Legal Updates

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (9) of 2020 regulating family-owned businesses in Dubai.

The Economic Substance legislation introduced by the UAE government last year (Cabinet of Minister’s Resolution No. (31) of 2019) (the “Law”) in line with the UAE’s commitment as a member of the OECD Inclusive

In light of the COVID-19 situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), on 12 April 2020, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (the Ministry) issued

In light of the COVID-19 situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 26 March 2020, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (the Ministry) issued Ministerial Resolution No. 279 of 2020 Regarding the Stability of Employment in Private Sector During the Period of Applying Precautionary Measures to Contain the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (the Resolution), effective immediately.

Law No. (3) of 2020 on the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (“DMCC”) was issued last month by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai (the “New Law”).

Last year, the UAE Cabinet announced the Federal Decree-Law No (19) of 2019 on Insolvency which came into force in January 2020. This new law does not apply to persons who fall under the scope of Federal Law No 9 of 2016 (the “UAE Bankruptcy Law”), it applies to natural persons and their personal or commercial debts incurred in their personal capacity.

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Center (“RAK ICC”) has announced the launch of its new product, Foundations (RAK ICC Foundations Regulations of 2019). The RAK ICC Foundation regime allows formation and registration of a Foundation for charitable or non-charitable purposes.

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (“DED”) introduced the E-Trader License in 2017, which made it easier for individuals to sell their products and/or services online- specifically those who conduct their business through social media only from their homes.

Following the removal of the UAE from the EU Blacklist, the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (“RAK ICC”) has launched a special offer

From 1st December 2019, a 100 percent tax will be levied on e-smoking devices, vapes and certain soft drinks, as announced by the UAE Cabinet.

Dubai Law No. 6 of 2019 Concerning the Ownership of Jointly Owned Real Estate in the Emirate of Dubai (the “New JOP Law”) will take force on November 18th 2019.

The issuance of Law No. 6 of 2019 leaves the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) better equipped to monitor the maintenance of jointly owned properties in Dubai.

UAE remains to be a pioneer in innovation - with the introduction of Virtual Company License being the latest.

The Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) announced the launch of a Dual Licensing Regime, following the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the entities.

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) now offers a business package designed exclusively for women. The package provides businesswomen with the following 8 free zone license types to choose from

The newly enacted Law No. 02 of 2019 supplements the DIFC’s commitment to high standards for employee-focused provisions. The new Employment Law comes into effect on 28th August 2019 and focuses on the requirement of balancing the needs of employers and employees in DIFC while ensuring optimal employment standards, to contribute to the success of the Centre. This will completely replace and overhaul the existing employment law scheme in operation in the DIFC, Law No. 4 of 2005 as amended.

As awareness regarding the importance of drafting a will and registering it in the UAE is increasing and becoming more popular within the UAE expat non-Muslim community, we see developments by the UAE Authorities that provide individuals with more options with regards to drafting and registering their Wills.

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Center (“RAKICC”) and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (“RAKEZ”) can now register land and freehold properties- in any of the 23 freehold areas in Dubai- on behalf of free-zone companies. This development is a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) that was signed between Dubai Land Department (“DLD”) and RAKICC & RAKEZ- separately.

ABU-DHABI – The Legal Group Advocates & Legal Consultants (TLG) is pleased to announce to our clients and associates that the government of the United Arab Emirates has circulated a Ministerial Decision that the official fees for Intellectual Property Rights registration will be reduced, covering trademarks, patents, copyrights and designs.

Prior to Federal Decree Law No. 19 of 2018 (the “FDI Law”) coming into force at the end of last year (2018), there was a 51 percent requirement- only allowing foreigners to own 49% of a Company incorporated in mainland UAE...

One of the modes of succession planning in the UAE includes drafting of Wills. Wills are strongly advised in the UAE in lieu of the fact that they assist in avoiding the lengthy process of execution in times of unforeseen circumstances.

The UAE has recently launched a permanent residency scheme for investors and exceptional doctors, engineers, scientists and artists called the “Golden Card”.

Abu Dhabi Government’s decision to amend Law No. 19 of 2005 on Real Estate Ownership (“real estate law”) allowing foreigners to own freehold properties in designated

The Legal Group would like to inform our clients and associates that the Indonesian Government has issued the new Government Regulation No. 28 of 2019 concerning Types and Tariffs on Non-Tax State Revenue

As a result of the fast-paced growth of the market for medical and health technology, the United Arab Emirates’ (“UAE”) Government has passed UAE Federal Law No (2) of 2019, (the “Health Data Protection Law” or the “Law”) to regulate health data and information through the use of information and communication technology in the country.

The Dubai Land Department (“DLD”) recently started registering real estate properties in the name of “DIFC Foundation”. Accordingly, this implies the acceptance of such entities under UAE law making them an appealing solution to individuals or Companies who can potentially benefit from setting up a Foundation. In the case that the Founder of the Foundation is the owner of the property before the transfer, the Transfer Fee will be 0.125%. In any other case the Transfer Fee will be 4%.

The Ministry of Trade and Economy in Kuwait last month released a statement outlining the new regulation with regards to power of attorney (PoA), which will come into effect in April 05, 2019.

Earlier this month, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”) issued the country’s first double tax treaty (“DTT”) with the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”). The aim is to avoid double taxation in respect to income, capital and further, to prevent tax evasion. This is the first treaty between the two respective (2) Gulf Cooperation Council states.

The Legal Group Advocates & Legal Consultants (TLG) would like to inform our clients and associates that The Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan issued an official circular, announcing an increase in official fee for IP services. The increases are up to 50% on the official fees applied for IP Services in Pakistan from the current rates.

The United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) has issued its first Federal Law that specifically addresses product safety. The new law primarily aims to ensure the safety of products supplied within the country, facilitate trade to the UAE and develop a framework for product introduction to the country.

Earlier this month, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan decreed two (2) new laws for the year 2019 concerning the establishment of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (“ADIO”) and Public-Private Partnerships (“PPPs”). The Law is aimed to provide guidance to investors and promote the United Arab Emirates’ capital

The Pyidaungsu Hlattaw Law No. 3, 2018 Day 11th Waning day of Pyatho Month of M.E year 1380 (Year 2019, January Month, 30th Day)

The United Arab Emirate’s (“UAE”) Federal Tax Authority (“FTA” or the “Authority”) has issued a new Public Clarification (the “Clarification”) to outline

The Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (“RAK ICC”) is a Corporate Registry operating in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (“UAE”).

The Dubai Healthcare City Authority (“DHCC”) has announced a Visiting Doctor's License (the “License”) - starting 20th January 2019 - which would allow international doctors to enter the country and work in up to three (3) different clinical facilities simultaneously for up to two (2) years within the DHCC freezone and also, sponsor their families.

The United Arab Emirates’ (“UAE”) President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has Decreed amendments to the country’s 1987 Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987) to strengthen and make the law more wide-ranging.

Federal Decree-Law No. (19) of 2018:  Issued by his Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the new Foreign Direct Investment (“FDI”) law, Federal Decree-Law No. (19) of 2018 (“FDI Law of 2018”), is now in force. The new law is anticipated and expected to by attract and encourage a greater number of foreign investments into the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”). 

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued an official Decree for the creation of a Financial Information Unit and a National Committee to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and other illegal organizations. Both the Information arm and the Committee would be set up within the UAE Central Bank.

The parliament of The Kingdom of Bahrain has approved the introduction of Value Added Tax. The Value Added Tax (VAT) Law in Bahrain has been issued under the Royal Decree No. (48) of 2018 on October 6, 2018 and approved by the upper house. 

Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has announced that the Department of Trademarks and Patents has upgraded its trademark renewal system. The new system has resulted in a switch from manual filing of renewal applications to an online system. 

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (“ADDED”) announced a decision enabling companies to operate in the capital’s free zones as well as in the mainland simultaneously. The decision is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business in order to attract foreign investment to the UAE.

In addition to being an Agent of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (“JAFZA’) and the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Center (“RAK ICC”), TLG’s Corporate and Commercial Division is proud to announce that TLG has become an official Channel Partner to the Sharjah Media City Free Zone (“SHAMS Free zone”) located in the United Arab Emirates’ (“UAE”) cultural capital, the Emirate of Sharjah.

Issued in August 2018 as Emiri Decree No. 02 of 2018 (“Cybercrime Law Amendment”), the new decree amends the United Arab Emirates’ (“UAE”) Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2012 On Combating Cybercrimes (“Cybercrime Law”).

The Kingdom of Bahrain (“Bahrain”) recently issued Law No. 30 on the Protection of Personal Data (“Law No. 30/2018”) which is due to come into effect one month after it's publication in the official gazette. The Kingdom’s law on the matter states that protection of personal privacy is among one of the primary constitutional rights of a person

Previously, in April 2018, the United Arab Emirates’ (“UAE”) Federal Tax Authority (“FTA”) had announced its intention to make it possible for tourists to reclaim Value Added Tax (“VAT”).

On 19th June 2018, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (“UAE Central Bank”) issued Notice No. 157/2018 (“Notice 157/2018”) amending Appendix 2 of the Regulations

Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and Ruler of Dubai

On 20th May 2018, the United Arab Emirates’ (“UAE”) Cabinet discussed to allow one-hundred (100%) foreign ownership of onshore companies within the country and approved the rule granting ten (10) year visa(s) for investors, exceptional students, entrepreneurs, innovators and specialists including scientists, doctors

According to the draft law by the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) National Media Council (NMC), social media influencers who post content

The Legal Group Advocates & Legal Consultants (TLG) would like to inform our clients and associates that the Ministry of Industry & Trade in Yemen