United Arab Emirates Archives - Page 36 of 64

Abu Dhabi: Adherence to Fire Safety Rules Legally Required

26/10/202326/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates), 24 October 2023: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has urged fire safety rules to be complied with.

They have urged residents to ensure firefighting equipment is easily accessible.

Every building in the Emirate must have firefighting equipment installed. This includes alarms, extinguishers, and proper fire exits.

This firefighting equipment must also be accessible. Those who do not comply with the rules will be fined 2,000AED.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2023 Edition

25/10/202326/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Introducing the October 2023 edition of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert!

Delve into our complimentary publication, Lexis Middle East – HR Alert, designed to provide you with a comprehensive source of insights and updates to keep you well-informed about the latest developments in the Labor and Employment landscape of the MENA region. We have meticulously curated the most recent HR updates and developments to ensure you remain empowered. This publication highlights significant cases and offers valuable insights into HR policies and laws within the region.

Within this edition, you will discover exclusive interviews with prominent HR professionals and expert advice on emerging industry trends. Stay up-to-date and enhance your HR knowledge with the latest release of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: The New Order

Gain valuable insights into the evolving Omani Labour Law regime and its impact on the region. New legislation in Oman, explained by Thomas Wigley and Elisha Wilson of Trowers & Hamlins, is set to influence various aspects, from employment contracts and pensions to policies and termination.

Trend Setter – AI and Workforce Decisions

Embark on a journey into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping workforce decisions. Delve into the legal considerations surrounding AI in employment relationships, with Joanna Matthews Taylor, Partner at Baker McKenzie.

News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay abreast of recent developments, including updates on labour disputes and other significant news items.

Status Report: The Latest on Localisation

Stay updated with the latest developments, including substantial changes in labor disputes within the UAE. A detailed status report on localisation policies across the GCC, authored by Rekha Simpson, Ali Ibrahim, and Ren Jongerius of Vialto Partners, examines their impact on expatriate employees and employers.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Uncover critical updates, including amendments to the DIFC Data Protection Regulation. Joshua Decker, Senior Counsel at Vaishvik Law International Ltd, sheds light on the significance of these changes.

Case Focus:

Dive into the details of a landmark case – the first-ever race discrimination case in the QICDRC courts, involving Khadija Al-Marhoon and Ooredoo Group Company. Recommended by K&L Gates LLP.

HR Profile – Labour Risk

Meet Rachael Sands, Senior Legal Counsel – Labor and Employment at Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ), and explore her unique approach to managing labor-related risks.

Policy Pointers – Death in Service

Delve into the topic of death in service payments and its legal implications, featuring contributions from Yulia Kasiyanova, Associate Partner at SCHLÜTER GRAF Legal Consultants.

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!

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

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2023

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous 2023 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2023

LexisNexis-Middle-East-HR-Alert_March-2023

LexisNexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2023 Edition

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – August 2023 Edition

News developments

UAE: Landmark Verdict Means Moral Damages Are Payable in Commercial Disputes

20/10/202320/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 19 October 2023: The UAE Court of Cassation has issued a landmark verdict in a case involving the energy drink brand Power Horse.

Power Horse is an Austrian energy drink brand and has its commercial headquarters in Dubai. The Court ordered Power Horse’s partner in the UAE to pay one million Dollars in compensation to Power Horse.

The dispute arose out of a breach of contract. It means businesses in the UAE must now be extra careful with the terms of their contracts. Before the judgment, only individuals were liable to pay moral damages.

Under Federal Law No. 5/1985 (the Civil Code), claimants can seek moral damages as compensation for any non-financial losses sustained from a breach of contract.

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News developments

Dubai: International Financial Centre Courts Sign Cooperation Agreement with Dubai Chambers

18/10/202318/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts have signed a cooperation agreement with Dubai Chambers to support projects to diversify the Emirate’s and the UAE’s economy and support innovation in this area.

Under the agreement, the two entities will work together on specific digital economy and mediation and notary services provided by both of them.

They will also carry out activities internationally together.

Also reported in Al Bayan on 13 October 2023. Click here to read more.

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Expired Law GPT: The Future of Legal Practice with AI | Online Training | 6 to 8 November 2023 | 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM (UAE Time)

12/10/202302/11/2023
by Tanya Jain

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

Law GPT: The Future of Legal Practice with AI
01/11/2023
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
06/11/2023 - 08/11/2023
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
06/11/2023 - 08/11/2023
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
06/11/2023 - 08/11/2023
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Join LexisNexis Middle East and Dubai International Financial Center, SOL International Ltd and Middlesex University for our Legal Drafting Skills: Contract Drafting online training series where our experts will look at:
Part 1: Basic written and speaking communication – Principles and conventions of effective drafting in English common law
Part 2:Negotiating a contract – English legal drafting
Part 3: Drafting a contract – English legal drafting

News developments

UAE: Emirates Drug Corporation Established

11/10/202311/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Al Bayan, 9 October 2023: The UAE’s Cabinet has approved a Federal Law establishing the Emirates Drug Corporation.

It will be responsible for regulating and managing everything related to medical products at a federal level and will have its own legal personality and financial and administrative independence.

Among other things, it will trace medical products across the country, including free zones.

These products include pharmaceutical products, medical aids, healthcare products, biological products, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, veterinary products, fertilisers, agricultural conditioners, growth regulators, plants, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and their products.

Other medical products may be added by subsequent legislation.

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.

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News developments

UAE (Ras Al Khaimah): Plastic Bag Ban to Come into Force on 1 January

11/10/202311/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates), 5 October 2023: Ras al Khaimah’s Environment Protection and Development Authority has announced a plastic bag ban will come into force on 1 January next year.

Under Ras al Khaimah Law No. 4/2023, the use and circulation of single-use plastic bags will be banned.

It means no single-use plastic bags will be allowed in the Emirate.

The ban will apply to all bags provided by stores, including grocery shops and bakeries.

The ban has been introduced in line with the UAE-wide blanket ban on single-use plastics announced earlier this year. The UAE-wide ban will mean the importation, production and circulation of these materials will also be banned.

Five other Emirates have announced bans or regulated the use of plastic.

The Abu Dhabi authorities have banned single-use plastics since 1 June 2022.

The Dubai authorities have been charging 25 fils per single-use plastic bag since 1 July 2022 and the Sharjah authorities have been doing the same since 1 October 2022. A complete ban will come into force there on 1 January 2024.

Plastic bags have also been banned in Ajman and Ummal Quwain this year.

The announcement by the Ras al Khaimah authorities means Fujairah is the only Emirate not to have introduced any measures.

In January 2026, the plastic ban will cover other products like cups, plates, cutlery, containers and boxes. This will include spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, straws and stirrers.

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News developments

Dubai: International Arbitration Centre Mediation Rules Come into Force

11/10/202311/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

The Mediation Rules approved by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre in July 2023 have come into force. They came into force on 1 October and mean all new mediation requests submitted to the Centre after this date will be governed by the Rules.

This will be subject to the introductory provisions set out in the Rules.

The Rules will apply where the parties have agreed to mediate their dispute at the Centre. Any party may refer a dispute to mediation at the Centre regardless of whether there is a pre-existing agreement to mediate.

Where there is a pre-existing agreement to mediate, the Rules will apply to mediations which start after the date the Rules came into force regardless of the date on which the agreement to mediate was entered into.

The parties may agree in writing to modify the Rules to the extent that the modiﬁcations are within the spirit of the Rules and do not render them inoperable, providing the modifications are approved by the mediator.

The aim is for all mediations to be conducted fairly, impartially, efﬁciently and proportionately with the sum(s) claimed and/or counterclaimed and the complexity of the dispute being taken into account.

The mediator, the parties and the parties’ representatives undertake to conduct the mediation in line with this objective. The party requesting mediation must submit an application to the Centre in the specified form and send a copy to the responding party at the same time.

The responding party will submit a reply in the specified form to the Centre and send a copy to the requesting party at the same time within 15 days of being notified of the application.

The Centre may grant the responding party an extension of up to seven days to ﬁle a reply, provided that the request for an extension contains the responding party’s consent that the dispute be referred to mediation under the Rules, if requested.

If no reply is received from the Centre within the specified time limits or within the additional time determined by the Centre in its discretion, it will be considered that the responding party does not consent to the dispute being referred to mediation under the Rules and the mediation will not proceed.

Where the parties reach an agreement to refer the dispute to mediation in line with the Rules, the mediation will start on the date the Centre sends written conﬁrmation to the parties that agreement to this effect has been reached.

The Rules also contain provisions on notifications, communications and calculation of time limits, mediation costs, appointment of mediators, conduct of the mediation and conclusion of the mediation.

In addition, they contain provisions on confidentiality, the functions of the Centre and Arbitration Court, exclusion of liability and document retention.

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News developments

UAE: Free Zones Council Considering Preferential Free Zones Option

06/10/202306/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 4 October 2023: Dubai’s Free Zones Council has discussed a range of measures to enable companies to choose their preferred free zones in the Emirate.

The measures will also encourage startups.

In addition, they will enable entrepreneurs to establish in the free zones.

The Council also discussed regulating the free zone-licensed establishments’ mainland activities. These activities include obtaining a permit from the respective licensing authority. They also include coordinating with the relevant free zone authority and opening a branch in the Emirate to carry out business activities from the same location in the free zone, in line with the procedures enforced by the licensing authority. However, specific legal procedures will have to be followed.

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News developments

UAE: Mandatory Job Loss Insurance Scheme Now in Force

06/10/202306/10/2023
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News (United Arab Emirates), 1 October 2023: The mandatory job loss insurance scheme is now in force. It means employees will now be fined 400 AED.

Employees who subscribe to the scheme but fail to pay the premiums for more than three months will now have their insurance certificate cancelled and be fined 200 AED.

If employees fail to pay the fines for three months from the due date, the amount will be deducted from their wages through the Wage Protection System, end-of-service gratuity, or any other alternative method deemed acceptable by the Human Resources and Emiratisation Ministry. This penalty will be specified in the relevant Ministerial Decision.

Under the relevant Ministerial Decision, employees will not be eligible for a new work permit until all fines owed are paid within the specified timeframe.

Investors, domestic helpers, temporary contract workers, those under 18, and retirees who are entitled to a pension and have started a new job are exempt.

Employees had to pay a premium to subscribe to the scheme. If they lose their jobs for anything other than disciplinary action or resignation, they will receive financial support for up to three months.

Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually. To get the support employees must be subscribed to the scheme for at least 12 months. Subscriptions to the scheme began in January 2023 so if an employee subscribed to it in January, they will become eligible for compensation only if they lose their job after December 2023. If a person subscribes to the scheme this month, they will only become eligible after 12 months have passed.

Private sector employees, federal government departments, and free zones had until 1 October to subscribe to the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme.

There are two types of plans. Category A is available to employees with a basic salary of 16,000 AED or less. The premium will be five AED plus VAT a month and will provide an employee with 60% of their basic salary up to 10,000 AED a month.

Category B is available to employees with a basic salary of more than 16,000 AED. The premium will be 10 AED plus VAT a month and will provide an employee with 60% of basic salary; up to 20,000 AED a month.

The benefits of the scheme will stop if the beneficiary gets a new job or leaves the UAE.

The employee must not have an existing absconding complaint against them.

Claims must be submitted within 30 days from the date of termination or the settlement of a labour complaint referred to the judiciary.

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