Eyes on 2026

Legal Updates

UAE introduces comprehensive tax penalty reform – Effective 14 April 2026
time 3 min 48 sec
The UAE's AML Framework: Navigating a New Era of Financial Crime Compliance in 2026
time 6 min 53 sec
A New Era for Contractors in Dubai: An Overview of Law No. (7) of 2025
time 4 min 53 sec
CBUAE Set to Overhaul Insurance Agents Framework
time 4 min 6 sec
Tokenisation of Property Ownership in Dubai - New‑Age Thinking for Property Investment
time 4 min 39 sec
CBUAE Issues Draft Guidance on Individual Conduct for Board Members and Staff of Licensed Financial Institutions
time 4 min 32 sec
Telemarketing Regulation from CBUAE: Implications for Insurance Industry
time 6 min 57 sec
Collective Rights Management in the UAE: A new Era for Music Right Protection
time 5 min 11 sec
Professionalising the Insurance Services Ecosystem: KSA’s Comprehensive ISP Framework
time 4 min 10 sec
The Kingdom’s Draft Implementing Regulations for Insurance Companies: A Shift Toward Modern Risk-Based Supervision
time 4 min 39 sec
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Draft Open Insurance and InsurTech Framework
time 4 min 30 sec
Qatar’s Proposed Bankruptcy Law - A Modern, Pro‑Growth Framework
time 4 min 52 sec
Qatar’s proposed PPP law: what to watch for in 2026
time 3 min 6 sec
Qatar’s Growing Private Equity and Venture Capital Landscape: The Strategic Roles of QFC and the QVCA
time 5 min 27 sec
Launch of the New Bahraini International Commercial Court: A 2026 Outlook
time 4 min 36 sec
New Era for Bahrain Banking: Secured Transactions and Netting Laws Explained
time 3 min 8 sec
Bahrain’s Wage Protection System and Labour Law Compliance Reforms
time 2 min 21 sec
The New Bahrain Building Law: A Comprehensive Modernisation of Construction Regulation
time 5 min 21 sec
Oman’s Digital Banking Regulatory Framework
time 5 min 34 sec
New Corporate Governance Requirements for Closed Joint Stock Companies in Oman
time 3 min 21 sec
New requirements for authorised managers of Omani companies
time 2 min 3 sec
Omani Social Protection Law: Key Timeline Extensions under Sultani Decree 60/2025
time 3 min 8 sec
New Omanisation Mechanism for Businesses: Key Regulatory Developments
time 3 min 41 sec
Enforcing E-Awards in GCC and MENA
time 4 min 31 sec
What’s Ahead for Digital and Data Regulation Across MENA
time 6 min 32 sec
UN Security Council Revives Iran Sanctions: What Does This Mean for MENA Businesses
time 6 min 41 sec
Navigating the New Arbitration Landscape: Comparative Insights and Key Amendments
time 4 min 54 sec
Technology and the Evolution of Property Investment in MENA: Towards Transparency, Speed, Security and Predictability
time 8 min 42 sec
Kuwait’s Companies Law Set for Modernisation: Opening New Avenues for Investment and Growth
time 3 min 50 sec
Increasing Confidence in Economic Justice and Foreign Investment
time 4 min 14 sec
Kuwait tightens public health and digital advertising oversight: what beauty operators, brands, and influencers need to know through 2026
time 3 min 39 sec
Cryptocurrency Comes to Jordan: How Law No. 14 Positions the Kingdom in the Global Digital Economy
time 4 min 31 sec
Draft Iraqi Arbitration Law – Investor-friendly law expected to be published in 2026
time 3 min 6 sec
Iraq’s Right to Access Information Law: Outlook for 2026
time 5 min 18 sec
Egypt's New Criminal Procedures Law: A Landmark Reform Taking Effect in October 2026
time 4 min 21 sec
Egypt’s Holiday Homes Regime: An Investment Opportunity for Hotel Operators and Property Owners
time 4 min 25 sec
Morocco Simplifies Name Change Process with 2025 Legal Reform
time 3 min 8 sec

Metrics that Matter

Digital Banking Frameworks Unlock Fintech Scale

With Oman joining the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, regulatory infrastructure for branchless, API-based banking models has reached critical mass. This level of regulatory readiness is expected to drive accelerated fintech licensing activity throughout 2026, particularly for digital-only banks and payment service providers leveraging clarified operational pathways.

67%

of GCC central banks have now issued digital banking frameworks.

Arbitration Reform Aligns Across Borders

Between 2025 and 2026, coordinated arbitration reform—including enacted changes in Saudi Arabia and draft legislation in Iraq—is strengthening the enforceability of cross-border awards. This synchronised modernisation further positions MENA as an increasingly arbitration-friendly forum for international commercial disputes.

8%

MENA jurisdictions are implementing or consulting on UNCITRAL Model Law-aligned arbitration frameworks.

Sonya Syan Director of Knowledge
Dina Assar Senior Knowledge Lawyer
Sabeeha Moola Senior Knowledge Lawyer
Anna Robinson Senior Knowledge Lawyer
Kirsty De Sousa Senior Knowledge Lawyer
Kamarya El Yaagoubi Knowledge Lawyer
Laith Alkayyali Knowledge & Innovation Advisor (KSA)
Vincent Percival Senior Knowledge Translator
Zane Anani Senior Knowledge Lawyer
Zeina Ayad Senior Knowledge Specialist

Explore Previous Editions

2025 Legal Highlights

In 2025, the MENA region continues its transformation, building on the legal and regulatory changes introduced in 2024. Across banking, finance, corporate structuring, and dispute resolution, countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Iraq are modernising frameworks and enabling reforms that drive integration with global markets.

2024 Legal Highlights

In 2024, our team of legal experts prepared this publication to deliver clear insights into the evolving legal landscape across the MENA region. It provided a comprehensive overview, highlighting the key developments that shaped legal practice and commercial activity throughout the year.