Qatar Archives - Page 3 of 39 - LexisNexis Middle East

Upcoming Qatar Business Law Forum – Gala Dinner & Awards 2025 | 27 November 2025 | Doha, Qatar

24/06/202517/09/2025
by Malini Dean

Qatar Business Law Forum - Gala Dinner & Awards 2025 | 27 November 2025 | Doha, Qatar
27/11/2025
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM SEBLFMENA

BECOME A SPONSOR REGISTER HERE Join us in Doha, Qatar on 27 November, 2025 for the Qatar Business Law Forum – Gala Dinner and Awards – 10th Edition. The Qatar Business Law Forum – Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony sets out to recognise exceptional achievement within Qatar’s legal community. The awards are judged (more…)

News developments

Qatar: Shura Council Approves Draft Law on Lost and Abandoned Property

20/06/202520/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 17 June 2025: The Shura Council approved a draft law addressing the management of lost and abandoned property, advancing the legal framework for property handling in the state.

This proposed law, aimed at regulating the processes surrounding such property, has been crafted in its amended form alongside other legislative measures and forwarded to the esteemed government for further action.

The impacted parties include individuals and entities involved in property management, as well as government bodies responsible for implementation and enforcement. This legislation seeks to streamline legal procedures related to identifying, managing, and either returning or disposing of lost assets.

There will be new obligations for the respective governmental bodies to adopt mechanisms ensuring compliance with the new regulations, once it is enacted.

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Publications

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

Qatar: New Regulations for Acquiring Land for Recycling Factories

12/06/202512/06/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Arab, 8 June 2025: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released regulations for obtaining land to establish recycling factories in Al-Afja, following the announcement of investment opportunities for private sector waste recycling projects.

Applications will be open until 21 August 2025, covering recycling industries such as wood, paper, plastic, glass, animal waste, textiles, food waste, electronic waste, and waste sorting.

Interested investors are encouraged to review the land allocation requirements for recycling activities. The new requirements included completing a form for licensing in the Al-Afja recycling industries area and submitting necessary documents, such as preliminary approval for an industrial project, a valid commercial registration, and a feasibility study.

The feasibility study must detail technical, environmental, and economic analyses, including factory plans, raw material sources, production capacity, environmental impact assessments, market evaluations, and agreements with suppliers. Previous experience in recycling industries will also be considered.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, has facilitated applications through the One-Stop-Shop platform, connecting investors with 18 government entities. This digital system allows for electronic submission, modification, signing, and payment of fees globally, streamlining the process of obtaining necessary permits and licenses.

The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce time and costs for investors, and support comprehensive company establishment services. Investors can obtain all required licenses to commence business activities, with immediate approval upon completing application procedures. The service includes commercial name reservation, commercial registration issuance, and obtaining various licenses based on selected business activities.

For factory establishment, investors begin with commercial registration, followed by preliminary project approvals, land allocation, environmental permits, and industrial license issuance, enabling factory setup and industrial registration.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Approves Amendments to Hayya Platform for Visitor Entry

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

The Peninsula, 14 May 2025: The Qatari Cabinet has approved a draft decision amending provisions of Qatar Cabinet Decision No. 12/2024 concerning the Hayya Platform.

This amendment aims to broaden the platform’s mandate to attract individuals with distinguished residencies, including investors, property owners, entrepreneurs, and talents in technology, science, creativity, sports, culture, and the arts.

It impacts the procedures for managing visitor entry to Qatar, facilitating smoother entry and residence processes for these targeted groups. By expanding the committee’s mandate, the amendment seeks to enhance Qatar’s attractiveness as a destination for investment and skilled talent, aligning with the country’s broader economic and cultural goals.

The legal changes ensure that the Hayya Platform can efficiently manage and streamline entry procedures for the specified groups.

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News developments

Qatar: Cabinet Approves Draft Traffic Law Legislation

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

Qatar Tribune, 8 May 2025: The Qatari Cabinet approved draft legislation for a new traffic law.

This legal decision is part of the Ministry of Interior’s strategy to regulate and develop traffic movement, improve traffic security, and adapt to advancements in infrastructure and automotive technology.

The draft legislation introduces updated mechanisms for detecting traffic violations, thereby serving the public interest. The law aims to align traffic regulations with the nation’s infrastructural developments and technological advancements, ensuring a safer and more efficient traffic system.

The draft law has been referred to the Shura Council for further deliberation.

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News developments

Qatar: MECC Releases Second Edition of Corporate Environmental Sustainability Book

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

The Peninsula, 30 April 2025: The Qatari Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has issued the second edition of the “Corporate Environmental Sustainability: Reports and Achievements” book.

This shows s the growing commitment of Qatari companies to adopt sustainable environmental practices.

The MECC has launched several policies and initiatives which are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting renewable energy. These efforts have been complemented by awareness programmes designed to foster a culture of sustainability within the community. The Ministry has also been focused on developing specialist guidelines for key sectors including oil and gas, finance, education, and transportation, to encourage responsible environmental practices.

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News developments

Qatar: QFCRA Proposes Amendments to Prudential Rules for Banks

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

The QFCRA has issued a Consultation Paper outlining proposals, set out in the draft BANK and IBANK (Market Risk and Miscellaneous) Amendments Rules 2025.

The amendments aim to introduce the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s simplified standardised approach as the default method for assessing market risk, particularly for banks with less complex trading portfolios.

The proposals would require a bank’s net open position in any foreign currency other than the US dollar not to exceed 5% of its Tier 1 capital. The net open position in the US dollar would be unable to exceed 25% of the bank’s Tier 1 capital and the higher of the total net open positions in surplus or deficit across all foreign currencies (including the US dollar) would have to remain within 30% of the Tier 1 capital.

These amendments would apply to all QFC-authorised banks. The decision was issued as a Consultation Paper, allowing the Regulatory Authority to gather feedback from conventional and Islamic banks operating under the specified prudential rules.

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News developments

QICDRC Case Digest: June – December 2024 Edition

30/04/202530/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the latest edition of the QICDRC Case Digest, a carefully curated collection of landmark judgments delivered by the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) during the second half of 2024. This publication serves as a vital reference for legal practitioners, academics, and others with an interest in the development of commercial and regulatory jurisprudence in Qatar.

This edition offers concise yet insightful summaries of significant cases across a broad spectrum of legal domains, including regulatory enforcement, commercial disputes, and employment law. Each case is presented with a focus on the key legal issues, the court’s reasoning, and its broader implications, offering valuable perspectives on the evolving judicial landscape within the Qatar Financial Centre.

Whether you are advising clients, conducting research, or simply keeping abreast of legal developments, the Case Digest is designed to inform and support your understanding of how QICDRC jurisprudence continues to shape the legal framework in Qatar.

In this Edition:

Zahir Makawy v Al Awael Captive Insurance Company LLC [2024] QIC (A) 9
Rudolfs Veiss v Qatar Financial Centre Authority [2024] QIC (A) 10
Boom General Contractors WLL v Sharq Insurance LLC [2024] QIC (A) 11
QFC Employment Standards Office v Meinhardt BIM Studios LLC [2024] QIC (F) 24
Akram Hidri and another v Qatar Financial Centre Authority [2024] QIC (F) 46
Mohammed Amin Hamza v Masters Business Consultancy LLC [2024] QIC (F) 51
Qatar Financial Centre Authority v Horizon Crescent Wealth LLC (In Liquidation) [2024] QIC (F) 52
Thales QFZ LLC v Al Jaber Engineering Company WLL [2024] QIC (F) 53
Waqar Zaman v Meinhardt BIM Studios LLC and Meinhardt Singapore PTE Limited [2024] QIC (A) 12
Christian Friedrich Linhart v Ooredoo Group LLC [2024] QIC (F) 60

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QICDRC_CaseDigest_English-Arabic_June-December 2024 Edition