| Legal Updates |
Description |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Dubai Issues New Public Safety Law |
- Dubai issued Law No. (2) of 2026 on Public Safety which is set to enter into force on 1 June 2026
- The law introduces requirements covering public venues, events, buildings, and other public spaces,, including standards relating to safety equipment, crowd management, emergency procedures, and infrastructure maintenance
- The law also sets out enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations, with fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 1 million, which may be doubled for repeat offences up to AED 2 million
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| Dubai Issues New Building Quality and Safety Law |
- Dubai issued Law No. (3) of 2026 on the Quality and Safety of Buildings
- The law applies to all buildings in Dubai, including those in free zones and private developments, regardless of when they were constructed
- It introduces requirements aimed at ensuring structural integrity, regular maintenance, and the safe operation of building systems, while enhancing occupant safety and comfort
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| Abu Dhabi Establishes Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees |
- Abu Dhabi has established specialised Family Business Dispute Resolution Committees pursuant to Resolution No. 3 of 2026
- The committees have jurisdiction over disputes relating to the ownership, management and constitutional documents of family businesses, including disputes between partners, family members and third parties
- Decisions issued by the committees shall carry the force of a Court of First Instance judgment and are subject to appeal, while proceedings remain confidential
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| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) |
| Saudi Arabia Introduces Simplified Investment Funds Framework |
- The Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia approved and issued the Instructions for Simplified Investment Funds
- The new instructions aim to facilitate the establishment and operation of investment funds by simplifying regulatory requirements, disclosure obligations and operational procedures, particularly for institutional investors and asset managers
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| Saudi Arabia Launches Open Banking Licensing Regime |
- The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) commenced the licensing of fintech companies to provide open banking services
- The initiative is aimed at enhancing financial innovation, improving efficiency of financial transactions, and expanding access to financial services, while ensuring data security and consumer consent within a regulated framework
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| Sultanate of Oman |
| Oman Issues Regulation for Actuarial Services Firms |
- Oman’s Financial Services Authority (FSA) approved a new regulation governing actuarial services firms which sets out professional qualification requirements, licensing conditions, and supervisory powers for the FSA
- It also requires insurance and Takaful insurance companies to appoint a qualified actuary or contract with an FSA-approved actuarial services office to ensure the accuracy of actuarial studies, risk assessments and technical provisions
- Existing actuarial firms have been granted a one-year grace period to comply with the new regulatory requirements
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| State of Kuwait |
| Kuwait Introduces Digital Commerce Law Regulating Online Business |
- Kuwait published Decree by Law No. 10 of 2026 Regulating Work in the Digital Commerce Sector
- It requires individuals and businesses operating online stores to register with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and introduces obligations relating to consumer protection, transparency and disclosure of key information
- The law also addresses digital advertising, electronic payment practices and enforcement mechanisms
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| Kuwait Introduces AML Violation Matrix for Businesses |
- Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026, establishing a new anti-money laundering (AML) violation matrix applicable to designated non-financial businesses and professions
- The framework classifies violations into low, medium and high-risk categories and sets out corresponding administrative measures and financial penalties
- Sanctions may include warnings, corrective action orders, financial fines and suspension of commercial licences
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| State of Qatar |
| Qatar Introduces Licensing Framework for E-Commerce Businesses Without Physical Premises |
- Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has introduced a new licensing regime for e-commerce activities conducted without a physical premises through Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026
- The decision requires businesses operating through websites, digital platforms or social media to obtain a dedicated e-commerce licence and comply with the requirements aimed at strengthening consumer protection and transparency
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| Kingdom of Bahrain |
| Bahrain Issues Resolution Regulating Single-Shareholder Closed Joint Stock Companies |
- Bahrain has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 11 of 2026, introducing regulations governing the establishment and operation of single-shareholder Closed Joint Stock Companies (BSC(c))
- The regulations clarify key requirements relating to incorporation procedures, governance structure, board composition, and compliance obligations for such entities
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