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Qatar: New Legislation Enhances Procedures for Certified Document Handling News developments

Qatar: New Legislation Enhances Procedures for Certified Document Handling

  • 16/01/202516/01/2025
  • by Hannah Gutang

This legislation, Qatar Ministerial Decision No. 157/2024, aims to ensure the integrity and compliance of certified documents when dealing with foreign authorities and within the judicial system.

The legislation outlines specific guidelines for the acceptance and deposit of certified documents before foreign authorities.

It mandates that documents must be authenticated by competent authorities in the issuing foreign country and the Foreign Affairs Minister in Qatar.

In a significant move to streamline the handling of certified documents, the Justice Ministry in Qatar has issued new legislation detailing comprehensive procedures and regulations.

Additionally, documents must comply to local laws and public morals, with certified Arabic translations required for non-Arabic documents.

Furthermore, the legislation provides a framework for issuing additional executable copies of previously executed documents.

It specifies the conditions under which such copies can be requested, ensuring that applicants have a legitimate interest and that the original document was issued by the administration.

The transfer of original documents to courts or prosecution is also addressed, with strict conditions to prevent unauthorised modifications.

The legislation requires that originals be returned after their intended use, maintaining the integrity of the documents.

Appointed experts reviewing certified documents must meet specific criteria, including registration with the Justice Ministry and presenting judicial appointment orders.

The review process is to be conducted under the supervision of responsible administration employees.

In cases where translators from outside the Ministry of Justice’s experts’ list are needed, the legislation sets conditions to ensure accountability and accuracy.

This includes the absence of registered translators in the required language and written undertakings from concerned parties to bear responsibility for the translation.

This legislation, effective from its issuance date, marks a significant step in enhancing the management and legal compliance of certified documents in Qatar.

It highlights the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to maintaining high standards in document handling and ensuring the smooth operation of legal and administrative processes.

It aims to ensure the integrity and compliance of certified documents when dealing with foreign authorities and within the judicial system.

The legislation outlines specific guidelines for the acceptance and deposit of certified documents before foreign authorities.

It mandates that documents must be authenticated by competent authorities in the issuing foreign country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

Additionally, documents must adhere to local laws and public morals, with certified Arabic translations required for non-Arabic documents.

Furthermore, the legislation provides a framework for issuing additional executable copies of previously executed documents.

It specifies the conditions under which such copies can be requested, ensuring that applicants have a legitimate interest and that the original document was issued by the administration.

The transfer of original documents to courts or prosecution is also addressed, with strict conditions to prevent unauthorized modifications.

The legislation requires that originals be returned after their intended use, maintaining the integrity of the documents.

Appointed experts reviewing certified documents must meet specific criteria, including registration with the Ministry of Justice and presenting judicial appointment orders.

The review process is to be conducted under the supervision of responsible administration employees.

In cases where translators from outside the Ministry of Justice’s experts’ list are needed, the legislation sets conditions to ensure accountability and accuracy.

This includes the absence of registered translators in the required language and written undertakings from concerned parties to bear responsibility for the translation.

This legislation, effective from its issuance date, marks a significant step in enhancing the management and legal compliance of certified documents in Qatar.

It highlights the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to maintaining high standards in document handling and ensuring the smooth operation of legal and administrative processes.

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Qatar: Amendments to Income Tax Law News developments

Qatar: Amendments to Income Tax Law

  • 10/01/202510/01/2025
  • by Hannah Gutang

The Shura Council approved amendments to the Income Tax Law, aiming to ensure tax fairness between local and global companies operating in Qatar by establishing a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%.

Analysis

Qatar Shura Council approved amendments to the Income Tax Qatar Law No. 24/2018. The amendments aim to ensure tax equity between local and multinational companies operating in Qatar by implementing a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. The General Tax Authority clarified that the new amendment applies exclusively to multinational corporations with foreign branches and annual revenues exceeding 3 billion Qatari Riyals, including Qatari companies with branches outside Qatar and global companies with branches in Qatar.

The amendment do not affect individual taxpayers or local companies operating in Qatar, which are currently subject to a 10% corporate income tax.

For the full story, click here.

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LexisNexis Middle East Partners with SCCA for RIDW 2025 Event

LexisNexis Middle East Partners with SCCA for RIDW 2025

  • 07/01/202507/01/2025
  • by Hannah Gutang

LexisNexis Middle East is set to play a pivotal role as the Legal Media Partner for the upcoming Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025, hosted by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA). Scheduled for February 26, 2025, this landmark event will spotlight the SCCA’s 4th International Conference and Exhibition, known as SCCA25, under the theme “Arbitration and the Law as Pillars of Transformation.”

The conference promises a robust agenda with four dynamic panel discussions covering seven subtopics, delivered by a distinguished lineup of 30 expert speakers. With an anticipated attendance of 1,250 participants from both local and international spheres, the event is poised to be a hub for fostering significant connections and collaborations among professionals committed to the advancement of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

This year’s event is particularly significant as it aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the field of arbitration and law, providing a platform for thought leaders to share insights and strategies. Attendees will have the chance to engage with cutting-edge topics and network with peers who are at the forefront of legal innovation.

This is a unique opportunity for legal professionals to influence the future landscape of arbitration and law. Interested participants are encouraged to register at https://ridw.org/event/scca-4th-international-conference-and-exhibition.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

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You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Qatar: To Implement 12-Digit Harmonised Customs Code by 2025 News developments

Qatar: To Implement 12-Digit Harmonised Customs Code by 2025

  • 19/12/202419/12/2024
  • by Hannah Gutang

Qatar announced a shift to a 12-digit harmonised customs code, effective January 1, 2025, aligning with GCC countries to enhance international trade and customs processes.

Analysis

The Head of the Tariff and Origin Section at Qatar’s Customs Policies and Procedures Department revealed that the country would transition to a 12-digit harmonised customs code from the current 8-digit system, starting January 1, 2025. This change will be implemented across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Qatar initially adopted the harmonised customs code in 1995 and became an official member of the Harmonised System Convention in 2004.

Managed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the harmonised system is updated every five years and serves as the foundation for goods classification systems used worldwide.

For the full story, click here.

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You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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Qatar: Warning From QCB News developments

Qatar: Warning From QCB

  • 13/12/202413/12/2024
  • by Hannah Gutang

QCB has emphasised the importance of safeguarding the confidentiality and privacy of personal and banking information for all customers.

The QCB urges customers to avoid clicking on any suspicious links received via SMS.

It is important to note that text messages sent by banks operating in the country will never include electronic links.

The QCB further advises customers to immediately contact their bank when receiving unsolicited SMS messages containing an electronic link requesting personal or banking information.

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

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Winter 2024 Edition News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Winter 2024 Edition

  • 09/12/202409/12/2024
  • by Hannah Gutang

The latest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax magazine provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving tax landscape in the GCC region. The magazine delves into the OECD’s Pillar Two or Global Anti Base Erosion Rules, highlighting the challenges multinational enterprises face due to varying approaches by different jurisdictions, particularly in the GCC. Bahrain stands out as the first GCC country to enact a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax, with implementation set for January 2025.

The issue also explores the implications of recent changes in VAT treatment for Investment Fund Management Services and provides a round-up of key tax treaty developments and regulatory changes in the region.

Additionally, it discusses potential tax reforms in Oman and Kuwait, and features insights from tax professionals on the rapid pace of legislative changes in the GCC. The magazine concludes with an examination of new details on disputing tax assessments and penalties in the UAE.


FEATURE: PILLAR TWO: WHAT NOW?

Bahrain is the pioneering GCC country to introduce a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax. Shashank Chandak of KPMG analyses the current positions of Bahrain and other GCC nations on Pillar Two.


FEATURE: INVESTMENT APPROACHES

With recent changes to the VAT treatment of Investment Fund Management Services, Markus Susilo of Crowe analyses the general differences in tax treatment for Investment Management Services and investment funds.


TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up highlights the latest significant changes in tax agreements and regulatory updates throughout the region, offering readers a thorough understanding of the current developments.


PRACTICAL FOCUS: TAX REFORM IN OMAN AND KUWAIT

Rami Alhadhrami, a Tax Partner at BDO Kuwait, and Asrujit Mandal, a Tax Advisor in Oman, discuss the potential tax system reforms in Oman and Kuwait, focusing on changes to income and profit taxation.


TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

According to Asrujit Mandal, Tax Partner at BDO LLC for Oman and Bahrain, the rapid pace of change in tax legislation poses the greatest challenge for businesses in the GCC.


ANY QUESTIONS?

Tina Hsieh of Baker McKenzie delves into the recent updates from the FTA concerning the procedures for challenging tax assessments and administrative penalties in the UAE.


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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Winter 2024

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2023

Qatar: Central Bank Issues Digital Banks Regulatory Framework News developments

Qatar: Central Bank Issues Digital Banks Regulatory Framework

  • 05/12/202405/12/2024
  • by Hannah Gutang

The Peninsula, 3 December 2024: Qatar Central Bank has issued the Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks to regulate digital bank activities in the country.

Qatar Central Bank emphasises the importance of this Regulatory Framework as it is an integral part of its efforts to enhance digital innovations and technological initiatives in the financial sector, supporting the country’s journey towards a digital economy.

Digital banks represent an important step toward enhancing financial inclusion, offering innovative banking services that meet the needs of individuals and businesses with ease and efficiency.

These banks stand out by providing comprehensive services through online platforms and mobile applications at all times, enabling customers to carry out their financial transactions anytime and anywhere.

With advanced technology, digital banks offer speed and security in financial operations, in addition to reducing operational costs, allowing for more cost-effective and efficient services.

The Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks further enhances these advantages, benefiting customers and contributing to sustainable development.

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

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2024 Edition News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Autumn 2024 Edition

  • 27/11/202427/11/2024
  • by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the latest edition of Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax Magazine, offering insightful perspectives on the dynamic tax environment in the GCC region. It highlights the continuous development of tax regimes across the GCC, with recent major changes and a greater emphasis on clarifying details through manuals and guidance documents. This issue covers the impact on the charity sector in the UAE, the increase in queries and complaints leading to new legislation, and the evolution of the Zakat regime in Saudi Arabia with significant changes in calculation, entities subject to Zakat, and treatment of cessation of activities.

Furthermore, the article covers the evolution of the Zakat regime in Saudi Arabia, where the Implementing Regulations on Zakat collection from 2019 have been repealed and replaced by new regulations.

Gulf Tax Magazine remains committed to providing valuable knowledge and expert perspectives to help you navigate the complexities of the GCC tax environment. We hope you find this issue insightful and beneficial for your tax planning and compliance efforts.


FEATURE: SO THAT IS ZAKAT

In this feature, Essam Rajab of Andersen explains key changes to the way Zakat is calculated and administered in Saudi Arabia following the issue of new regulations.


FEATURE: GRAPPLING WITH GRIEVANCES

Zain Satardien and Ellen Ray of Hourani & Partners explain the impact a new Ministerial Decision has brought in changes to the way tax grievances are handled in Oman and other recent alterations to the system will have on those disputing the Tax Authority position there.


TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up covers recent key developments in tax treaties and regulatory changes across the region, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the latest updates.


WHAT’S CHANGED?

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has released an updated list of charities in the UAE that are recognised as ‘Designated Charities,’ allowing them to receive VAT relief. To formalise these updates, the UAE government has issued several Cabinet Decisions.


PRACTICAL FOCUS: PUBLIC BENEFIT ENTITIES

Experts David van der Berg, Gargesh Vn, Tapan Gandhi, and Daryn Blake provided useful information regarding tax exemptions for organisations serving the public good in the United Arab Emirates.


TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Naveen Sharma, a Chartered Accountant who works as Director of Internal Audit at Oasis Investment Company LLC (Al Shirawi Group), explains his work
and the support he has been giving to the wider tax profession in the UAE.


ANY QUESTIONS?

Rami Alhadhrami of BDO Kuwait analyses
Qatar and Kuwait’s delay in implementing
VAT despite the GCC VAT Agreement.


Want to receive future editions? Subscribe here!

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Autumn 2024

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2023

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2023

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: October-November 2024 Edition News developments

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: October-November 2024 Edition

  • 27/11/202419/03/2025
  • by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the October-November 2024 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, providing insights into the changing legal landscape in the MENA regions. This issue focuses on the GCC countries’ efforts to attract foreign investment and diversify their economies away from hydrocarbons. The publication highlights Saudi Arabia’s new Investment Law, which aims to provide confidence to foreign investors by ensuring fair treatment, protecting ownership rights, and facilitating ease of exit. Additionally, it covers efforts to streamline business establishment processes in Saudi Arabia, as well as developments in the UAE, Bahrain, and the modernisation of Abu Dhabi’s judicial system.

Furthermore, the issue delves into other notable legal developments, including UAE virtual asset marketing regulations, changes to the ADGM Real Property Law, Bahrain’s Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax, and insights into dispute resolution and contract watch for Saudi labour contracts. The publication serves as a comprehensive resource for staying updated on the latest legal trends and initiatives in the MENA regions, particularly those aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment for foreign investment.

Stay informed with our meticulously curated content, designed to keep you ahead in the ever-changing legal landscape.

FEATURE: EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY

Bedoor Alrabiah of GLA & Co explains that Saudi Arabia has a new Investment Law designed to create a more attractive investment environment there by better protecting local and foreign investors’ rights and providing them with more opportunities.


FEATURE: ALL CHANGE

Dhana Pillai, a representative from the Dubai Ports and Trade Corporation (DPTC), sheds light on how Abu Dhabi Law No. 6/2024 is designed to bring about a contemporary transformation of the judicial system in the emirate.


IN-HOUSE PROFILE: TECHNOLOGY’S REGULATORY IMPACT

Hilal Al Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal, Regulatory & Governance Officer, Ooredoo Group explains how dramatic technological change in
the telecoms sector could lead to a regulatory rethink.


DISPUTE RESOLUTION FOCUS

Waleed Hamad and Myriam Simon of Al Aidarous explain how a significant Dubai Court of Cassation ruling has clarified the legal framework surrounding the enforceability of foreign summary judgments in the UAE.


MOVERS AND SHAKERS

A round-up of the most notable appointments and career progressions within the legal field across the region, highlighting the pivotal shifts reshaping the professional landscape.


CONTRACT WATCH: SAUDI LABOUR CONTRACTS

Jassar Aljohani, along with Sara Khoja and Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co, shed light on the significant amendments to the Saudi Labour Law, which aim to modernise the Saudi labour market, enhance workers’ rights, and streamline employer responsibilities.


Lexis Middle East Law Alert_October-November 2024

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 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May/June 2024
Lexis Middle East Law Alert_August-September 2024
Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July August 2023

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Stay updated on the newest tax and financial news across the region, highlighting Bahrain’s recently introduced Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax.


LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay informed with our legal round-up, providing a comprehensive overview of recent developments across the region with a spotlight on the UAE’s virtual asset marketing regulations.


LAW MONITOR

Delve into the latest legal advancements in the GCC, encompassing modifications to the ADGM Real Property Law.


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

Qatar: Shura Discusses Draft Law to Regulate Travel and Air Freight Offices News developments

Qatar: Shura Discusses Draft Law to Regulate Travel and Air Freight Offices

  • 22/11/202422/11/2024
  • by Hannah Gutang

Qatar Tribune, 19 November 2024: During the session, the council had discussed a draft law to regulate travel and air freight offices, which was referred to the Health, General Services and the Environment Committee for further review and submission of a report.

Additionally, the council endorsed a bill amending some provisions of Qatar Law No. 15/2011 , on combating human trafficking, following the review of the report by the Committee on Internal and External Affairs and discussion of the provisions of the draft law by the esteemed members.

The council has also discussed reports on the participation of its delegations in several regional and international parliamentary events.

The meeting focused on strengthening Gulf unity, enhancing joint parliamentary action, and serving the interests of GCC states and their citizens.

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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