Tanya Jain, Author at LexisNexis Middle East

Kuwait: Progress of Iqama Draft Law

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 22 July 2023: The Revised iqama draft law (which covers residence) is to be sent to the Cabinet.

The law which regulates the residence of foreigners in Kuwait is expected to be voted on by the parliament in the next session. The bill underwent a radical revision in the past weeks of most of its articles, with the aim of putting an end to iqama trading.

It is expected the law will be ready for adoption by the Cabinet during the current summer session, and be referred to the National Assembly before the start of the next session at the end of October, According to the new proposal, an expatriate would be granted a residence permit not exceeding five years. Investors would be given a residence permit of up to 15 years, depending on their activity. Fees would be imposed so that Kuwait can benefit from these investments.

Other proposals also include giving 10-year residence permits to children of Kuwaiti women. Residency permits would e given to a person who owned property in Kuwait, provided they were not absent from Kuwait for a period of more than six months, with the exception of children of Kuwaiti women. Domestic workers would only be allowed to travel outside Kuwait for four months.

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/.

News developments

Dubai: Amendment to Railway Regulations

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 24 July 2023: Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 1/2017 has been amended. The amendments involve the roles and responsibilities of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai. They also detail the functions of the RTA, which include planning, design and development of the public railway network in Dubai.

The RTA has been tasked with defining the requirements, procedures, controls, standards and specifications applied by its Safety Regulatory Entity, as well as the requirements, procedures and controls necessary for issuing the certificates specified in this resolution by the RTA Rail Agency and the Safety Regulatory Entity. Dubai Resolution No. 53.2023 also tasks the RTA with ensuring that certificates issued by the Rail Agency of the RTA and the Safety Regulatory Entity are free from any conflict of interest. These certificates will be issued independently of the owners, operators, contractors and any other individuals or entities covered by the provisions of this resolution.

The RTA will also be responsible for cooperating and coordinating with relevant authorities in Dubai and neighbouring emirates including on integrating of railway and other transportation systems.

The RTA will be authorised to enter into contracts and agreements involving railway systems, adopting policies, plans and programmes submitted to it by the Rail Agency and the Safety Regulatory Entity in all matters related to the provisions the resolution and associated resolutions.

Article 6 outlines the functions of the Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which includes proposing policies, plans, and programmes for developing and designing the public railway network, submitting them to the Director General of the RTA for approval, and supervising implementation after approval.

The Rail Agency will also approve the Railway Protection Rules, General Guidelines, Planning and Design Standards Guide, and establish the criteria for contractor, consultant and operator qualification and accreditation, as well as issuing no-objection certificates and compliance certificates.

Dubai Resolution No. 53/2023 also amends Article 7 and 10 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 and replaces Article 15 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 on penalties and administrative measures, Article 17 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/201 on judicial seizure and Article 18 of Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 on complaints.

The Resolution has also replaced two tables Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 1/2017 – Table 4 on fees for issuing certificates and providing services, and Table 6 on violations and fines related to the RTA Rail Agency.

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/.

News developments

Abu Dhabi: Fire Safety Fine Reminder

26/07/202326/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Khaleej Times, 25 July 2023: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has issued an advisory notice reminding residents and property owners of fire safety requirements.

There are stringent rules in Abu Dhabi on fire safety which include ensuring that detectors and firefighting systems are always in good condition. The authority has stated that along with installing these devices residents and property owners need to ensure they have a maintainance contract in place for this equipment.

A fine of 10,000 AED is imposed where there is no valid maintenance contract by a contractor approved by the Civil Defence Authority for fire alarm systems and devices, fire fighting systems and equipment. These requirements are specified in Cabinet Decision No. 24/2012 On Regulation of Civil Defence Services in the State.

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/.

News developments

UAE: Controls for Annual Leave Entitlement Announced

20/07/202320/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Emaratalyoum, 14 July 2023: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed employees appointed in any of the ministries or government agencies, working full-time, are entitled to an annual leave with a total salary, which amounts to approximately 30 working days or 22 days, depending on their grade.

If it is necessary for the employee’s work interests, the head of the federal entity may summon them back from their annual leave.

In such cases, the remaining days of leave will be transferred to the employee following the approved procedures. Federal Decree-Law No. 11/2008 on the Human Resources in the Federal Government.

These include instances where the employee is on study leave or an educational assignment during the requested year of leave, as well as periods of absence from work without salary. Additionally, an employee cannot request annual leave for the duration they spend in prison as a result of a judicial ruling (unless termination of service is decided), and finally, during the probationary period, if the employee’s service ends for any reason.

For the full story, click here.

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/.

News developments

Oman: Internet of Things Permit Granted

20/07/202320/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Oman Daily Observer, 17 July 2023: The Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has issued a new permit to provide Internet of Things services to beneficiaries.

The permit has been issued to the Future Cities Company (Tadoom) which specialises in smart city solutions using the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. Using the permit Tadoom will be able to provide various Internet of Things applications including utility management, smart meters, irrigation and agriculture applications and parking management.

The Internet of Things is regulated under Oman Resolution No. 93/2022. IoT services in Oman cannot be provided without a permit from the Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

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/.

News developments

Kuwait: New Housing Law Approved

20/07/202320/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Kuwait Times, 13 July 2023: The Kuwait National Assembly has unanimously approved a new housing law which aims to accelerate housing building for Kuwaitis by allowing strategic foreign investors to participate in the sector without needing for a local agent.

The government accepted the legislation and vowed it would take all necessary steps to implement it. There has been a long standing issue in Kuwait on housing supply and cost. The average price of real estate in Kuwait is 13 times higher than the average income of Kuwaiti families and three times higher than in Saudi Arabia. Currently there are 92,000 housing applications from Kuwaiti families waiting to get a house or a piece of land. The law will allow foreign investors to enter the sector more easily.

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/.

News developments

Dubai: Guide on Family Business Governance Issued

20/07/202320/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Albayan, 11 July 2023: In line with the directives of the Dubai Ruler to develop a comprehensive system which aids family businesses, the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses has released a guide to assist these businesses in creating and implementing the necessary governance frameworks.

The objective is to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and the continuity of operations. This guide draws upon the best international practices while considering the local context of the Emirate.

It emphasises the importance and role of the Family Constitution, also referred to as the Family Accord or Family Protocol. Moreover, it offers practical advice and tools to support families in establishing effective governance practices within their businesses.

For the full story, click here.

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/.

News developments

UAE: Fiscal Year for Education Organisations Determined

12/07/202312/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Alkhaleej, 6 July 2023: For the majority of companies in the UAE, the fiscal year for the application of Company Tax commences on 1 January each year. However, in the education sector, the fiscal year begins in September, aligning with the start of the new academic year.

According to this legislation, a 9 per cent tax is imposed on any income exceeding 375 AED, while income below this threshold is taxed at 0 per cent.

The law came into effect on 1 June 2023 and will be implemented at the start of each new fiscal year across various sectors.

For the full story, click here.

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/.

News developments

Saudi Arabia: To Protect Intellectual Property Rights

12/07/202312/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Arab News, 7 July 2023: During a meeting in Geneva, the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has advocated for the inclusion of Arabic as one of the languages used by The Hague and Madrid systems, which protect intellectual property rights.

He has emphasised the country’s commitment to safeguarding and enforcing intellectual property rights, as well as enhancing the enforcement system. He has also expressed Saudi Arabia’s anticipation of joining the International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Additionally, he highlighted the nation’s focus on developing intellectual property through a national strategy which fosters innovation and creativity.

Saudi Arabia has also become a member of the Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorised Duplication of Their Phonograms and has made efforts to update relevant intellectual property legislation.

For the full story, click her e.

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/.

News developments

Qatar: One Window Committee for Capital Market Formed

12/07/202312/07/2023
by Tanya Jain

Alwatan, 6 July 2023: The Qatar Financial Markets Authority has made a decision to establish a committee called the “one window for the capital market.”

The primary objective of this committee is to streamline and simplify procedures for companies involved in financial markets within the country, resulting in reduced time and effort.

The committee aims to achieve this by consolidating the process to a single point of contact, instead of having multiple entities involved. This collaborative effort involves the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, the Qatar Stock Exchange, and a deposit company.

For the full story, click here.

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/.

Author: <span>Tanya Jain</span>