United Arab Emirates Archives - Page 16 of 64

LexisNexis Middle East Partners with SCCA for RIDW 2025

07/01/202507/01/2025
by Hannah Gutang

LexisNexis Middle East is set to play a pivotal role as the Legal Media Partner for the upcoming Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025, hosted by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA). Scheduled for February 26, 2025, this landmark event will spotlight the SCCA’s 4th International Conference and Exhibition, known as SCCA25, under the theme “Arbitration and the Law as Pillars of Transformation.”

The conference promises a robust agenda with four dynamic panel discussions covering seven subtopics, delivered by a distinguished lineup of 30 expert speakers. With an anticipated attendance of 1,250 participants from both local and international spheres, the event is poised to be a hub for fostering significant connections and collaborations among professionals committed to the advancement of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

This year’s event is particularly significant as it aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the field of arbitration and law, providing a platform for thought leaders to share insights and strategies. Attendees will have the chance to engage with cutting-edge topics and network with peers who are at the forefront of legal innovation.

This is a unique opportunity for legal professionals to influence the future landscape of arbitration and law. Interested participants are encouraged to register at https://ridw.org/event/scca-4th-international-conference-and-exhibition.

To view more news items and other content we have available, visit lexis.ae/demo to book a demo and start your free trial of Lexis® Middle East.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

News developments

UAE: Mandatory Health Insurance, Starting 1 January 2025

19/12/202419/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 17 December 2024: Starting 1 January 2025, employers in the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, will be mandated to provide health insurance for their employees as a condition for issuing or renewing residency permits.

This move aligns with similar policies already in place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Although the Human Resources and Emiratisation Ministry has not explicitly stated it, industry experts anticipate that the mandatory insurance scheme will eventually extend to employees’ family members.

This would require employees to secure health insurance for their dependents, similar to the existing requirements in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The basic health insurance package, starting at Dh320 per year, is designed to be affordable and accessible. It covers individuals aged one to 64, with no waiting period for those with chronic illnesses.

The plan includes a 20% co-payment for inpatient care, with a maximum of Dh500 per visit and an annual cap of Dh1,000.

Outpatient care requires a 25% co-payment, capped at Dh100 per visit, with no co-payment for follow-up visits within seven days. Medication co-payments are capped at 30%, with an annual limit of Dh1,500.

Industry leaders highlight the affordability and competitiveness of the Dh320 package, emphasising its role in expanding healthcare access and aligning with the UAE’s goal of universal health insurance coverage.

However, they advise sponsors to evaluate whether the basic plan meets their family’s comprehensive healthcare needs.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Dubai: New Guidelines for Attorney Fee Assessment at Rental Dispute Centre

19/12/202419/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

In a significant development for the legal community, Dubai Decision No. 6/2024 has been issued by the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, effective from 14 November 2024.

This decision outlines the procedures for handling requests and claims related to attorney fees.

The decision comes after a thorough review of several federal decrees, including the Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2022, which regulates the professions of law and legal consultancy, and the Federal Decree-Law No. 42/2022, which pertains to civil procedures.

Additionally, it considers Dubai Decree No. 26/2013 and Dubai Decree No. 28/2023, which address the establishment and leadership of the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.

Under the new decision, the Centre is designated as the competent authority to consider all requests and claims regarding attorney fees within its jurisdiction.

The decision specifies two distinct procedures based on the existence of a contract between the attorney and the client.

If a contract is present, the fee request will be processed through an order on a petition.

In the absence of such a contract, the request will be handled as a substantive lawsuit.

This decision aims to streamline the process of fee assessment and ensure the proper administration of justice, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to addressing the needs of both legal professionals and their clients.

The legal community is advised to take note of these changes and adjust their practices accordingly.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

ADGM: Announces Plans for Establishment of Insurance Association

19/12/202419/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

ADGM has announced the upcoming establishment of the Insurance Association within its jurisdiction, marking a significant step forward for the insurance and reinsurance sectors in ADGM and the UAE.

This initiative aims to create a unified platform to support industry growth and innovation.

The Association will foster collaboration among key stakeholders, enhance professional standards, and promote best practices within the insurance industry.

It will act as a collective voice, engaging with regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to address emerging challenges and opportunities, aligning with ADGM’s mandate and the UAE’s economic and financial development goals.

This initiative highlights ADGM’s commitment to building a robust, sustainable, and globally competitive insurance ecosystem, reinforcing its status as a leading financial centre.

Further details on the Association’s structure, membership opportunities, and upcoming activities will be announced soon.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Launches World’s First VAT Refund System for E-Commerce Tourists

18/12/202418/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 December 2024: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has unveiled a groundbreaking VAT refund system for e-commerce retail purchases made by tourists during their stay in the UAE, marking a world-first initiative.

This innovative system, developed in partnership with Planet, the authorised operator, is part of the FTA’s strategy to embrace proactive solutions through innovation and digital transformation.

The new system integrates platforms and e-commerce retailers registered with the Authority into the ‘VAT Refund for Tourists on E-Commerce Purchases’ program.

This initiative builds on the success of a fully digital VAT refund system launched over two years ago, which has been continuously updated to remain entirely paperless.

Tourists can now enjoy a seamless shopping experience, easily scanning their passports and completing purchase transactions that are automatically converted into digital invoices.

The system allows for quick verification of invoices via a shoppers’ portal, ensuring fast and efficient VAT refund procedures for eligible purchases.

The FTA’s Director-General expressed pride in launching this pioneering electronic system, which enhances the UAE’s reputation as a leading international tourism destination.

The system has been praised for its simplicity, efficiency, and speed, offering tourists a unique experience by enabling VAT recovery on purchases from both traditional stores and registered e-commerce platforms.

The VAT refund process is designed to be smooth and efficient, from purchase to refund completion upon the tourist’s departure.

Tourists can apply for VAT refunds directly through registered e-commerce platforms by providing travel document details and personal information to verify eligibility at the time of purchase.

The registration is finalised once the tourist’s identity is confirmed during delivery or online order fulfillment.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Announces Amendments to Corporate Tax Law

13/12/202413/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Finance Ministry has announced updates in relation to certain provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.

These amendments aim to enhance the business environment in the UAE and promote greater compliance with global standards for tax transparency and fairness.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Sharjah: Announces Rules on Conditional Release of Prisoners

13/12/202413/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 10 December 2024: Prisoners in Sharjah may be granted conditional release under a new decision issued by the emirate’s Executive Council.

The decision states that an inmate may be released on parole after serving three-quarters of his/her sentence.

The release, which would still include restrictions, could be set for a period of one month or more.

Those sentenced to life in prison can be granted conditional release if they have served at least 20 years in jail.

In all cases, however, the Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police shall issue a decision on an inmate’s conditional release.

The emirate’s public prosecution will then be notified.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Sharjah: Council Committee Reviews Proposed Law on Military Pensions and Benefits

13/12/202413/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions, and Complaints Committee of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) convened to deliberate on a proposed law addressing pensions and end-of-service benefits for military personnel within the emirate’s regulatory bodies.

The draft law was initially presented during a previous council session. A meeting was held this morning at the council’s headquarters in Sharjah, led by the committee’s head.

Committee members and key officials, including the legal advisor and the committee secretary, participated in the session.

The focus was on scrutinising the draft law’s provisions, with particular emphasis on its core articles.

This involved evaluating the eligibility criteria for pensions and benefits, the procedures for their distribution, and the transitional provisions related to membership requirements.

The committee underscored the legal and financial aspects embedded in the draft law, aiming to establish robust regulations for subscriptions, benefits, and pension calculations.

During the meeting, the committee shared insights on various articles, emphasising the importance of regulatory measures tailored to the unique characteristics of Sharjah’s military organisations.

The committee plans to continue its thorough review of the draft law in upcoming meetings, ultimately preparing a final report for submission to the Consultative Council for further discussion and approval.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Dubai: 30% Alcohol Sales Tax to Return

13/12/202413/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 6 December 2024: Dubai will reinstate a 30% tax on alcohol sales starting 1 January 2025.

The Dubai Government has mandated the reinstatement of the 30% municipality tax on alcoholic beverage purchases, effective from January 2025.

All orders invoiced from 1 January 2025, will be subject to this tax, and Dubai Municipality has requested that all necessary systems be in place to ensure compliance.

Several restaurateurs have confirmed the move, noting its potential impact on consumer buying behaviours.

One executive director from a hotel and permit room mentioned that the reimposed tax could present an opportunity for outlets within hotels, as they may attract more guests who prefer discounted rates and deals on alcohol rather than purchasing directly from retail stores.

Previously, in January 2023, Dubai Municipality had announced the removal of the 30% tax on alcohol sales for a year, a measure that was extended until the end of December 2024.

A restaurateur, who has wished to remain anonymous, expressed surprise at the reinstatement of the full 30% tax, as they had anticipated a 15% rate.

However, alcohol retailers have now confirmed the return to the previous 30% tax.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

ADGM: FSRA Proposes Amendments To Its Digital Asset Regulatory Framework

13/12/202413/12/2024
by Hannah Gutang

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has released Consultation Paper No. 11/2024, outlining proposed changes to its regulatory framework for Authorised Persons engaging in Regulated Activities involving Virtual Assets within ADGM.

The paper aims to gather feedback on these potential modifications.

Key proposed amendments include updates to the acceptance process for Virtual Assets in ADGM, as well as adjustments to capital requirements and associated fees.

The consultation also invites input on various topics, such as staking and other emerging business models related to Virtual Assets.

Additionally, the FSRA seeks opinions on the criteria for accepting non-ADGM issued Fiat-Referenced Tokens within ADGM.

The paper further suggests broadening the range of investments permissible for Venture Capital Funds.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the consultation materials and submit their feedback by the deadline of 31 January 2025.

The materials are accessible via the provided link.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.