| Legal Updates |
Description |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| ADGM Strengthens Commercial Legislation and Beneficial Ownership Requirements |
The Abu Dhabi Global Market Registration Authority amended its commercial legislation to strengthen transparency and regulatory oversight. |
| The amendments expand beneficial ownership disclosures, identify nominee arrangements and restrict certain cash transactions by professional service providers. |
| DIFC Consults on Proposed Amendments to Data Protection Regulations |
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) launched a public consultation Paper No. 3 of 2026 on proposed amendments to the DIFC Data Protection Regulations |
| The proposed amendments seek to strengthen requirements around AI-related processing of personal data, certification and accreditation schemes, and the role of the Autonomous Systems Officer (ASO) |
| UAE to Launch World’s First Integrated AI Judicial Platform |
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department , (ADJD) will launch the world’s first integrated AI Judicial Platform to support judicial decision-making under full human supervision. |
| The platform will be rolled out in phases from September 2026 over 18 months to improve case management, streamline litigation and enhance judicial efficiency. |
| UAE Issues Executive Regulation for Combating Commercial Fraud |
The UAE issued Cabinet Decision No. 107 of 2026, which sets out the Executive Regulation for Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2023 on Combating Commercial Fraud which:
- creates a detailed procedural framework for handling counterfeit, spoiled, and fake goods covering their detection, seizure, withdrawal, disposal, destruction, recycling, and case settlement.
- improves coordination between federal and local authorities on enforcement.
- imposes stricter compliance requirements on suppliers and dealers.
|
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) |
| New Copyright Law |
Saudi Arabia has issued a new copyright law through Royal Decree No. M/169 on 2nd February 2026 which is enforceable from 12 August 2026, replacing the 2003 Copyright Law. |
| It is described as a significant modernization of the IP framework, addressing digital and creative economy issues, AI, and online platforms, and aligning with international standards. The implementing regulations are expected before the law takes effect. |
| Sultanate of Oman |
| Oman Issues New Regulatory Framework for Trade Unions |
Oman’s Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decision No. 284 of 2026, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the formation, registration and operation of trade unions, sectoral unions and the General Federation of Oman Workers |
| The decision aims to modernise Oman’s labour legislation and strengthen the legal framework governing worker representation in line with the Labour Law |
| State of Kuwait |
| Kuwait Regulates E-Commerce Intermediary Platforms |
Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Resolution No. 109 of 2026, introducing comprehensive regulations for intermediary electronic platforms and applications, effective 8 July 2026 |
| The regulations cap platform commissions at 17% (platform delivery) and 10% (merchant delivery), cap consumer delivery fees at KD 1 per order, and grant the Ministry inspection and enforcement powers |
| State of Qatar |
| Qatar issues Regulation Law for UAV |
Ministry of Justice has published Qatar Law No. 10/2026 on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), establishing a comprehensive legal framework for drone operations in the country. |
| It creates a legal framework to keep pace with growing use of unmanned aircraft, allowing individuals and businesses to benefit from the technology while safeguarding air navigation safety and national airspace. |
| Civil Aviation Authority will regulate UAV operations in coordination with relevant authorities under national and international law |
| Kingdom of Bahrain |
| Bahrain Restricts Specified Commercial Activities to Bahraini Nationals |
Bahrain issued Edict No. 36 of 2026 determining the commercial activities restricted to Bahraini nationals. |
| The Edict is relevant to business licensing, foreign ownership and participation, by non-Bahraini investors in the specified activities. |
| Bahrain Bourse Issues Investor Relations Guidelines |
Bahrain Bourse issued new Investor Relations Guidelines for companies listed on its Mainboard Market to strengthen corporate transparency, disclosure standards and shareholder engagement. |
| The Guidelines introduce mandatory investor relations requirements, including dedicated IR webpages and, the appointment of an Investor Relations Officer and annual earnings calls for large companies. |
