UAE Archives - Page 10 of 98 - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: New Employment Guide Details Worker Leave and Benefit Rights

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

Gulf News, 17 August 2025: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has released a detailed employer Guide outlining workers’ rights and leave entitlements under Federal Decree-Law No. 33/2021.

It specifies seven categories of leave available to private-sector employees: annual, sick, study, parental, bereavement, national service, and maternity leave. Workers are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave for each year of service, while new parents can take five working days of leave within six months of their child’s birth.

Maternity provisions include 60 days of leave for female workers, with 45 days at full pay followed by 15 days at half pay. The guidance also details sick leave allowances of up to 90 days annually, structured as 15 days at full pay, 30 days at half pay, and the remainder unpaid.

Bereavement leave grants five days for the death of a spouse and three days for immediate family members. Educational support includes 10 working days of study leave for workers enrolled in UAE-accredited institutions.

The toolkit additionally clarifies end-of-service benefits, with expatriate workers entitled to 21 days’ basic wage for each of the first five years and 30 days for subsequent years, calculated on their final basic wage.

The document also addresses wage regulations, requiring payment in UAE dirhams unless otherwise specified, and outlines compensation requirements for public holiday work.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Introduces New Property Dispute Resolution System

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

Gulf News, 13 August 2025: Abu Dhabi has established a new framework for resolving off-plan property disputes through its Real Estate Centre (ADREC), offering an alternative to court proceedings.

The updated regulations allow property developers to request termination of Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) through ADREC when buyers fail to meet their obligations. The process requires developers to follow specific procedures and timelines before any termination can be approved.

Under the new system, ADREC will verify that developers have complied with project completion schedules and confirm that buyers have received proper notification. Property buyers retain the right to pursue legal action through courts or arbitration if they contest ADREC’s decisions.

The centre emphasises that terminations will not be processed automatically. Each case will undergo review to ensure developers have followed regulatory requirements and adhered to approved project timelines.

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News developments

UAE: New Safety Guidelines for Travellers

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

Gulf News, 11 August 2025: The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released comprehensive travel safety guidelines for citizens and residents travelling abroad, accompanied by the launch of a 24-hour emergency support service.

The new guidelines emphasise the importance of adhering to destination countries’ specific travel regulations and local laws. Travellers are specifically instructed to monitor weather and road conditions throughout their journeys.

The Ministry has established a dedicated emergency hotline (00971 800 24) operating round-the-clock for UAE nationals requiring urgent assistance whilst abroad.

The official guidance notably recommends air travel as the preferred mode of transport, citing safety and comfort considerations. For those planning to drive abroad, the Ministry has stressed the need for increased vigilance and strict compliance with local traffic regulations.

Additional measures include a recommendation to arrange travel through established international tour operators and vehicle hire firms to ensure appropriate standards of safety and service.

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News developments

Dubai: SCA and VARA Unite to Create Single Virtual Assets Framework

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

Gulf News, 6 August 2025: The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have established a unified regulatory framework for virtual assets across the UAE.

Key elements of the new framework include: Joint licensing and supervision mechanisms, Mutual recognition of licenses between Dubai and other emirates, Coordinated compliance monitoring, Real-time information sharing between authorities and Combined inspection and enforcement procedures.

The SCA has established a Coordinating Committee for Legislative Review to oversee the implementation. This committee will: Review existing virtual asset legislation, Propose new regulations, Align standards with international requirements, and Chair coordination between regulatory bodies.

The practical changes include: Centralised licensing procedures, Standardised rules across jurisdictions, Integrated regulatory processes, Combined risk assessment systems, Unified approach to anti-money laundering measures.

The agreement introduces shared digital infrastructure for regulatory processes and establishes joint task forces for ongoing coordination between the authorities.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Police to Implement Advanced Surveillance System

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

Khaleej Times, 7 August 2025: Abu Dhabi Police has announced a new artificial intelligence initiative to enhance its law enforcement capabilities through advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies.

The programme includes several key components:

Traffic Monitoring: Real-time detection of traffic violations, Automated monitoring of speeding incidents, Red light infractions tracking, Helmet and seatbelt compliance checking and Congestion management systems.

Security Features: Over 150 AI models for suspect identification, Predictive analytics for crime prevention, IoT sensor networks for urban monitoring, Environmental surveillance systems and Audio threat detection capabilities.

The system will also incorporate: AI-powered investigative tools, Digital forensics capabilities, Automated data analysis and Real-time operational briefings.

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News developments

UAE: Securities Authority Announces Major Regulatory Updates

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

Gulf News, 4 August 2025: The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE has unveiled four new regulatory initiatives to modernise the country’s financial markets, including frameworks for carbon credit trading and retail sukuk.

SCA Chief Executive announced that the authority is revising the Capital Market Authority Law to expand its oversight of emerging financial activities. The updates include new legislation for the public company division and standards for goodwill valuation in listed firms.

The authority has established a comprehensive framework for green bonds and sukuk issuance.

The regulatory package introduces specific requirements for carbon credit trading platforms, with operators required to develop their own operational rules within the prescribed framework. A draft regulation for retail sukuk is being finalised to enable fractional investment instruments.

The SCA has maintained its fee waiver for green bond and sukuk listings, whilst implementing new frameworks for tokenised securities and commodity contracts as part of its digital transformation agenda.

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News developments

Sharjah: Introduces New Human Resources Regulations for Government Workers

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

Gulf Today, 30 July 2025: The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has approved comprehensive new human resources regulations, including extended paid leave for mothers of children with disabilities and updated guidelines for military personnel.

A significant addition to the policy allows female employees who give birth to children requiring constant medical care to receive fully paid leave for up to three years. The new maternal care provision includes:

One year of fully paid leave following standard maternity leave
Possible annual extensions for up to three years with appropriate approvals
Requirement for medical documentation from authorised bodies
Continued performance evaluation during the leave period
Integration with existing service records

The council has also implemented new regulations for military personnel in Sharjah’s regulatory bodies. These address:

Job classification and recruitment
Salary structures and allowances
Promotion systems
Internal transfers and secondments
Training programmes
Educational leave
Performance assessment
End-of-service benefits

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News developments

Dubai: Metro Announces New Fines for Rule Breaches

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 2 August 2025: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has released an updated schedule of fines for Dubai Metro violations, with penalties ranging from Dh100 to Dh2,000.

The most severe penalties target safety breaches, with Dh2,000 fines for damaging metro property or misusing emergency equipment. Carrying dangerous materials incurs a Dh1,000 penalty, whilst travelling with alcohol results in a Dh500 fine.

Fare evasion and ticket misuse attract penalties up to Dh500, with standard fare dodging resulting in a Dh200 fine. Using counterfeit Nol cards carries the maximum Dh500 penalty in this category.

Behavioural violations, including eating in prohibited areas, causing disturbance to passengers, and misusing facilities, will result in Dh100 fines. Sleeping in metro facilities carries a Dh300 penalty.

The RTA has also implemented parking regulations at metro stations, with daily fines of Dh100 for vehicles exceeding permitted parking durations, up to a maximum of Dh1,000.

Additional violations include a Dh200 fine for smoking, selling goods without permission, or failing to follow the inspector’s instructions.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Introduces New Cyber Security Rules for Financial Firms

07/08/202507/08/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market has announced new cyber risk management requirements for financial institutions.

Key measures include:

Mandatory integration of cyber risk management into existing frameworks
Updated IT risk management guidance
Revised requirements for IT service provider arrangements
New cyber incident notification procedures

Implementation details:

Six-month transition period for compliance
Applies to all Authorised Persons and Recognised Bodies
Changes follow Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2025
Updated incident notification template to be released by year-end

The amendments were finalised following industry consultation, with modifications made to:

Clarify proportionality principles
Refine integration requirements
Adjust IT service provider arrangements
Update incident materiality assessment guidance

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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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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Autumn 2025

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

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Spring 2025

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024