United Arab Emirates Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

Abu Dhabi: Executive Regulations Define 15 Types of Government Employee Leave

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Emarat Alyoum, 26 April 2026: The Department of Government Empowerment has issued the executive regulations of Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision No. 1/2026 on the Issuance of the Implementing Regulation of Abu Dhabi Law No. 8/2025 on Human Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, establishing a comprehensive framework for 15 types of leave available to government employees.

The regulations detail entitlements including annual leave (22–30 days depending on grade), sick leave (up to 15 days with medical certification requirements), work injury leave (12 days), exam leave (3–15 days), marriage leave (10 days), maternity and adoption leave (3 months), paternity leave (6 days), bereavement leave (10 days), ‘iddah leave (4 months and 10 days), Hajj leave (15 days), and companion leave (3 months), among others.

The regulations also specify seven conditions for annual leave entitlement, seven cases of non‑entitlement, and rules for carry‑over and cash compensation. Employees with disabilities are granted five additional annual leave days. Absence beyond authorised leave is treated as work discontinuation, subject to disciplinary provisions.

The framework ensures that leave periods count toward continuous service, end‑of‑service benefits, and pension contributions, unless otherwise specified. Government entities may grant connected leave periods under the regulation’s conditions, reinforcing consistency and fairness across Abu Dhabi’s public sector.

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News developments

UAE: CBUAE Updates AML/CFT/CPF Guidance for Licensed Financial Institutions

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Central Bank has updated its guidance on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing obligations for licensed financial institutions.

The updated guidance package introduces comprehensive measures to help institutions detect, prevent, and manage risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Key regulatory guidance documents include:

Proliferation Financing Risks: Framework for assessing inherent risks, evaluating policies and controls, and monitoring emerging typologies.
Trade‑Based Money Laundering (TBML) and Transshipment Risks: Guidance to strengthen monitoring of trade and shipping activities linked to illicit finance.
Correspondent Banking Relationships: Expectations for managing AML/CFT/CPF risks in correspondent banking, with emphasis on internal policies and compliance.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD), KYC, and Record Keeping: Clarifies procedures for verifying customer identities, building risk profiles, and retaining documentation.

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News developments

Sharjah: Council Reviews Draft Law Regulating University of the Arts

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Sharjah 24, 16 April 2026: Sharjah Consultative Council has reviewed a draft law regulating the University of the Arts as part of legislative discussions.

The SCC approved the draft law regulating the University of Arts in Sharjah. The law, consisting of 18 articles, was reviewed in detail by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee.

Committee Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Hammadi confirmed that several amendments were introduced to enhance the project, particularly provisions relating to the powers of the university director and the directors of the Visual Academy and Performing Academy, both of which fall under the law’s scope.

Government representatives participated in the session, and all amendments received official approval.

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News developments

Dubai: Dubai South Introduces New Incentives for Free Zone Firms

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 April 2026: Dubai South authorities have introduced new incentives for companies operating within the free zone as part of regulatory measures to enhance business activity.

Dubai South has rolled out a package of incentives aimed at attracting and retaining businesses, particularly in sectors such as logistics, aviation, and trade. The initiative includes reductions in licensing fees, flexible payment plans, and simplified company set-up procedures designed to lower entry barriers for firms.

The incentives are implemented within the free zone’s regulatory framework governing company formation, licensing, and operations. They apply to both new and existing businesses, offering cost reductions and administrative flexibility to support business continuity and expansion.

The measures are intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Dubai South as a commercial hub, increase foreign investment, and support economic activity within the emirate.

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News developments

UAE: Authorities Launch Essential Goods Price Monitoring Platform

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a digital platform enabling consumers to compare daily prices of 33 essential goods across 12 major retailers, reinforcing transparency and consumer protection. The Essential Goods Price Platform provides real‑time price comparisons for 33 staple items, including rice, poultry, dairy, cooking oil, eggs, sugar, meat, fish, bread, fruits, and vegetables. Prices are updated daily through direct integration with participating retailers, allowing consumers to build customised shopping baskets and identify the lowest total cost. Consumers can report discrepancies between listed and in‑store prices, enabling enforcement action against non‑compliant outlets.

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News developments

UAE: Government Considers Shifting Oil Payments Away from US Dollars

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: During meetings in Washington last week, UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama raised the idea of establishing a currency swap line with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve officials. The proposal was presented as a precautionary measure to shield the UAE economy from further fallout of the Iran conflict. Emirati officials indicated that if dollar liquidity tightens, the UAE may consider settling oil transactions in alternative currencies. The Chinese Yuan has been identified as a leading option.

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News developments

GCC States Announce Draft Resolution on Maritime Navigation Security

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

16 April 2026: GCC member states have announced a new draft resolution addressing threats to maritime navigation.

This development has followed rising concerns over threats targeting maritime routes, prompting coordinated regional action to safeguard shipping lanes.

The draft resolution sets out a framework for strengthening maritime security cooperation among GCC countries, including measures aimed at protecting vessels, ensuring safe passage, and enhancing coordination between relevant authorities. It reflects commitments under international maritime law to maintain secure and open sea routes.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2026

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

In this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2026, we highlight key legal developments, regulatory updates, and practical HR considerations shaping employment practices across the region. From evolving approaches to employment claims in the UAE to new health and safety frameworks in Saudi Arabia, this issue provides focused insights to help organisations remain compliant and prepared.

As workforce dynamics continue to shift and governments introduce new initiatives to support economic growth and workforce development, employers must balance opportunity with risk. Our contributors explore how to safeguard training investments, manage immigration changes, and respond to increasing litigation trends, offering clear and actionable guidance.

Stay up to date with Lexis Middle East HR Alert — your reliable source for HR and employment law developments across the Middle East.

Happy reading!

FEATURE: THE RIGHT TIME

Asim Ahmed and Ahmed Labib of BSA LAW analyse how recent legal changes and court rulings have impacted limitation periods for employment claims in the UAE.

TREND SETTER: TRAINING SUPPORT

Hashem Alahdal of BSA LAW outlines how employers can protect their investment in employee training amid growing government support initiatives.

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

A concise overview of key HR and legal developments from across the region, including updates on Kuwait’s freelance work visa and other regulatory changes impacting employers.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: RECENT GCC IMMIGRATION AND VISA CHANGES

Sponsored by Vialto Partners, this section reviews key regional updates, including Qatar’s self-sponsored visa developments.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: PRE-PLANNING FOR HAJJ SEASON

Adel Moumen of Vialto Partners Middle East looks at two concurrent developments which are impacting short term business travel to Saudi.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Dr. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim of Pinsent Masons reviews Saudi Arabia’s new national health and safety framework under Ministerial Decision No. 64762/1447.

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 latest 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/.

LMHRA_2026_02_Mar_ePDF

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: A CHANGE IN APPROACH

Natalie Jones of Mishcon de Reya shares insights on employers’ growing willingness to pursue litigation and its impact on HR strategy.

POLICY POINTERS: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Bassem Ehab of Habib Al Mulla and Partners provides practical guidance on managing conflicts of interest in the workplace.

News developments

UAE: CMA Issues Comprehensive Virtual-Assets Regulatory Framework

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The National, 13 April 2026: The UAE’s Capital Market Authority has issued a robust Virtual Assets Framework, establishing a specialised regulatory regime governing the virtual-asset sector.

The framework consists of five core modules:

General Requirements – overarching obligations for virtual-asset providers.
Conduct of Business – licensing, governance, compliance and risk-management rules.
Alternative Trading System (ATS) – dedicated governance for trading platforms, covering virtual and tokenised securities.
Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) – targeted safeguards.
Prudential Requirements – capital adequacy, client protection and operational resilience.

The framework expands regulated activities from three to eight, including:

Dealing in virtual assets as principal
Dealing in virtual assets as agent
Providing custody
Arranging custody
Arranging investment deals
Providing investment advice
Portfolio management
Operating a multilateral trading facility

A dedicated ATS module now regulates trading venues for virtual assets and tokenised securities, reflecting market convergence and evolving business models.

The CMA emphasised that the framework enhances investor protection, market integrity, and innovation, aligning with IOSCO and FATF standards, and upholding the principle: “same activity, same risk, same regulatory outcome”

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News developments

Dubai: Real Estate and Residency Services Unified Under Single System

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 11 April 2026: Dubai has moved to integrate real estate and residency services under a single government system following a memorandum of understanding between GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Land Department.

The agreement brings Golden Residency, Retiree Residency and Property Residency services onto one platform, allowing applicants to complete procedures through a single channel instead of dealing with multiple authorities. Previously, property‑linked residency applications required coordination across separate real estate and immigration systems.

Authorities stated that the integration will simplify procedures, improve processing efficiency, and enhance the experience for residents, investors and property owners, while strengthening regulatory coordination between land registration and residency authorities.

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