UAE Archives - Page 2 of 92 - LexisNexis Middle East

Sharjah: Police Launch Advanced Digital Fingerprint System for Criminal Cases

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 25 September 2025: Sharjah Police have implemented a new digital fingerprinting system across their operations, replacing traditional methods with advanced biometric technology to enhance criminal investigations.

The MorphoBIS biometric identification system has been deployed across 12 units throughout Sharjah and its Central and Eastern regions, connecting directly to a central fingerprint database. All records are now maintained in a secure central criminal database.

The new system’s capabilities include: immediate suspect identification, rapid fingerprint comparison, forgery detection, electronic report generation, archive matching and case documentation.

Head of the Detainee Follow-up Branch reported that the system’s algorithms have enabled authorities to detect cases of forgery and impersonation within hours, with findings immediately forwarded to the Forensic Evidence Center.

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News developments

Dubai: Introduces Workforce Performance Measurement System

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 September 2025: Dubai has launched a new workforce productivity measurement system across its government departments, to be implemented in phases under the supervision of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The initiative, established by Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 67/2025, introduces three key implementation phases. The first phase will focus on measuring service delivery against workforce size, analysing total salary costs, assessing actual working hours, and collecting related performance data. This will be followed by a second phase involving analysis of initial results, development of efficiency initiatives, and implementation of service improvements. The final phase will concentrate on system evaluation and performance assessment.

The resolution assigns specific responsibilities to government bodies. The Executive Council’s General Secretariat will identify and classify government services, provide technical support, and approve performance indicators.

The DGHR’s duties encompass system management and supervision, preparation of procedural guides, development of productivity indicators, and coordination with the finance department on budgets.

All government departments must follow prescribed timelines, provide workforce and budget data, submit regular performance reports, and implement recommended efficiency measures as part of their obligations under the new system.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Increases Penalties Tenfold for Farm-Based Crypto Mining

02/10/202502/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 30 September 2025: Abu Dhabi authorities have implemented strict measures against cryptocurrency mining on agricultural land, introducing fines of AED100,000 for violations, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s AED10,000 penalty.

The Agriculture and Food Safety Authority announced that repeat offenders will face double the fine amount, alongside additional sanctions, including service suspension and equipment confiscation. The new regulations target both farm owners and tenants found operating crypto mining operations on agricultural premises.

Officials have confirmed that farms found in breach of regulations will face immediate disconnection of electricity supplies and withdrawal of agricultural support programmes. The authority will also seize mining equipment and refer cases to relevant legal bodies for further action.

The crackdown follows the detection of multiple violations across farming establishments in the emirate. The strengthened penalties represent a 900 per cent increase from the 2024 regulations, reflecting authorities’ determination to prevent the misuse of agricultural land.

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News developments

UAE: Cabinet Approves Regional Industry Clusters and New Cybersecurity Policies

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: UAE government has approved a series of significant policy measures, including a new economic clusters initiative and comprehensive cybersecurity reforms.

The National Policy for Economic Clusters will establish industry-specific zones across the emirates, focusing on financial services, tourism, space, communications, and food sectors.

The Cabinet also endorsed new cybersecurity policies introducing unified information security standards and enhanced monitoring systems. The framework includes measures for risk management and rapid response protocols.

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News developments

UAE (Ras Al Khaimah): New Food Safety Monitoring Programme Launched for Home-Based Food Businesses

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 20 September 2025: Local authorities have implemented a new food control programme to regulate safety standards for home-based food businesses in Ras Al Khaimah.

The programme establishes a risk-based regulatory framework that includes a comprehensive manual outlining minimum health and safety requirements specific to home licences. Field inspections will be conducted using a risk assessment system, with a graduated approach to enforcement starting with warnings before proceeding to fines.

The Food Control Department Director explained that the programme operates under current federal and local legislation, with clear roles defined for both regulators and licence holders.

The new regulatory system aims to ensure compliance while supporting the growth of home-based food enterprises through education and structured guidance. Officials have confirmed that enforcement will follow a staged approach, prioritising education and warnings before implementing penalties.

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News developments

Dubai: Introduces Direct Debit System for Property Service Charges

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 18 September 2025: Dubai property owners can now pay their community service charges through the UAE Central Bank’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS), offering an automated alternative to traditional payment methods.

The new system allows homeowners to set up recurring payments directly from their bank accounts or via credit and debit cards.

The paperless payment system operates under the UAE Central Bank’s regulatory framework, eliminating the need for cheques and physical documentation.

Property owners can access the service through Itihad Community Management, which has integrated the Central Bank’s direct debit infrastructure into its payment systems.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: AI-Powered Financial Crime Detection System Launches

26/09/202526/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: A new artificial intelligence system designed to combat financial crime was unveiled, marking a significant advance in automated financial investigation capabilities.

The AI Investigator platform performs automated due diligence by analysing ownership structures, media coverage and regulatory documentation. The system can process millions of data points within minutes, dramatically reducing investigation times that traditionally took weeks.

The cloud-based technology employs behavioural analysis and pattern matching to identify potential criminal activity across multiple sectors including finance, real estate, professional services and government operations.

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News developments

UAE: Legal Experts Call For New Digital Media and AI Regulations

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Legal experts have highlighted the need for updated legislation to address challenges posed by digital media and artificial intelligence.

The seminars specifically addressed data protection and user rights in the digital space, alongside discussions about the opportunities and risks associated with AI deployment in digital media. Participants evaluated whether current legal frameworks provide adequate protection for personal data and user rights.

For the full story, click here.

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News developments

Sharjah: Approves New Government Data Sharing Framework

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved a comprehensive guide for government data sharing, establishing standardised procedures for information exchange between local authorities.

The new framework includes: Standardised processes for inter-departmental data sharing, Protocols for external data requests, Data classification guidelines, Risk management procedures, Governance standards for data usage and Template documents for unified procedures.

The guide specifically addresses: Data exchange between local government entities, Procedures for requesting information from external bodies, Data classification systems and Quality control measures.

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News developments

Dubai: Sets New Building Design Standards for National Housing

19/09/202519/09/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Emarat Al Youm, 15 September 2025: Dubai Municipality has introduced three key structural requirements for the design of nationals’ villas, whilst taking action against engineering firms found in violation of building codes.

The new standards mandate compliance with the Dubai Building Code and approved engineering standards, require a balance between structural safety and economic cost, and specify the use of building materials only as required without excess.

The municipality recently issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after detecting professional malpractices involving excessive structural designs for nationals’ villas. These practices were found to conflict with Dubai Building Code requirements and led to unjustified increases in construction costs.

The main violation involved over-engineering of structural designs, with excessive use of steel reinforcement and concrete without engineering justification. The municipality identified these violations through both design reviews and on-site inspections.

Officials noted that some designs included unnecessary reinforcement and oversized structural elements that increased costs for homeowners without technical necessity.

The municipality has warned consulting offices to avoid these practices to prevent negative annual evaluations and potential disciplinary measures under applicable regulations.

For the full story, click here.

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Tag: UAE