Welcome to the January-February 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, where we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving legal landscape in the MENA region. This issue highlights Saudi Arabia’s new legislation aimed at simplifying company registration and tradename procedures, enhanced by the introduction of electronic platforms. We also emphasise the significance of a robust insolvency regime, focusing on the UK’s new Financial Reorganisation and Insolvency law, Federal Decree-Law No. 51/2023, and its Implementing Regulations (Cabinet Decision No. 94/2024), which offers detailed guidance on initiating proceedings and the role of financial services regulators.

Additionally, we explore the impact of the new UAE Bankruptcy Law on businesses, providing updates on Saudi Arabia’s regulations on the law of legal practice, real estate transactions tax amendments, and Bahrain’s Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax registration. These developments are crucial for understanding the shifting legal frameworks and their implications for businesses operating in the region. The issue also offers insights into how international and regional regulations influence innovative work across the region, highlighting the importance of staying informed in a rapidly changing environment.

Stay informed with Lexis Middle East Law Alert, your trusted source for legal insights and updates.

FEATURE: THE IMPACT ON INSOLVENCY

Rahat Dar from Afridi & Angell examines the impact of the new Bankruptcy Law Implementing Regulations on the UAE’s insolvency system. This includes clarifications on initiating proceedings under Federal Decree-Law No. 51/2023, the role of financial services regulators, and details about the new bankruptcy register.

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FEATURE: SIMPLIFYING SET-UP

Summayah Muncey, Shahd Makhafah, and Alain Sfeir from Clyde & Co. outline the changes in conducting business in Saudi Arabia due to new legislation on Commercial Registration and trade names.

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IN-HOUSE PROFILE: ONWARDS & UPWARDS

Mary Alkuwari, General Counsel & Board Secretary of Qatar’s Satellite Company Es’hailSat, describes how understanding international and regional regulations influences their innovative efforts.

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

An overview of significant appointments and career advancements in the legal sector across the region, emphasising key changes transforming the professional environment.

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CONTRACT WATCH: CLOUD COMPUTING

Maad Al Balushi and Salim Al Harthi from Saslo discuss Oman Decision No. 1152/2/19/2024-20, which sets regulations for cloud computing services and data centres in Oman. These rules cover various data types, including commercial, governmental, and non-personal, and establish standards for data management, security, compliance, and transparency.

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Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

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TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Keep abreast of the latest tax and financial developments in the region, such as the registration for Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax in Bahrain.

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LEGAL ROUND-UP

Stay updated with our legal round-up, featuring regulations on the law of legal practice in Saudi Arabia.

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LAW MONITOR

Explore the recent legal developments in the GCC, including amendments to the Real Estate Transactions Tax.

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