| Legal Updates |
Description |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Dubai Introduces Crypto Derivatives Regulatory Framework |
- Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) introduced a formal regulatory framework for virtual asset exchange-traded derivatives under its Exchange Services Rulebook
- The framework requires specific VARA authorisation for offering derivatives and introduces strict client suitability, margin and risk management requirements
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| UAE Climate Change Law Compliance Deadline |
- Entities must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects within one year of its effective date, with the deadline falling on 30 May 2026
- The law introduces obligations relating to emissions management, climate reporting and mitigation measures, with penalties for non-compliance after the deadline
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| Abu Dhabi Issues Hazardous Materials Guidelines Aligned with GHS Revision 11 |
- Abu Dhabi’s Hazardous Materials Management Centre issued 11 comprehensive guidelines governing the handling of hazardous materials
- The framework standardises requirements across the entire lifecycle (including import, storage, transport and disposal) and introduces clear obligations relating to classification, labelling and safety data
|
| UAE Central Bank Updates AML/CFT/CPF Guidance |
- The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) issued updated guidance on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing applicable to licensed financial institutions
- The update introduces enhanced expectations on risk-based compliance, customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and management of risks such as trade-based money laundering and proliferation financing
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| Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) |
| Saudi Arabia Introduces SPAC Framework for Nomu Market |
- The Capital Market Authority (CMA) approved a regulatory framework permitting the offering and listing of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) on the Nomu Parallel Market
- The framework sets out requirements for registration, offering and operation of SPACs, including governance safeguards such as shareholder redemption rights and minimum capital thresholds
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| Sultanate of Oman |
| Oman Issues Executive Regulation for Tourism Law |
- Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism issued the Executive Regulation of the Tourism Law introducing mandatory licensing for all tourism activities, structured regulation across sectors (including hotels, travel agencies, tour guides and adventure tourism), and enhanced compliance requirements
- It also provides for centralised registration, stricter enforcement and a six-month compliance period for existing operators
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| State of Kuwait |
| Kuwait Revises Merger Notification Thresholds |
- Kuwait’s Competition Protection Agency issued Resolution No. 32 of 2026, introducing revised merger control thresholds
- The amendments increase financial thresholds for notification, including higher turnover and asset thresholds, and introduce a target-level nexus requirement to ensure sufficient local connection
|
| Kuwait Introduces New Cybersecurity Controls Framework |
- Kuwait’s National Cybersecurity Center introduced new cybersecurity controls aimed at strengthening the protection of the country’s digital infrastructure and data systems
- The framework enhances requirements relating to risk management, threat detection, incident response and system monitoring across government and critical sectors
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| State of Qatar |
| Qatar Tightens Regulatory Framework for Representative Offices and Advisory Firms |
- The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority introduced amendments to the regulatory framework governing representative offices and advisory firms operating in the QFC
- The amendments clarify the permitted scope of activities for representative offices and strengthen supervisory controls to prevent unauthorised regulated financial activities
- A new framework has also been introduced for wholesale advisory firms, providing a proportionate regulatory regime for services offered to institutional and professional clients; the rules are set to enter into force on 1 May 2026
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| Kingdom of Bahrain |
| Bahrain Approves New Law to Modernise Legal Profession |
- Bahrain’s Parliament and Shura Council approved a new Lawyers’ Law relating to lawyer registration, training requirements, disciplinary procedures, and ethical standards
- It also regulates foreign lawyer participation and financial governance including dedicated client accounts
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