UAE Archives - Page 3 of 96 - LexisNexis Middle East

Abu Dhabi: Introduces Insurance Coverage for Autonomous Vehicles

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 10 November 2025: Abu Dhabi has established an insurance framework for self-driving vehicles operating within the city.

The Advanced Technology Research Council revealed that insurance coverage for unmanned vehicles was secured within a week, enabling autonomous cargo vehicles to operate legally on city streets. The implementation followed a 45-day testing period during which vehicles underwent extensive field trials and gradual pilot programmes across different zones of the city.

The new insurance framework addresses one of the primary challenges in deploying autonomous transport systems, which has been a significant hurdle both locally and internationally.

The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council continues to develop regulations for the autonomous ecosystem, with plans to expand the framework for future technological developments, including flying taxis slated for introduction in the near future.

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Upcoming Resolving Mega-Project Disputes: ADR Strategies in International Construction | 5 February 2026 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

13/11/202503/12/2025
by Maristela Albores

Resolving Mega-Project Disputes: ADR Strategies in International Construction | 5 February 2026 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
05/02/2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join LexisNexis and the DIFC Academy for a focused, expert-led session on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in large-scale and cross-border construction projects across the Gulf region.

Upcoming Financing a Sustainable Ocean Economy: Introduction to Blue Finance | 22 January 2026 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

12/11/202503/12/2025
by Maristela Albores

Financing a Sustainable Ocean Economy: Introduction to Blue Finance | 22 January 2026 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
22/01/2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join LexisNexis and the DIFC Academy for a focused, expert-led session on Blue Finance and Blue Bonds. This training provides a comprehensive introduction to financing solutions that support ocean-linked and coastal economies.

News developments

UAE: Mandates Laboratory Testing under Sugar-Based Drinks Tax

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has outlined new requirements for beverage producers and importers ahead of a tiered sugar tax implementation planned for early 2026.

Under the new system, manufacturers must obtain Accredited Conformity Certificates verifying the sugar content of their products. The certification process requires laboratory testing from approved facilities to determine precise sugar levels per 100 millilitres.

The tax structure will feature four distinct categories: drinks with 8g or more sugar per 100ml: highest tax rate, drinks containing 5-8g sugar per 100ml: moderate tax rate, beverages with less than 5g sugar per 100ml: lower tax rate and sugar-free drinks with artificial sweeteners: zero tax.

Products without proper certification will automatically be classified in the highest tax bracket until laboratory results prove otherwise.

The new framework will apply to all beverages containing added sugars or sweeteners, including concentrates, powders, and gels. Natural sugar-only drinks will be exempt from the tax, while energy drinks will maintain their current 100% excise rate.

Businesses can now apply for certification through the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s online platform. Acceptable test results must come from laboratories accredited by recognised bodies such as the Emirates National Accreditation System or those certified under ISO/IEC 17025.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Economic Licence Renewal Fees Waived for Long-Expired Permits

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 31 October 2025: Abu Dhabi authorities have announced a fee exemption scheme for investors holding economic licences that expired more than three years ago, with the first phase targeting permits that lapsed before 2010.

The initiative allows affected licence holders to complete renewals throughout November 2025 without incurring late fees.

Under current regulations, licences left unrenewed are transferred to an expired registry and face potential revocation after three years of inactivity.

The scheme enables investors to regularise their expired permits during the designated grace period, avoiding standard penalties for late renewal.

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Expired Employment Law Update: DIFC and UAE (Comparative Approach) | 25 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

03/11/202510/11/2025
by Maristela Albores

We're sorry, but all tickets sales have ended because the event is expired.

Employment Law Update: DIFC and UAE (Comparative Approach) | 25 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
25/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

This session will equip legal and HR professionals with the latest insights into both UAE Labour Law and DIFC Employment Law, highlighting the key differences, recent reforms, and practical implications for organisations operating across jurisdictions.

News developments

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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