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Find out moreIn May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.
From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.
With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.
2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
Since the beginning of 2025, we have seen several significant legal developments that affect employers across various sectors in Qatar. These include:
These changes reflect the government’s broader efforts to enhance employment regulation, promote national workforce participation, and increase employer accountability.
Employers operating in Qatar’s mainland private sector must adapt hiring practices and HR processes to prioritise Qatari nationals and children of Qatari mothers (Nationals). This includes:
It is worth noting that most of the obligations – save for the reporting requirements – require secondary legislation to provide specific details. Though employers should already be:
Failure to comply may result in hefty fines, visa blockages, reputational consequences, including public naming and shaming, and imprisonment for any fraudulent claims of complying with the Nationalisation Law.
Employer obligations include the requirement to:
Additionally, the Executive Regulations set out the notification requirements and assumption of obligations (as applicable) on employers in the context of any merger, liquidation, or dissolution, including the submission to the authorities of supporting documents and insured (pensionable) employee-related data. Further, the Executive Regulations indicate the relative responsibilities of any successor entity arising out of a merger.
Failure to comply may result in fines that could be multiplied per each insured (pensionable) employee.
The Employment Standards Office (ESO) of the Qatar Financial Centre has issued helpful guidelines to better understand what constitutes constructive dismissal under Article 22 of the QFC Employment Regulations.
QFC Employers should:
A misstep could entitle an employee lawfully to resign without notice and claim compensation. Also, any employee constructively dismissed is not bound by certain key obligations under their employment contract.
It is a good time for QFC Employers to now:
The QFC has also launched a new Employment Agreement Template that is more detailed than the previous one available.
QFC licensed entity employers should review their employment contracts to ensure that they are (at least) in line with the new template provided.
Al Tamimi & Company’s Employment team advises clients across Qatar and the MENA region on the practical implementation of labour reforms. We can assist with:
To learn more about our services and get the latest legal insights from across the Middle East and North Africa region, click on the link below.