifting generational expectations.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Ben Brown, Sara Khoja and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co offer insights into evolving leave policies following a significant recent decision by the Abu Dhabi Courts, urging a strategic review for in-house teams.

POLICY POINTERS: FRACTIONAL EXECUTIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA

Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim, Partner at Pinsent Masons, explores the growing adoption of fractional executives in Saudi Arabia, driven by remote work and the Regional Headquarters Programme, and highlights key policy considerations such as Saudisation.

MOVES AND CHANGES

Stay informed with the latest executive appointments, promotions, and market trends shaping the business landscape across the region.

News developments

Qatar: E-Payment Service for Judicial Fees

25/07/202525/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 22 July 2025: The Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) has launched the first package of electronic payment services in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB).

Payments will be able to be made through an integrated electronic payment gateway aimed at facilitating judicial procedures and enabling parties to pay deposits and judicial fees in a safe, fast, and easy digital way. The Council aims to provide payment channels that support a number of different card types and modern payment features for a number of services, such as Apple Pay.

This will enable users to pay court fees, execution requests, and deposits through the Courts Portal and the Courts app, as well as through the mobile app, ATMs, and QNB’s e-portal, which will be launched in the phase after the initial launch via the Courts Portal.

The electronic payment services will allow individuals to pay for themselves or for another party using Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX cards, as well as local NAPS cards, and Himyan cards.

The new system also offers smart payment options, such as partial payments in specific cases, and payment via SMS links. It also sends notifications to users on completion of financial transactions and provides financial reports to the relevant management.

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News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Approves New School Staff Benefits and Pension Rights

18/07/202518/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Sharq, 15 July 2025: Qatar’s Council of Ministers has issued Qatar Decision No. 23/2025, amending employment regulations for government school staff and addressing ongoing pension reform concerns.

The new decision repeals Article 14 of Qatar Decision No. 32/2019, which previously excluded certain allowances and bonuses from gross salary calculations during leave periods for school employees.

This latest amendment follows the implementation of Qatar Law No. 1/2022 on Issuing the Social Insurance Law, which replaced the previous pension legislation (Qatar Law No. 24/2002). However, the new regulations maintain existing limitations regarding end-of-service benefits calculations for the first 20 years of service.

Key changes include:

Full inclusion of allowances and bonuses in gross salary calculations during leave periods
Updated pension calculation methods
Revised employment benefits for education sector staff.

The pension fund maintains its position that it bears no responsibility for service periods prior to its establishment in 2002, despite ongoing discussions about end-of-service benefit calculations for longer-serving employees.

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News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Approves New Laws on Areas Including Lawyers

10/07/202510/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 3 July 2025: At a recent Cabinet meeting, several draft laws have been approved, including amendments to the Lawyers’ Law (Qatar Law No. 23/2006).

These amendments are designed to modernise the legal profession, ensuring alignment with international standards and improving practice quality, thereby legal practitioners across the nation.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – May 2025 Edition

26/06/202526/06/2025
by Tanya Jain

In this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, we bring you a curated selection of the most pressing HR, legal, and regulatory developments shaping the employment landscape across the Middle East. From sweeping changes in Saudi labour law to evolving expectations around flexible work in the UAE’s blue collar sector, this issue is packed with expert insights, legal updates, and practical guidance for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders alike.

As organisations across the region navigate complex immigration frameworks, new compliance requirements, and shifting workforce dynamics, our contributors provide the clarity and context needed to stay ahead. With in-depth features, real-world case reviews, and spotlights on key figures driving HR transformation, the LME HR Alert continues to serve as a trusted resource for understanding the policies and trends that matter most.

Stay ahead of the curve with Lexis Middle East HR Alert, as we provide you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of HR in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTED

Shiraz Sethi and Fatima Al-Sabahi of Dentons delve into the key reforms introduced in the Saudi Labour Law following the release of its implementing regulations. Their analysis highlights the significant changes impacting employment relationships, enforcement mechanisms, and employer compliance obligations in the Kingdom.

TREND SETTER: MORE FLEXIBLE BLUE COLLAR JOBS

With a mounting talent shortage in the UAE’s blue collar workforce, businesses are exploring more flexible working arrangements. Mary Rintu Raju of NYK Law outlines the legal implications and operational considerations of rolling out flexible models for this often-overlooked sector.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVERING RECENT KEY DEVELOPMENTS – REGION-WIDE

This section captures a selection of important legal and HR news, including changes to company structures in UAE freezones and other updates from across the MENA region.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: SAUDI ARABIA IMMIGRATION UPDATE

Ali Ibrahim of Vialto Partners provides a comprehensive update on Saudi Arabia’s immigration regulations. His commentary offers vital guidance on how these changes may affect both employers and foreign nationals working in the Kingdom.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Explore recent and upcoming legal reforms, including newly proposed rules affecting work permits in Kuwait—changes that may impact workforce planning and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

CASE FOCUS:

This issue includes a review of a recent QICDRC ruling in Clare Holloway v MBG Corporate Services LLC (QFC Case No. 0059/2024), where the Court of First Instance addressed the issue of premature litigation. Mohammed Al Ansari highlights the court’s approach to jurisdiction and procedural compliance.

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/.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2025

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

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HR PROFILE: CREATING CHANGE

Nishanth Krishnan, Director of People Advisory and Business Consulting at Grant Thornton UAE, shares insights into the strategic HR interventions needed to lead and manage successful organisational change in today’s climate.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Henrietta Baker and Kahroba Kojouri of Dentons discuss proposed amendments to the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law Implementing Regulations (Saudi Arabia Administrative Decision No. 1516/1445).

POLICY POINTERS: WORKING HOURS IN KUWAIT

Bader Al-Qellaish of Wefaq Law Firm reviews the legal frameworks governing working hours in Kuwait, with practical considerations for policy compliance and workforce wellbeing.

MOVES AND CHANGES

Stay updated on the newest business trends, significant appointments, and promotions in the region to stay connected with the market’s key influencers.