United Arab Emirates Archives - Page 2 of 70

UAE: Authorities Activate New Rule to Break Monopoly on Medical Products

27/02/202627/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 24 February 2026: The UAE has activated a first‑of‑its‑kind mechanism requiring pharmaceutical companies to appoint multiple agents for each medical product to break long‑standing monopolies and strengthen national pharmaceutical security.

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) said it has activated the new mechanism under Federal Decree‑Law No. 38/2024 on Medical Products, the Pharmacy Profession, and Pharmaceutical Establishments, marking the first time the UAE has obliged pharmaceutical firms to register more than one authorised agent per medical product. The move is part of a national strategy to enhance pharmaceutical security, diversify supply chains, and ensure the continuous availability of medicines and medical products across the country.

Officials explained that the reform aims to end exclusive‑agent control, reduce the risk of supply disruptions during emergencies or operational challenges, and improve the efficiency and resilience of medical‑product distribution. The EDE added that expanding the number of authorised agents will accelerate delivery times, improve inventory management, and boost the UAE’s attractiveness as an investment destination in the pharmaceutical sector.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2026

24/02/202624/02/2026
by Tanya Jain

In this edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2026, we examine the legal reforms, compliance priorities, and workplace trends shaping employment across the GCC. From wage protection system updates in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to new disability obligations in Qatar and evolving Emiratisation enforcement, this issue delivers concise, practical insight for HR professionals, legal advisers, and business leaders.

With expert commentary, regional news updates, case analysis, and practitioner perspectives, we provide the clarity needed to navigate regulatory change with confidence and stay ahead in a fast-moving employment landscape.

Stay informed, compliant, and connected with the developments shaping the future of HR in the region.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

FEATURE: WAGING WAR ON WPS COMPLIANCE

Natalie Jones of Mischon de Reya LLP reviews recent changes to the UAE and Saudi wage protection systems and outlines the key compliance obligations for employers.

TREND SETTER: MENTAL HEALTH ABSENCE IN SAUDI

Fatima Al-Sabahi of Dentons explores employer and employee rights in cases involving mental health-related absences in Saudi Arabia.

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

A summary of the latest HR and employment law updates, including the latest DIFC Courts Practice Direction on employment disputes and other significant HR updates.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: RECENT GCC IMMIGRATION AND VISA CHANGES

Sponsored by Vialto Partners, this section reviews key immigration reforms and lessons from the UAE’s 2025 Emiratisation enforcement approach.

IMMIGRATION FOCUS: EMIRATISATION COMPLIANCE

Anir Chatterji and Gordon Barr reflect on 2025 Emiratisation trends and provide practical guidance for meeting 2026 requirements.

LAW CHANGES: NEW AND PROPOSED MENA LAWS

Sarit Thomas and Emma Higham assess the impact of Qatar Law No. 22/2025 on disabilities and the resulting employer compliance obligations.

CASE FOCUS

A review of Zia Ur Rehman v Forvis Mazars LLC [2025], a QICDRC ruling addressing costs considerations for litigants in person.

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 newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2026

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HR PROFILE: UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS

Arjenney Cakar shares how working on pre-opening projects strengthened her HR expertise and supports ongoing business growth.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Jenika Pankhania explains recent amendments to the ADGM data protection regulations and their implications for employers.

POLICY POINTERS: ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Mary Rintu Raju provides a practical anti-bullying policy template to help organisations strengthen workplace standards.

News developments

UAE: VARA Designated as Competent Authority Under Corporate Tax Rules

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued a ministerial decision designating Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority as a competent authority for specific qualifying activities under the federal corporate tax framework.

The Ministry of Finance announced Ministerial Decision No. 336/2025, which added the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority—established in Dubai under Dubai Law No. 4/2022 Regulating Virtual Assets in the Emirate of Dubai—to the definition of “competent authority” in Ministerial Decision No. 229/2025 on Qualifying and Excluded Activities for the Purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Business and Corporate Taxation.

Under the update, VARA is recognised as a competent authority for qualifying activities linked to fund management, wealth management and investment‑management services, bringing virtual‑asset supervision into alignment with the broader corporate‑tax framework. The Ministry stated that the decision formed part of efforts to enhance clarity, certainty and regulatory alignment across the UAE’s financial system, supporting its strategic position as a global investment and financial hub.

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News developments

Sharjah: Emirate Launches Digital Donation Platforms

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 February 2026: Sharjah authorities introduced new digital donation platforms aimed at streamlining charitable contributions and strengthening organised giving during Ramadan.

The organisation unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at modernising the donation process and strengthening the culture of charity. According to the Head of the Resources and Investment Sector, the strategy focused on providing secure and user‑friendly channels for contributions. Among the key measures is the deployment of 18 smart donation screens across major shopping malls, offering multiple electronic payment options such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, QR code scanning and credit cards. These digital platforms replace traditional collection methods with faster and more secure alternatives.

In parallel with technological upgrades, the charity confirmed that 100 donation boxes will be distributed in mosques and public locations during Friday prayers, Taraweeh and Qiyam Al Lail. To ensure proper oversight, 100 vetted volunteers have been assigned to supervise collection activities during peak prayer times. Additionally, 54 customer‑service staff will be stationed at shopping centres and government facilities to receive contributions directly from donors. The charity also placed 6,729 small donation boxes in grocery stores across Sharjah to increase community participation and facilitate everyday giving.

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News developments

Dubai: New Inspection Standards for Delivery‑Bike Registration

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 14 February 2026: Dubai has introduced new technical inspection standards allowing delivery motorcycles to renew registration for an extra operational year, strengthening safety oversight and regulatory governance in the fast‑growing sector.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that delivery bikes may now extend their operational life to a fifth year, provided they pass newly introduced inspection standards developed in line with global guidelines. The inspection is optional but becomes necessary for any company seeking to renew bike registration beyond the existing four‑year limit. Service access is available through designated RTA inspection centres or via the RTA website under the “Delivery Bikes Operational Life Extension” service.

The initiative supports rider safety, enhances service quality, reduces operating costs, and improves operational efficiency across an expanding delivery market. The programme forms part of wider sector reforms, including dedicated stations for riders, designated delivery‑bike lanes, and the introduction of yellow number plates to improve visibility. Additional measures such as charging stations and rest areas were also introduced to reduce rider fatigue and advance sustainable operations.

Delivery companies can complete the renewal process by logging into their corporate accounts, selecting the relevant service, identifying bikes that have reached maximum age, and completing inspections at authorised centres.

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News developments

Ajman: Institution Upgrades Boost Rehabilitation Services for Inmates

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 February 2026: Ajman’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Institution implemented new development projects to strengthen inmate rehabilitation, improve living conditions, and enhance service delivery across the facility.

Senior officials reviewed multiple upgrades introduced to advance welfare and reintegration programmes. These included establishing a nursery for inmates’ children and upgrading essential medical units such as the dental clinic, medical laboratory, and pharmacy. Authorities also expanded vocational workshops and training facilities designed to equip inmates with practical skills for reintegration after release.

The inspection covered several departments, including inmate affairs, security operations, rehabilitation services, and both male and female accommodation wards. Officials assessed ongoing rehabilitation programmes and commended staff for maintaining high service standards while safeguarding inmates’ rights and well‑being.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Judiciary Adopts Facial Recognition to Replace Digital Signatures

19/02/202619/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 February 2026: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department introduced a new facial‑recognition system to authenticate legal transactions, replacing traditional digital signatures in a first‑of‑its‑kind rollout for the region.

Authorities confirmed that the initial phase of the project would apply to power of attorney procedures for lawyers, allowing approvals to be completed through smart devices without requiring a digital signature. The system uses encrypted biometric data and real‑time verification against official government records to ensure a high level of identity security.

The Judicial Department plans to gradually expand the use of facial recognition to notary and authentication services in upcoming phases.

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News developments

UAE: Non‑Commercial Sports Bodies Get Corporate Tax Break

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 February 2026: UAE has introduced a corporate tax exemption for eligible non‑commercial sports entities to boost sector growth and transparency.

The Ministry of Finance has issued UAE Cabinet Decision No. 1/2026 to exempt certain sports organisations that operate on a non‑commercial basis from corporate tax, aligning the regime with international best practice and supporting the UAE’s ambitions as a global sports hub.

Exemptions apply to international sports entities, domestic sports bodies, and specified ancillary entities whose primary purpose is to promote, organise, manage, or develop sport at a regional or international level, provided they are recognised by the competent sports authority.

Qualifying organisations must confine activities to their sporting objectives, ensure all income and assets are used solely to advance those objectives or cover necessary expenses, and avoid any private benefit to members or founders except where beneficiaries are approved public‑benefit or government‑linked bodies.

To access the relief, entities must apply to the Federal Tax Authority with supporting documentation so that eligibility and ongoing compliance can be verified; this process is intended to preserve oversight while directing the exemption to genuine non‑profit sports development.

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News developments

Dubai: Tokenised Property Resale Opened in Next Phase

13/02/202613/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 9 February 2026: Dubai moves its real estate tokenisation project into a trading phase, allowing resale of property stakes through a controlled secondary market.

Dubai Land Department announces Phase II of its Real Estate Tokenisation Project, shifting the work from pilot testing to operational execution. The new phase will enable resale activity in the secondary market, with trading set to begin on 20 February.

The pilot phase had been launched in March under the REES Real Estate Innovation Initiative and had tested the regulatory, legislative and technical set-up for tokenising real estate assets on title deeds. The pilot had been run with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority and other partners, and the department said it confirmed tokenisation could work within a regulated environment.

Under Phase II, around 7.8 million real estate tokens will be made available for trading as part of a controlled framework, while authorities will monitor market functioning, governance, transparency and investor protection under real trading conditions. Dubai Land Department said future expansion will be guided by data and coordination with regulators, and it is working with VARA and technical partners to develop standards for later phases. Authorities are also studying whether they could bring in more participants and onboard additional platforms, subject to regulatory approval and performance reviews.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: January-February 2026 Edition

10/02/202610/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The January–February 2026 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert delivers essential insight into the latest legal, regulatory, tax, and financial developments across the Middle East. This issue features an in-depth analysis of key amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, Bahrain’s strengthened anti-money laundering framework impacting notaries, and major regulatory changes across the GCC. It also covers evolving tax and finance regimes, capital market liberalisation, AI governance and digital transformation, alongside expert commentary, case analysis, and a roundup of significant leadership moves across the region.

This edition offers a comprehensive yet concise look at the shifting legal and regulatory landscape in the Middle East.

FEATURE: IN BETTER COMPANY

Federal Decree-Law No. 20/2025 introduces amendments to just 15 articles of the UAE Commercial Companies Law, but as Ashley Connick of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP explains, these targeted changes are likely to be far-reaching.

FEATURE: AML CHANGE OF NOTE

Noor Al Rayes and Fatema Sarha of Al Tamimi & Company explore how a new Bahraini decision is transforming notaries into key gatekeepers in the battle against money laundering.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: AN AI ON EXPANSION

Roula Khaled, General Counsel and Head of Ethics and Compliance at Khazna Data Centres, shares her insights on how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping legal practice and opening up new pathways for business expansion.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Nick O’Connell of Bird & Bird unpacks Saudi Arabia’s AI Adoption Framework, offering insight into how the Kingdom is shaping responsible AI use.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Promotions, appointments, and leadership changes—discover the career moves driving change across the region’s legal sector.

CONTRACT WATCH: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co highlights Saudi Arabia’s new employment contract reforms, introducing dual registration, standardised contracts, and faster wage enforcement, with phased implementation through 2026.

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Keep pace with the region’s evolving tax and finance landscape, including important updates on the GCC sugar tax.

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LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay up to date with our latest legal round-up, including updates on the UAE Civil Code and other significant regulatory developments.

LAW MONITOR

Discover the latest legal developments across the GCC, including key amendments to the Kuwaiti Capital Market Authority legislation.

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