UAE Archives - Page 4 of 95 - LexisNexis Middle East

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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News developments

Sharjah: Introduces New Vehicle Impoundment and Towing Regulations

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Sharjah Executive Council has approved new regulations governing vehicle impoundment and towing services across the emirate.

Under the new framework, vehicle owners now have the option to pay a daily fee for early release of impounded vehicles, rather than serving the full impoundment period. The regulations establish specific timelines for when these daily fees begin, varying according to the type of violation.

The council has also implemented standardised towing fees and procedures for handling vehicles involved in accidents or requiring removal by authorities. The new system includes protocols for the rapid clearance of broken-down vehicles to maintain traffic flow and road safety.

Additionally, the council has ratified an agreement with taxi operators to establish unified operational standards across the emirate’s transportation network.

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News developments

GCC: New Permanent Residency Schemes

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 14 October 2025: GCC countries have introduced comprehensive long-term residency schemes, expanding opportunities for foreign nationals to establish permanent roots in the region.

Under the new frameworks, each GCC nation has established distinct residency pathways. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme offers two options: an annual renewable permit for SAR 100,000 or a permanent residency for SAR 800,000. The scheme enables holders to live and work without requiring a sponsor.

Qatar has implemented a property-based residency programme, granting temporary status for $200,000 investments and permanent residency for $1 million investments. The processing time ranges from four to six weeks, with successful applicants gaining rights to work and sponsor family members.

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa provides a 10-year renewable permit for individuals meeting specific criteria, including property ownership valued at BHD 200,000 or a monthly income threshold of BHD 2,000 after five years of residence. Retirees can qualify with a monthly income of BHD 4,000.

Oman has introduced a tiered system through its Investor Residency Program, offering 10-year visas for OMR 500,000 investments and 5-year visas for OMR 250,000 investments. The programme includes provisions for retirees with fixed monthly incomes of OMR 4,000.

Each programme includes specific provisions for property ownership, business operation, and family sponsorship, with varying investment thresholds and eligibility requirements across different GCC states.

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News developments

DFSA: Launches Digital Application Platform

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

DFSA has introduced a new digital platform to accelerate regulatory approvals, responding to an 18% rise in licence applications during the first nine months of 2025.

Key Features of DFSA Connect: automated application processing, streamlined workflow system, online approval tracking, reduced manual procedures and AI-ready infrastructure.

Current Impact: 33% efficiency improvement expected, faster processing times and simplified authorisation process.

The platform handles: financial services authorisations, regulatory approvals, licence applications and compliance documentation.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Implements New Biodiversity Protection Framework

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Abu Dhabi has introduced comprehensive biodiversity legislation through Abu Dhabi Decision No. 6/2025, establishing new protocols for environmental conservation across the emirate.

The decree outlines specific measures for protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been designated to oversee the implementation of these new regulations, working in coordination with relevant government entities.

Under the new framework, systematic procedures will be introduced to monitor and analyse the impact of conservation efforts. The policy specifically addresses habitat protection, species preservation, and the restoration of natural ecosystems across Abu Dhabi’s varied landscape, which includes coral reefs, mangrove forests, sand dunes, and mountainous regions.

The legislation establishes regulatory mechanisms for environmental protection and introduces nature-based solutions for habitat preservation. It has been developed in collaboration with government agencies and private sector institutions to ensure alignment with existing national policies.

The new measures take into account current environmental challenges, including habitat degradation and climate change impacts. The policy sets out specific requirements for protecting marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems, with clear implementation timeframes and monitoring protocols.

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Expired Commercial Fraud and Asset Recovery in MENA | 20 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

12/10/202512/10/2025
by Maristela Albores

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Commercial Fraud and Asset Recovery in MENA | 20 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
20/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join LexisNexis Middle East and the DIFC Academy for a focused, expert-led session on commercial fraud and asset recovery in the MENA region. This 2-hour CLPD-certified course equips legal, compliance, and finance professionals with the practical tools to identify fraudulent schemes, trace assets, and enforce recovery across borders.

Expired AI Prompting Essentials for the Legal Profession | 11 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

10/10/202512/10/2025
by Maristela Albores

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AI Prompting Essentials for the Legal Profession | 11 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
11/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join us for a focused, expert-led session on AI prompting in legal practice. This 2-hour CLPD-certified course is designed to help legal professionals in the Middle East region stay up to date on evolving technologies and sharpen their legal acumen through practical, accredited learning.

Expired Interim Measures in Arbitration: Strategy, Enforcement, and Practice | 13 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | DIFC Academy

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Maristela Albores

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

Interim Measures in Arbitration: Strategy, Enforcement, and Practice | 13 November 2025 | 10 AM to 12 Noon GST | DIFC Academy
13/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join LexisNexis and the DIFC Academy for a focused, expert-led session on interim measures in arbitration. This 2-hour CLPD-certified course will explore the critical role of interim relief under UAE law, DIFC law, the rules of arbitral institutions, and in comparative jurisdictions such as the UK and Singapore

News developments

UAE: Issues First Drone Traffic Management Licence

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 3 October 2025: The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in drone regulation with the issuance of its first U-Space Service Provider (USSP) certification to a national air navigation organisation.

The approved organisation will operate a specialised platform for managing drone traffic throughout the UAE airspace. The system offers immediate flight approvals and incorporates radar data, weather information, and aeronautical notifications.

The newly certified platform features advanced conflict detection and avoidance capabilities, designed to support future urban air mobility operations across UAE cities.

Officials confirmed that the certification process included comprehensive operational readiness assessments and system validations to ensure compliance with international standards.

Applications for drone operations under the new system will span various sectors, including delivery services, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.

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News developments

Sharjah: Announces Free Home Care for Elderly on Low Incomes

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 8 October 2025: The Ruler of Sharjah has approved the provision of free home care services for senior citizens with limited income, with immediate effect.

The announcement confirms that eligible elderly residents will receive home care without any deductions from their monthly social assistance payments. Any fees already collected this month will be refunded to recipients.

They outlined the new directive during the television and radio broadcast, explaining the practical implementation of the service.

The measure forms part of the emirate’s existing social welfare programmes for elderly citizens. Those already receiving social assistance will automatically qualify for the free home care provision.

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