In brief As you may know, on 14 September 2023, the Personal Data Protection Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. M/19, dated 09/02/1443H, amended pursuant to Royal Decree No. M/148, dated 05/09/1444H (the “PDPL”), officially entered into force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While the PDPL came into force on 14 September 2023, organisations were afforded a further 12 Hijri months’ period from the date of entry into force to bring themselves into compliance…
In brief The UAE has issued Federal Law No. 48 of 2023 in relation to insolvency (the “New Insolvency Law”), which replaces Federal Law No. 9 of 2016 and comes into effect on 1 May 2024. Although the previous law was more progressive compared to the previous insolvency articles embedded in the old Commercial Code of 1993, at least in relation to the numerous insolvency matters and other protective composition and restructuring witnessed by the…
In brief The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has constantly been a pioneer in the region when it comes to making decisions to protect the environment and limit the spread of plastic waste, which poses a significant danger to the environment and wildlife. On 30 December 2023, the Dubai Executive Council issued Decision No. 124 of 2023 to regulate the usage of single-use products in the Emirate of Dubai (“Decision”), in support of the previous Dubai…
In brief To future-proof its regulatory system, the UAE cabinet has established the Emirates Drug Corporation (EDC) in September 2023. As a new independent regulator, the EDC will replace the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for the regulation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Besides medicines and medical devices the EDC will also be responsible for cosmetics, dietary supplements, GMOs, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural conditioners and plant growth regulators. The EDC will also take over some…
ZATCA has published the Regional Headquarters Tax Rules (“RHQ Tax Rules”), approved and enacted by ZATCA’s board resolution no. (9-1-24) on 04/02/2024. Under the RHQ Tax Rules, RHQ licensed entities will enjoy the following tax incentives for a period of 30 years commencing from the date on which the RHQ license is issued: Any income derived by an RHQ entity that is not eligible for an exemption under the RHQ Tax Rules (such as income…