Bahrain Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

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Bahrain: Parliament Approves Reduction in Housing Loan Deductions and Interest Rates

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 19 March 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a reduction in housing loan deductions and interest rates to ease financial pressures on citizens.

The Parliament has passed a proposal to lower the monthly deduction for housing services from 25% to 20% of salaries. This decision aims to ease the financial burden on Bahraini citizens who are receiving housing loans. Additionally, Members of Parliament urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to collaborate with Eskan Bank to reduce the overall interest paid on housing loans by 20%.

Currently, citizens pay up to half the loan value in interest alone.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: March-April 2025 Edition

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the March-April 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, a premier source for in-depth analysis of the evolving legal landscape across the MENA region. This issue provides a detailed examination of significant legal reforms and updates that are poised to shape the future of law and business in the area.

In this edition, the focus is on pivotal legal reforms and updates within the MENA region, with particular emphasis on the newly enacted Omani Banking Law (Oman Sultani Decree No. 2/2025) and the revised Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) Arbitration Rules. These legislative advancements are designed to modernise existing legal frameworks, bolster global competitiveness, and adeptly incorporate technological innovations within their respective domains. The Omani Banking Law marks a significant shift from a complex regulatory framework to a streamlined legal structure, enhancing the regulation of financial institutions and addressing digital banking. Meanwhile, the updated QICCA Arbitration Rules introduce technology-driven procedures and expedited processes, focusing on customer-centric reforms to improve dispute resolution competitiveness. Despite differences in jurisdiction and sector focus, both reforms reflect a strategic commitment to embracing technological advancements and refining regulatory details to meet contemporary business needs.

Stay informed with Lexis Middle East Law Alert, your source for the latest legal developments and insights from across the MENA region.

FEATURE: BANKING REVOLUTION

Sakshi Puri and Asad Vellani from Al Tamimi & Co discuss the implications of Oman Sultani Decree No. 2/2025 on the country’s banking and financial sectors.

FEATURE: AIMING FOR BEST PRACTICE

Alexander Whyatt, Neil Donald, and Omid Mousavi from Eversheds Sutherland outline the new arbitration rules implemented by QICCA, aimed at making the arbitration process more efficient and straightforward.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: POWER, POLICIES, AND LEGAL PROWESS

Padideh Ahmadi, Group Legal Counsel at Energetech, shares valuable insights into industry trends, regulatory developments, and the art of balancing legal risks with business strategy, drawing from her journey from law school to spearheading commodity and renewable energy deals.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Hayden Morgan from Pinsent Masons discusses the implications of a new UAE law aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

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.

CONTRACT WATCH: CLOUD COMPUTING

David Walker, Partner at ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners in Bahrain, explains Bahrain Law No. 1/2025, which was introduced in January 2025 to regulate timesharing in residential units and establish a legal framework for such arrangements.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

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.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_October-November 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_August-September 2024

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May/June 2024

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Stay updated on the latest tax and financial developments in the region, with a focus on the recent UAE Tax Disputes regulations.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Keep informed with our legal round-up, featuring the latest DIFC regulations concerning its judicial and administrative roles.

LAW MONITOR

Discover the recent legal progressions in the GCC, with a focus on the newly implemented competition law regulations in the UAE.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2025 Edition

24/03/202524/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your indispensable guide to understanding the dynamic legal and business environment affecting HR in the Middle East. As the region continues to evolve and harmonise with international standards, it is crucial for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders to remain informed about the latest developments and trends impacting the workforce. This issue highlights significant amendments to Saudi and UAE labour laws, emphasising enhanced worker protection and strict compliance measures.

In Saudi Arabia, updates to Cabinet Decision No. 219/1426 clarify the enforcement roles of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior, with increased fines for unauthorised employment ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 Riyals. The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024 introduces amendments aimed at improving employer compliance, notably imposing fines of up to one million AED for employing workers fictitiously, with potential multiplication based on the number of workers involved. Additionally, Oman has implemented a new scheme requiring monthly employer contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation, ensuring expatriate employees receive their end-of-service gratuity dues more efficiently. Our comprehensive analysis delves into the implications of these legislative changes for HR practices across the region, exploring how these updates will affect compliance strategies, employee relations, and overall workforce management.

Stay ahead of the curve with Lexis Middle East HR Alert, as we provide you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of HR in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: A More Flexible Approach

Ben Brown and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co explore the greater adaptability afforded to employees and employers following the revisions to the ADGM’s Employment Regulations, set to be implemented on April 1, 2025.

Trend Setter: Recruitment

Mary Rintu from NYK Law analyses how the shift towards prioritising practical skills over experience in hiring may offer both opportunities and challenges for employers in the UAE.

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

Keep up-to-date with the most recent regional developments, including a consultation on DIFC Employment Law.

Immigration Focus

Deepen your knowledge of the changing immigration and visa rules in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, emphasising the grace period for visa violators in Qatar.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Balall Maqbool, Hamood Al Rawahi, and Mehdi Al Lawati of DLA Piper Middle East discuss Oman Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 and the newly introduced regulations on part-time work in Oman.

Case Focus: QFC Employment Standards Office v Meinhardt BIM Studios LLC [2024] QIC (F) 24

Umar Azmeh, Registrar at QICDRC, highlights the importance of this case, comparing it to Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562, a landmark in negligence law. The QFC Employment Standards Office (ESO) is crucial in enforcing the QFC Employment Regulations 2020 through its investigations and guidance.

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_March 2025

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

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

HR Profile: People and Technology

Uchenna Okpara Izuagba, Chief Human Resources Officer at Gastronaut Hospitality, asserts that prioritising employee needs and leveraging technology are essential for success in the UAE hospitality industry.

In-House Profile: Practitioner Perspective

Sarah Malik, Pavithra Rajendran, and Sara Nassif from SOL International outline the main aspects of UAE health and safety laws and the National Standard for the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS).

Policy Pointers: Sponsorship transfers

Sarah Khasawneh, Associate at Pinsent Masons, highlighted that recent legal reforms in Qatar have changed the sponsorship transfer process by eliminating the need for NOC. Employees can now switch jobs without their current employer’s approval, improving worker mobility.

Moves and Changes

Stay updated on the newest business trends, significant appointments, and promotions in the region to stay connected with the market’s key influencers.

News developments

Bahrain: Updates VAT Guide for Imports and Exports

13/03/202513/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Bureau of Revenue (NBR) has released an updated version of the Imports and Exports VAT Guide.

This comprehensive document offers essential guidance for businesses involved in international trade in Bahrain, detailing the VAT treatment of imports and exports.

It covers key areas such as VAT liability on imports, conditions for zero-rating exports, and compliance requirements for businesses engaged in cross-border transactions.

A notable update in the guide is the revision of Section 1.2, which provides enhanced details on the VAT treatment of goods exports.

The guide reaffirms that exports of goods from Bahrain are subject to a 0% VAT rate, provided they meet specific conditions.

To qualify as an export and benefit from zero-rating, goods must be shipped from Bahrain to a destination outside the Implementing States within 90 days from the date of supply.

Additionally, the goods must remain unchanged, unused, and unsold before leaving Bahrain.

Suppliers are required to maintain valid export documentation to prove compliance with these conditions, as failure to do so may result in the transaction being treated as a domestic supply subject to a 10% VAT rate.

The most significant update involves a new subsection under Section 1.2 titled “Multiple Supplies Resulting in a Single Export.”

The guide clarifies that when multiple transactions culminate in a single export, only the final supply in the chain will qualify for zero-rating, provided all export conditions are met.

Any preceding transactions in the supply chain will be treated as domestic supplies and will be subject to a 10% VAT rate.

This change directly impacts businesses involved in multi-step transactions where goods are initially sold within Bahrain before being exported.

For instance, if a VAT-registered supplier in Bahrain sells goods to another Bahrain-based entity, which then arranges for the direct export of those goods to a customer outside Bahrain, the initial transaction within Bahrain will be subject to a 10% VAT rate, while the final sale to the overseas customer will be zero-rated.

The supplier responsible for the export must ensure they retain documentation proving the outbound destination of the shipment to apply the 0% VAT rate.

These updates underscore the importance of accurate VAT classification and proper documentation for businesses engaged in imports and exports.

Companies are advised to review their VAT compliance procedures to ensure they correctly apply zero-rating to exports and account for VAT on domestic transactions preceding an export.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring 2025 Edition

07/03/202507/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax Spring Edition offers an in-depth analysis of the swiftly evolving tax landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This edition underscores the trend where the introduction of new tax laws is often rapidly succeeded by a cascade of related legislative changes. Among the key topics discussed is the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia, which was initially introduced in 2020 and has undergone several amendments. The magazine delves into the recent formalisation of law on this subject and the ensuing consultation on new Implementing Regulations, with insights from experts at Riad & Riad.

The edition concludes with an examination of the increasing adoption of tax automation software in the UAE, driven by rising requirements and support. Overall, the magazine highlights the imperative for taxpayers in the GCC to remain vigilant and adaptable to the rapid and significant changes in tax laws.

FEATURE: YOUR RIGHTS ON RETT

Dr. Fatma Salah, together with Mohamed Riad and Amera Gamal from Riad & Riad, discusses the introduction of the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia in 2020. The upcoming legislation and its Executive Regulations are anticipated to provide more detailed guidance on the tax’s application.

FEATURE: DOWN TO BRASS TACKS ON DMTT

Asrujit Mandal from BDO explores the dynamic shifts in regional legislation and guidance surrounding the Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax. With Bahrain at the forefront, its pioneering approach could potentially shape and inspire strategies in other GCC countries, all in alignment with Pillar Two initiatives.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up outlines the most recent major changes in tax agreements and regulatory updates across the region, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current developments.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: VAT AND CRYPTO MINING

Shailesh Kumar (Associate Partner), Mradul Gupta (Associate Director), and Megha Lohia (Assistant Manager) from PKF UAE highlight the rising prominence and global acceptance of cryptocurrency and emphasise the increasing importance of understanding the tax implications associated with its use.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

What’s Next with VAT? While Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing modifications are making news, Harsh Bhatia, Director of VAT at Grant Thornton UAE, points out that there are also upcoming changes in the UAE’s VAT system.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Is tax automation required in the UAE? Dhana Pillai from DP Taxation Consultancy examines the requirements, assistance, and strategies that are boosting the adoption of tax automation software in the UAE.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Spring 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

News developments

Bahrain: Launches Remote Notarisation Service

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 4 March 2025: The Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments Ministry, in partnership with the Information and eGovernment Authority, has launched the Remote Notarisation Service in Bahrain.

This service, provided by private notaries, enables digital document certification, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

The remote notarisation service is accessible through the official website, https://notary.moj.gov.bh, and will initially be optional, gradually expanding to cover specific transaction types in its first phase.

Users are encouraged to register via the Government Notification System (Notices) on the National Portal, bahrain.bh, and keep their contact information updated for service access.

This initiative underscores the Ministry’s dedication to digital transformation, offering flexible solutions to meet the needs of the community, businesses, and investors.

It aims to save time and streamline notarisation and certification processes.

The service eliminates the need for in-person visits and paper-based transactions, utilising Blockchain technology for secure, immutable digital transactions.

It also supports electronic signatures through a One-Time Password (OTP), removing the necessity for handwritten signatures.

Users can inquire about and cancel their notarisation transactions as needed.

The introduction of this service is set to expand the private sector’s role in notarisation services, with the Ministry maintaining oversight and regulation of transactions conducted by licensed private notaries.

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News developments

Bahrain: Tightens Advertising Regulations

28/02/202528/02/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 26 February 2025: Bahrain is set to impose stricter penalties on misleading advertising, with a new government-drafted bill proposing fines of up to BD20,000 and potential jail time for offenders.

The legislation, currently under review by Parliament’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, aims to eliminate harmful advertising practices and streamline the licensing process.

The bill seeks to amend Bahrain Law No. 14/1973, introducing tighter controls on advertising, particularly for roadside promotions and commercial displays overseen by the Municipalities Affairs Ministry.

Under the proposed regulations, violations such as advertising without a licence, breaching licence conditions, providing false information, or using unlawful means to secure a permit could result in jail terms or fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD20,000.

Additionally, obstructing ministry inspectors or concealing necessary records and documents would incur penalties.

Each infraction would be treated individually, with courts mandated to order the removal of unauthorised advertisements at the advertiser’s expense.

The bill defines advertising as any medium intended to inform the public or a specific group about a product, service, or offering, encompassing visual, audio, or illuminated adverts, as well as those made from materials like wood, metal, paper, fabric, plastic, or glass.

Advertisers would be required to obtain prior approval from the relevant authority before displaying content.

The ministry would have the authority to inspect advertisements and remove those that violate the rules, providing advertisers with at least 15 days’ notice before removal and requiring them to cover the cost of restoring the site.

The ministry could also revoke an advertising licence permanently or temporarily.

Penalties would apply to each offending advertisement, and anyone who removes, damages, or defaces a licensed advertisement, or any part of it, would face a separate fine of up to BD1,000.

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News developments

Bahrain: To Enforce Stricter Penalties for Marine Law Violations

27/02/202527/02/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 20 February 2025: Bahrain is set to impose stricter penalties for those who harm its marine environment, with offenders facing up to a year in jail and fines reaching BD100,000.

The Shura Council is scheduled to vote on a proposal to intensify punishments for illegal fishing and other violations of marine laws.

This amendment to Article 33 of Bahrain Decree-Law No. 20/2002 seeks to enhance the law’s effectiveness by imposing heavier fines and longer sentences for those damaging Bahrain’s seas.

Currently, the law prescribes fines starting at BD500 and jail terms beginning at one month.

The proposed changes, already approved by the lower house, would increase prison sentences to a minimum of six months for certain offences, with severe breaches like large-scale poaching or pollution resulting in at least a year of prison.

The proposed fines would rise dramatically from BD3,000 to BD100,000.

Government bodies, including the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, support the proposal, emphasising that tougher penalties are crucial to curbing overfishing and safeguarding Bahrain’s marine resources.

The Supreme Council for Environment has also endorsed the plan, highlighting that weak enforcement has allowed significant violations, such as coral reef damage and illegal sand dredging, to persist.

The Shura’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee has examined the draft law, considering government and legal perspectives, and concluded that the current law lacks sufficient deterrence, with penalties too lenient to prevent repeat offences.

While some regulations already impose strict penalties, others permit major violations to occur with minimal consequences.

Under the amendment, individuals caught using banned fishing gear, poaching in restricted areas, or disregarding temporary bans would face at least six months in prison and significantly higher fines.

The most severe penalties would target those responsible for large-scale violations, such as industrial waste dumping or fishing methods that devastate entire habitats.

Parliament approved the changes at the end of 2024, following consultations with government bodies and legal experts.

The Shura Council will now review the draft, with members expected to scrutinise the increased fines and extended jail terms before the final vote.

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

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2025 Edition

25/02/202524/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the January 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your essential resource for navigating the evolving legal and business landscape impacting HR in the Middle East. As the region progresses and aligns with global standards, HR professionals, legal experts, and business leaders must stay updated on the changes and trends affecting the workforce.

This issue highlights significant amendments to Saudi and UAE labour laws, emphasising enhanced worker protection and strict compliance measures. In Saudi Arabia, updates to Cabinet Decision No. 219/1426 clarify the roles of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior in enforcing labour law penalties, with increased fines for unauthorised employment ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 Riyals. The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024 introduces amendments aimed at improving employer compliance, notably imposing fines of up to one million AED for employing workers fictitiously, with potential multiplication based on the number of workers involved.

Additionally, Oman has implemented a new scheme requiring monthly employer contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation, ensuring expatriate employees receive their end-of-service gratuity dues more efficiently.

Stay informed with our in-depth analysis of these changes and their implications for HR practices in the region.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: New Rules and Bigger Penalties

The amendments to Articles 54 and 60 of the UAE Labour Law, introduced by Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024, may appear minor but are expected to have a substantial impact, as explained by Sara Khoja, Ben Brown, and Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co.

Trend Setter: Succession Planning

Ali Al Assaad from Dentons examines how the new Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 81/2024 is positioning the Dubai government as a leader in effective succession planning practices.

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

Stay informed on the latest regional updates, including changes to residency visa laws announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security UAE, which now allow working mothers to sponsor their children’s residency if the family head violates residency laws.

Immigration Focus

Enhance your understanding of the evolving immigration and visa regulations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a focus on the United Arab Emirates’ visa extensions for GCC residents and dependents of GCC nationals.

Immigration Focus: Nationalisation in Qatar

Antoine Salloum from Vialto Partners discusses the recent updates to Qatar’s nationalisation policies.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Mohsin Khan and Hayat Rafique from Al Tamimi explore significant changes to the Saudi Labour Law and anticipate further details in upcoming Executive Regulations.

Case Focus: DIFC Case No. 044/2021 on 1 October 2024

Highlighted by Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, this case addresses racial discrimination and is the first to consider victimisation since the DIFC employment law was strengthened in this area.

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_January 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous 2024 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

HR Profile: HR Leadership in Law

Vera Vadakkumpatt, HR Manager at Stephenson Harwood LLP, shares insights on promoting employee wellbeing, diversity, and organisational growth.

In-House Profile: Practitioner Perspective

Dhana Pillai from Cygal Attorneys discusses the UAE’s pioneering requirements for female representation on the boards of all public and private Joint Stock Companies.

Policy Pointers: Anti-discrimination

Rachel Mannam, Associate at Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers, provides expertise on the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2023, enacted in September 2023, which criminalises all forms of discrimination, hate speech, and blasphemy, although it does not specifically address workplace discrimination in the private sector.

Moves and Changes

Keep up with the latest business developments, major appointments, and promotions throughout the region to stay current with the influential figures in the market.

News developments

Bahrain: Parliament Approves Immediate Housing Allowance Plan

21/02/202521/02/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Daily Tribune, 12 February 2025: Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a proposal to eliminate the five-year waiting period for housing allowance payments, allowing families to receive financial support as soon as their applications are approved.

The initiative, described as long overdue, addresses the rising cost of living and aims to provide immediate relief to families, particularly newlyweds, who struggle with rent while awaiting assistance.

The current system, which requires applicants to wait five years before receiving any financial aid, has been criticised as an unnecessary burden on those already facing financial difficulties.

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/.