In brief Employers have been facing many difficult and untested employment law issues over the last year and a half with COVID-19 and the impact it is having on their business. One of the most critical of these issues is whether they can make vaccination compulsory for their employees. On 7 May 2021, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (“MHRSD”) announced that it would be mandatory for public and private sector workers…
In brief In addition to the comprehensive economic support and stimulus program launched by the UAE Central Bank to curb the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has introduced radical amendments to the UAE Bankruptcy Law, offering distressed debtors with some level of leniency during these times of economic uncertainty and market disruption caused by circumstances outside of their control. Key changes include: adding new provisions to the law related to “emergencies” such…
On 25 May 2020, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has announced the gradual reopening of business activities in Dubai and removal of all movement restrictions between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, as of 27 May 2020. The sectors allowed to resume activities include retail and wholesale outlets, airports, clinics, educational and training institutions, sports academies, cinemas, entertainment and leisure attractions,…
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has announced to triple the rate of VAT to 15%, which will come to effect on 1 July 2020. This is a significant rate increase and one of the fiscal measures taken by the KSA Government to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other macro-economic developments on public finance. The increased rate is expected to apply to all supplies of goods and services that are currently…
On 15 April 2020, based on a study presented by the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA), the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 17/2020 fixing the prices of some products needed to combat COVID-19 for at least three months ending on 14 July 2020 (the Decision). This Decision is the first successful implementation of Article 10 of the Egyptian Competition Law (ECL), which grants the Council of Ministers the right to fix the prices of strategic/essential product(s)…