| Legal Updates | Description |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | |
| DIFC Consults on Proposed Amendments to Arbitration Law | Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to the DIFC Arbitration Law (DIFC Law No. 1 of 2008), with feedback invited until 7 July 2026 |
| The proposed amendments address matters including tribunal powers, interim measures, arbitral procedures, recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards | |
| DMCC to Introduce Foundations Framework | Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced plans to introduce a Foundations Framework |
| The proposed framework is designed to support succession planning, private wealth structuring, family office arrangements and long-term asset holding | |
| UAE Sets Minimum Age of 15 for Social Media Use | UAE Cabinet approved a resolution setting 15 years as the minimum age for social media use, with platforms required to comply within 12 months |
| The resolution requires platforms to implement age verification measures and enhanced protections for users aged 15 to 18 years | |
| UAE Establishes Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data | UAE established the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, consolidating the functions of the UAE AI Office, UAE Data Office and the TDRA’s Digital Government Sector |
| The Authority will oversee AI governance, data management and digital government, including the development of national policies and regulatory frameworks | |
| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) | |
| Saudi Arabia Proposes New Cybersecurity Reporting Framework | Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) released the draft National Framework for Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Incident Response with the consultation period running from 10 June to 10 July 2026 |
| The proposed framework introduces requirements relating to cybersecurity incident reporting, information sharing and incident response procedures | |
| Sultanate of Oman | |
| Oman Issues New Cybercrime Law | Oman issued a new Law on Combating Information Technology Crimes under Royal Decree No. 35/2025, which came into force on 1 June 2026 |
| The law introduces updated offences and penalties relating to cyberattacks, unauthorised access, data breaches, online fraud, digital content violations and misuse of information technology systems | |
| State of Kuwait | |
| Kuwait Implements New Maritime Law | Kuwait implemented the new Maritime Law, marking the operational rollout of the framework governing maritime activities and use of territorial waters |
| The law introduces requirements relating to vessel registration, licensing, navigation, maritime safety and environmental protection , alongside enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations | |
| State of Qatar | |
| Qatar Updates Foreign Property Ownership Framework | Qatar issued Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2026, updating the regulatory framework governing non-Qatari ownership and usufruct rights over real estate in designated areas of the country |
| The Resolution reaffirms the designated areas where non-Qataris may own or benefit from real estate rights and updates the procedures and conditions applicable to foreign property ownership and investment | |
| Qatar Issues Labour Law Amendments | Qatar issued Law No. 9 of 2026, amending certain provisions of the Labour Law promulgated under Law No. 14 of 2004 |
| The amendments introduce part-time and freelance work, non-compete agreements, wage protection, mandatory workplace committees, enhanced recruitment oversight and digital labour dispute resolution mechanisms | |
| Kingdom of Bahrain | |
| Bahrain Ratifies Consumer Protection Law Reforms | Bahrain ratified Law No. 28 of 2026, introducing amendments to the Consumer Protection Law |
| The amendments strengthen consumer rights, supplier obligations, warranty requirements, promotional sale regulations and administrative penalties for violations | |
