UAE Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Tax Authority Launches AI Tools to Modernise Tax Services

30/10/202530/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 22 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has implemented new artificial intelligence systems to enhance its tax administration services across the United Arab Emirates, including two primary AI platforms: an internal system for staff and an upgraded public-facing service for taxpayers.

The authority has introduced FTAGPT, an AI-powered internal system designed to provide FTA staff with immediate responses to queries about VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax legislation. The tool primarily supports call centre staff and employees who interact directly with taxpayers.

Simultaneously, the FTA has enhanced TARA, its existing AI platform for taxpayers, accessible through the authority’s official website. The upgraded system now includes comprehensive information about Corporate Tax, introduced in 2023, and allows users to check application status and submit queries about tax legislation.

Director of the Taxpayer Services Department, confirmed that the system has been expanded to handle inquiries about Corporate Tax returns and reconsideration cases related to fines. The authority has also implemented predictive AI capabilities to identify common filing errors and send preventative guidance to taxpayers.

The UAE’s current tax framework encompasses three main taxes: a 5% Value Added Tax, Excise Tax on specific products ranging from 50% to 100%, and Corporate Tax with rates of 0% on profits up to AED 375,000 and 9% above this threshold.

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News developments

Ras Al Khaimah: Bans Hunting Equipment in New Wildlife Protection Measure

30/10/202530/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Ras Al Khaimah’s Executive Council has implemented Resolution No. 18/2025, introducing comprehensive restrictions on hunting equipment throughout the emirate.

The new legislation prohibits the manufacture, import, trade, sale, possession and use of devices designed to attract birds, wild animals, and marine creatures. The Environment Protection & Development Authority will oversee the implementation and enforcement of these regulations.

The resolution establishes a framework for penalties against violations and aligns with existing federal environmental protection laws. It specifically targets unauthorised hunting methods that could affect local wildlife populations.

Under the new measures, the Authority will coordinate with relevant government bodies to monitor compliance and enforce the restrictions. The resolution introduces specific fines for violations, though the exact amounts have not been disclosed in the announcement.

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News developments

ADGM: Introduces Enhanced Regulatory Framework

30/10/202530/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

ADGM has implemented new Administrative Regulations for 2025, introducing comprehensive changes to its enforcement and regulatory procedures.

The updated framework establishes a two-tier system for handling contraventions based on their severity. It also consolidates the Authority’s investigative powers and introduces revised fine levels to better reflect the seriousness of different infractions.

Key changes include new emergency procedures for urgent cases and formal settlement agreement processes. The Authority’s chief executive can now deploy emergency measures when deemed necessary, while a structured settlement framework has been established for resolving disputes.

The regulations strengthen the Authority’s supervisory capabilities through enhanced information-gathering powers and enforcement mechanisms. These measures aim to ensure more efficient conclusion of supervisory and enforcement actions.

The new framework replaces previous commercial licensing regulations and associated rules, representing a complete overhaul of the existing system. It includes amendments to related commercial legislation to ensure consistency across all regulatory procedures.

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News developments

UAE: Cut Trademark Fees for Small Business Programme Members

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 21 October 2025: The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced a 50 per cent reduction in trademark fees for members of its National SME Programme, alongside a complete fee waiver for people of determination.

The ministry has established fees for 28 trademark services, including several new offerings. Key charges include AED2,250 for filing infringement complaints and AED7,500 for grievances against dismissed objections. Applications involving multiple categories will be charged separately for each category.

Seven new trademark services have been introduced, including geographical indication registration at AED6,500, one-day trademark examination at AED2,250, and international trademark conversion at AED400. The ministry has also consolidated renewal fees into four categories, ranging from AED5,750 for standard renewals to AED9,750 for late renewal of monitoring marks.

The ministry has implemented additional measures including a Geographical Indications system and participation in the Madrid Protocol since 2021, enabling local businesses to expand trademark protection internationally. A new one-day trademark initiative has also been launched to accelerate registration processes.

The fee reduction applies to all registered members of the National SME Programme, which supports UAE entrepreneurs in business development and sustainability.

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News developments

Sharjah: Cuts Property Rental Process to Minutes with Digital System

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 October 2025: Sharjah has implemented a new unified digital system that has transformed its property rental procedures from a multi-visit process to one that can be completed within minutes.

The integrated platform connects multiple government departments, including utilities, municipalities, and real estate authorities.

The digital integration has enabled residents to complete entire property-related processes through a single channel, eliminating the need for multiple office visits.

Twelve government service centres have fully transitioned to the digital platform, which includes an AI-powered chatbot providing instant support to users. The system also features a rainfall monitoring system using GIS technology for urban planning purposes.

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News developments

Dubai: Launches Major AI Initiatives to Boost Digital Infrastructure

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 19 October 2025: Dubai’s leadership has unveiled a comprehensive package of artificial intelligence projects, including a new infrastructure platform and acceleration taskforce, as part of the emirate’s latest digital advancement efforts.

At the heart of the new programme is an AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, which provides government departments with a secure, integrated digital environment for AI development and deployment. The platform combines advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services, designed to streamline the implementation of AI-driven solutions across public sector operations.

Alongside this, officials have established a new AI Acceleration Taskforce following discussions with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities. The task force emerged from consultations led by the local Centre for Artificial Intelligence and aims to enhance coordination between various government departments in their AI adoption strategies.

The third major component is the Unicorn 30 Programme, which has been created with input from 80 local and international firms. This initiative sets out to support 30 promising startups in their journey to achieve billion-pound valuations whilst maintaining their headquarters in the emirate. The programme encompasses ten distinct initiatives focusing on areas such as financing, growth strategies, and governance frameworks.

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News developments

Ajman: Launches New Digital Payment Services and Interest-Free Instalment Options

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Kuwait Citizen, 16 October 2025: The Department of Finance in Ajman has unveiled two major payment innovations introducing local smart payment services through the ‘Jaywan’ card system and a new interest-free payment instalment scheme.

The department has integrated the UAE Central Bank’s ‘Jaywan’ national payment card with the ‘AjmanPay’ platform, offering residents an alternative to international payment networks. This card system provides comprehensive payment capabilities across ATMs, e-commerce platforms, and point-of-sale terminals.

Alongside this, the department has implemented a ‘Get it done now and pay later’ service, enabling customers to split government fee payments into monthly instalments without interest charges. The service also includes an option to defer payments for a specified period.

The department also showcased its new ‘Estidama system’ Smart Financial System at the exhibition. This cloud-based platform integrates four modules managing budgeting, initiatives, financial execution, and reporting for government operations.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: New Regulatory Framework Unveiled for Professional Service Providers

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Abu Dhabi’s financial district has implemented new comprehensive regulations governing legal, tax and company service providers, introducing stricter controls and professional standards effective immediately.

The Registration Authority has issued two key regulatory documents: the Commercial Licensing Regulations (Conditions of Licence and Branch Registration) Rules 2025 and the Commercial Licensing Regulations (Controlled Activities) Rules 2025, which replace the existing framework.

Under the new regulations, legal service providers must now appoint a managing partner with a minimum of eight years post-qualification experience. They are required to maintain a registered office in the financial district, obtain professional indemnity insurance, and submit annual returns to the Registration Authority.

The framework introduces tax services as a new controlled activity, requiring firms to ensure that at least 50 per cent of their senior management consists of qualified professionals. These providers must also secure professional indemnity insurance and adhere to specific operational principles.

Additional measures require company service providers to implement formal policies and procedures for managing conflicts of interest, marking a significant enhancement to governance standards.

The regulations take immediate effect for new applicants, while existing licence holders will benefit from transitional periods to ensure compliance with the updated requirements. This regulatory update represents the most substantial enhancement to professional service provider oversight in the financial district to date.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2025 Edition

22/10/202522/10/2025
by Tanya Jain

Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your essential update on the latest employment law and HR developments across the GCC and wider MENA region.

This month, we examine the far-reaching implications of Oman’s new personal income tax and what it means for employers. We also explore emerging regional trends such as pay transparency, new immigration and visa frameworks, and recent legal reforms affecting workplace compliance.

Stay informed, compliant, and connected with the developments shaping the future of HR in the region.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: INCOME TAX: EMPLOYER ANGLE

Asrujit Mandal of BDO examines how Oman’s introduction of the GCC’s first personal income tax will affect employers, from payroll adjustments to compliance obligations.

TREND SETTER: PAY TRANSPARENCY

Ibrahim Mohamed of HAS Law Firm explores how international pay transparency trends, driven by recent US and EU legislation, could influence HR policies and legal frameworks across the GCC.

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

A summary of the latest HR and employment law updates, including Oman’s new mandatory professional licensing requirements and other regional regulatory changes.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: WORK PRMIT CLASSIFICATION

Ali Ibrahim of Vialto Partners breaks down Ministerial Decision No. 4602/1447, which introduces a new skill-based structure for Saudi work permits and its implications for employers.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

A round-up of key legislative updates, including Bahrain’s new first aid law explained by Sama Ghareeb of Zu’bi & Partners, following Ministerial Decision No. 16/2025.

CASE FOCUS

Reem Elkordi of HAS Law Firm highlights a recent Dubai case addressing payment rights for suspended employees and its significance for HR and legal compliance.

MOVES AND CHANGES

A regional overview of the latest executive movements, leadership appointments, and HR leadership changes across key industries.

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_October 2025

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

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2025

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

HR PROFILE: THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE

Ida Mozayani, Vice President of Talent & Operations, Bain Middle East discusses her approach to scaling Bain’s regional operations while maintaining a strong, consistent organisational culture.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Mary Rintu Raju, NYK Law Firm looks at the UAE legal position where an employee works overseas on secondment or on a cross-border project.

POLICY POINTERS: COMMISSION

Sarah Khasawneh from Pinsent Masons along with Emma Noble & Jennifer Green shares guidance on managing commission structures effectively and ensuring compliance with regional employment laws.

News developments

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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