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Find out moreWelcome to the latest edition of Law Update titled “Rise of Generative AI.”
In this edition, we dive into the dynamic world of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. TMT continues to play a vital role in positioning the region as an international business and social hub, driving significant growth and innovation.
Our focus in this Law Update is on the sector’s ongoing potential to advance and propel the region toward a more digital economy. We explore the benefits of embracing a digital transformation and how local authorities have responded by enhancing regulations to accommodate the evolving TMT landscape.
This edition covers a range of topics, including – the new Telecommunications & Information Technology Law in Saudi Arabia, the intricacies of trademarks in the Metaverse, and the legal challenges faced by the video game industry. Additionally, we take a regional perspective, discussing jurisdictions such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain to provide a comprehensive understanding of the TMT landscape.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy this packed issue of Law Update, filled with captivating articles that address key legal issues within a vital sector for the region.
Read the full editionQatar has in place Law No. 25 of 2004 regarding the control over concealment of Non-Qataris’ practise of commercial, economic and professional activities in violation of the Law (“Proxy Law”). The Proxy Law has been amended by Law No. 27 of 2005 and more recently further amended by Law No. 3 of 2023.
Pursuant to the Proxy Law, non-Qataris may not practice any commercial, economic or professional activity except where permitted by law and it is prohibited for any person to assist any non-Qatari by enabling him by any means whatsoever to perform any commercial, economic or professional activity in violation of the Proxy Law.
Under the latest amendment to the Proxy Law, payment of dividend to each party (that is a shareholder in a company) is required to be in accordance with the profit distribution percentage set forth in the memorandum of incorporation of a company. Contravention of the Proxy Law would lead to fines and criminal penalties being imposed and additionally courts can order the closure or suspension of any business activity and confiscation of the goods which is in breach of the Proxy Law, publish the text of the court sentence in newspapers, deport the non-Qatari offender from Qatar and prevent the violator from practicing the activity in Qatar for upto three years from the date of completion or lapse of the penalty. The Qatari and non-Qatari party shall be jointly liable for all fees, taxes and other liabilities resulting from the practice of such activity.
Al Tamimi & Company is well positioned to provide bespoke advice on matters such as identifying key risks in any current shareholder arrangements and agreements vis-à-vis the Proxy Law and how to best resolve such issues.
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.