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Rise of Generative AI
Welcome 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 edition
A complete spectrum of legal services across jurisdictions in the Middle East & North Africa.
UAE Federal Transport Authority Issues Rules on Ship Fuel
Pursuant to Circular No. 11 of 2019 dated 22 December 2019 (the “Circular”), the UAE Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime (the “Authority”) has instructed that as of 1 January 2020, all fuel oil on board any UAE and foreign-flagged vessel entering UAE territorial waters must not have sulphur content “exceeding 0.50% m/m” (the “Compliant Fuel“).
Further, from 1 March 2020, UAE and foreign-flagged vessels entering UAE territorial waters “without an approved alternate means of compliance (such as Exhaust Gas Cleaning System)”, are prohibited from carrying fuel oil that is not a Compliant Fuel, unless such fuel complies “with the required emission levels”.
Non-compliance
The Authority directed that from 1 January 2020, all vessels entering UAE territorial waters or calling UAE ports that carry fuel that is not a Compliant Fuel, must submit a Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report (“FONAR”) in the manner as follows:
| Vessel’s Flag | Manner of Submitting the FONAR |
| UAE |
|
| Others |
|
Clients are advised that submission of the FONAR does not exempt the respective vessel from the requirement to carry Compliant Fuel. In this regard, vessels entering UAE territorial waters are recommended to obtain and carry Compliant Fuel at the earliest opportunity.
The Authority also “strongly recommends” that the Master of the vessel “prepares a Letter of Protest addressed to the local authorities in the port(s) where compliant fuel oil was not available”.
Retention of documents
The Circular also contains instructions on retention of documents, which is as follows:
| Document / Item | Retention Instructions |
| FONAR |
|
| Bunker Delivery Note |
|
| Representative Sample
(MARPOL |
|
Final Remarks
The issuance of the Circular follows the International Maritime Organisation’s implementation of the 0.50% global sulphur cap for marine fuels, and will assist vessel owners and charterers to better plan their voyages to the UAE, a maritime and bunkering hub in the Middle East.
Both Omar Omar and Gabriel Yuen are available should you have any query on fuel oil compliance and charterparty negotiations.
Key Contacts:
Omar Omar
Partner, Head of Transport & Insurance – UAE
o.omar@tamimi.com
Gabriel Yuen
Associate, Transport & Insurance
g.yuen@tamimi.com
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