GCC

Electronic communications, including WhatsApp conversations, text messages and emails, can serve as evidence in legal proceedings in Qatar when they meet the applicable legal requirements.

As digital communication has become an integral part of personal and commercial transactions, electronic records are increasingly relevant to disputes. Messages exchanged through mobile phones and email accounts can contain agreements, instructions, acknowledgements, payment arrangements and other information that may become important in court proceedings.

Qatar's legal framework recognises electronic evidence, including under legislation governing electronic commerce and cybercrime. However, the fact that information exists in digital form does not automatically make it conclusive evidence. Courts may assess whether the electronic material is authentic, relevant to the dispute and sufficiently reliable.

One important consideration is whether the parties involved in the communication can be identified. Evidence should, where possible, establish who sent and received the messages. The content should also be presented in its proper context.

This means that submitting isolated messages or selected screenshots may not provide a complete picture of the communication. Where a conversation is relevant to a dispute, preserving the sequence of messages can help demonstrate how the exchange developed and what was actually communicated between the parties.

The content must also have a direct connection with the legal dispute. A message may exist and be genuine but still have limited evidentiary value if it does not establish a fact relevant to the case.

Screenshots require particular care. Although they can provide a convenient record of a conversation, they may be altered or presented without the surrounding context. Their evidentiary value can therefore depend on whether their authenticity can be verified.

Identifying information, such as the relevant telephone number or account details, can help establish the source of a communication. Preserving the original device and electronic records may also strengthen the ability to verify the material if its authenticity is challenged.

Electronic evidence may carry greater weight where the other party acknowledges the communication or where the original device or records can be examined as part of an investigation.

Individuals and businesses involved in disputes should therefore avoid deleting, editing or altering potentially relevant messages. They should preserve complete conversations and retain the original electronic records rather than relying solely on screenshots.

The evidentiary value of a communication does not depend simply on whether it was sent through WhatsApp, SMS or email. Instead, the focus is on whether the material satisfies the applicable legal standards and enables the court to assess its authenticity, relevance and context.

As more business and personal dealings move online, preserving digital communications properly can become an important part of protecting one's legal position. Electronic messages may provide valuable evidence, but their usefulness ultimately depends on how reliably they can be authenticated and connected to the facts of the dispute.

 A national team has begun reviewing and developing Oman’s Child Law as part of efforts to update legislation and strengthen the protection of children’s rights.

The Child Law Review and Development Team, established under the National Committee for Family Affairs, held its first meeting recently under the chairmanship of HE Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary for Family and Community Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development.

The meeting examined the timetable and various stages of the review process, with a focus on ensuring that the proposed amendments are completed according to schedule.

The initiative seeks to bring legislation relating to children in line with evolving social and legal developments, while further strengthening Oman’s wider child protection framework.

Team members reviewed a number of legal provisions that had attracted observations. These provisions will undergo further study and analysis before the team submits its proposals and recommendations.

The meeting also emphasised the importance of coordination among the relevant authorities and organisations to ensure that the review is completed effectively and in accordance with recognised practices.

The proposed amendments are expected to contribute to the further development of Oman’s legal framework governing children’s rights, while ensuring consistency with national legislation and relevant international agreements.

Saudi Arabia’s new Government Tenders and Procurement Law will strengthen transparency, improve governance and promote fair competition in government contracting, Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said.

In a statement following the Cabinet’s approval of the law, Al-Jadaan said the legislation would improve the planning and implementation of government procurement while providing greater clarity, fairness and equal opportunities in competition and contractual dealings.

He said the law builds on the Kingdom’s efforts to develop regulatory frameworks supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including attracting investment and improving the efficiency and sustainability of public finances.

The new law introduces several measures aimed at streamlining procurement and accelerating decision-making. These include merging bid-opening and bid-evaluation committees into a single committee, strengthening the direct procurement method and increasing its financial threshold.

It also expands limited tendering to cover contracts with practitioners of liberal professions and gives heads of government entities broader powers to approve procurement procedures and sign contracts.

Al-Jadaan said empowering the private sector and supporting its growth were among the key objectives of the new legislation. The law requires government entities to process private-sector dues within specified timeframes before entering into new contractual commitments, helping promote timely payments and strengthen confidence in government contracting.

The legislation also seeks to use government procurement to support wider economic and development objectives, including research and development, innovation, industrial localisation and knowledge transfer.

Al-Jadaan said the law establishes a regulatory framework for research, development and innovation while strengthening provisions on industrial localisation and knowledge transfer. These measures are intended to help government entities use procurement more effectively to build national capabilities, support industrial development and facilitate the transfer of knowledge to the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is expanding access to legal and real estate services through a nationwide network of external service centres, allowing citizens, residents and businesses to complete a growing range of government transactions closer to where they live and work.

The initiative is designed to reduce travel time, improve convenience and enhance the customer experience by integrating government services into shopping malls, government service complexes and other high-traffic locations.

The ministry’s network currently comprises 10 external service centres. Visitors can access a wide range of services at these locations without having to travel to the ministry’s headquarters.

All centres operate during morning hours, while four also provide evening services to accommodate working professionals and members of the public who may be unable to visit during regular office hours.

The ministry has also introduced a mobile service office at Qatar Mall and Katara during evening hours. The service extends government facilities to high-footfall locations and provides greater flexibility for customers.

The external centres primarily provide real estate registration and notarisation services. Selected locations also process transactions on behalf of other government entities, including services related to banks, companies and vehicle documentation.

Two dedicated offices specialise in transactions involving non-Qatari ownership and usufruct rights in real estate, supporting Qatar’s regulated property investment framework.

Recent official figures highlight the scale of the legal and real estate sector supported by the ministry. Qatar currently has 703 registered real estate brokers, 424 registered experts and 306 licensed practising lawyers.

The MoJ’s physical service network is complemented by its digital transformation programme, which provides a broad range of online services covering notarisation, property registration, legal information and application tracking.

The digital platforms help reduce the need for in-person visits, while external centres continue to provide services that require physical verification, document authentication or other procedures that must be completed in person.

The ministry also publishes open data on completed real estate registration and documentation transactions, supporting greater transparency and enabling the monitoring of service performance.

The wider government service network continues to record strong demand. Official figures show that Government Service Centres delivered more than 146,000 services during the third quarter of 2025.

The Ministry of Justice ranked among the busiest government entities, completing more than 11,000 transactions in September 2025 alone.

The figures underline the growing importance of decentralised government services and integrated service centres in improving accessibility, convenience and operational efficiency.

By combining strategically located external centres, extended operating hours, mobile service offices and expanding digital platforms, the Ministry of Justice is continuing to bring legal and real estate services closer to the public while maintaining efficiency, accuracy and high standards in transaction processing.

Kuwait has introduced a new anti-concealment law aimed at strengthening transparency in commercial activities, protecting the national economy and creating a more level playing field for businesses, according to Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Boodai said the newly issued decree-law represents a major step in developing Kuwait’s economic and legal framework by ensuring that commercial activities are conducted openly and that government incentives and support are directed towards those who genuinely qualify.

The minister said the legislation expands the approach to tackling commercial concealment by introducing mandatory disclosure of the beneficial owner behind business activities. The move is intended to prevent unfair practices, promote equal opportunities and protect businesses that operate in compliance with the law.

Boodai explained that experience over recent years had highlighted cases where benefits and incentives designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other economic activities were misused by hiding the identity of the actual business owner or by operating under another person’s name.

Such practices, he said, denied legitimate entrepreneurs access to opportunities and created an unfair market environment that could discourage investment, innovation and economic diversification.

“The main beneficiary of this legislation is every person who fulfils their legal obligations and bears the costs of compliance,” Boodai said, adding that identifying the true owners of businesses would help create a more balanced marketplace where opportunities are available based on merit and lawful practices.

The minister noted that the new framework would also benefit consumers by improving transparency in commercial dealings. Clear ownership information would strengthen trust, make it easier to resolve complaints and help identify the parties responsible for business operations, thereby enhancing consumer protection.

Boodai stressed that the law applies equally to all violators, regardless of nationality or legal status. He said the legislation defines prohibited practices, sets out the responsibilities of parties involved in commercial concealment and provides authorities with the necessary powers to enforce the rules while maintaining legal safeguards.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will issue executive regulations to support the implementation of the decree-law, including procedures, enforcement mechanisms and compliance measures designed to maintain stability in the business sector while encouraging legitimate commercial activities.

Boodai urged companies and individuals to review their legal positions and regularise any existing issues before the law comes into full effect. He described the transition period as an opportunity for businesses to address violations and improve compliance before stricter enforcement begins.

He added that the continued expansion of digital services, integration of government databases and coordination between authorities would help improve transparency and provide a clearer understanding of commercial activities across the country.

The ministry has also made advisory services available for businesses and individuals seeking guidance on the new legislation and encouraged the public to submit questions and feedback through official channels.

Boodai said maintaining market integrity requires both effective regulation and greater public awareness. Allowing another person to operate under one’s name or commercial licence, he said, is not a minor issue but a practice that can deprive deserving entrepreneurs of legitimate opportunities.

He emphasised that the new law is not designed to limit economic activity but to create an environment where success is driven by competence, transparency and compliance.

The ministry will continue working with government bodies and the private sector to ensure smooth implementation of the decree-law, strengthen investor confidence and support an economy where achievement — rather than hidden ownership or personal connections — determines business success.

Qatar’s Public Prosecution has launched an investigation into allegations involving the forgery of official documents, misuse of medical leave certificates and damage to public funds after authorities uncovered a suspected network that allegedly supplied fake sick leave documents attributed to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

The investigation was initiated following a report submitted by the Ministry of Interior against a female Qatari suspect. According to the Public Prosecution, preliminary investigations found that the suspect had allegedly coordinated with individuals outside Qatar to facilitate the acquisition of forged medical leave certificates by several Qatari nationals. The certificates were allegedly presented to government entities to obtain leave that the applicants were not entitled to receive.

Taking, sharing or publishing photographs and videos of accident victims, injured persons or the deceased without consent is a punishable offence, Oman’s Public Prosecution has warned, stressing that protecting the privacy and dignity of victims is both a legal responsibility and a moral obligation.

In an official awareness message, the Public Prosecution reminded the public that images or footage captured at accident scenes, disasters or other tragic incidents cannot be circulated without the explicit approval of the individuals concerned or their legal representatives.

The authority said that recording or sharing such content may cause further harm to victims and their families, while violating their right to privacy. Images that may appear to be ordinary content captured on mobile phones could represent moments of personal tragedy and distress for those affected, it added.

The warning comes under Article 36/4 of the law on Combating Cybercrimes issued through Royal Decree No. 61/2026, which criminalises the unauthorised capture, publication or circulation of images and videos involving victims of accidents, disasters or similar incidents.

Those found guilty of such violations may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to RO5,000, or both penalties.

Authorities have urged individuals to exercise caution before recording or forwarding any images from accident sites, emphasising that public interest or curiosity does not override the privacy rights of victims and their families.

The Public Prosecution reiterated that responsible use of digital platforms requires respect for human dignity, particularly during moments of tragedy, and warned against treating victims’ suffering as content for social media sharing.

The Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) handled 1,479 cases in 2025 as it expanded its monitoring, complaint resolution and awareness initiatives covering workers’ welfare, child protection, healthcare, education and conditions in detention facilities.

In its annual review, the commission said it investigated complaints, verified facts and coordinated with relevant authorities to resolve cases in line with national legislation and international human rights conventions.

The OHRC also provided legal guidance to complainants, helping them access official channels to pursue their cases. Its work during the year focused on access to justice, detainees’ rights, healthcare services in correctional facilities, housing conditions, employment, education, social protection and environmental issues.

Monitoring Workers’ Welfare

As part of its efforts to protect labour rights, the commission conducted field visits to workers’ accommodation to assess living conditions, safety standards, healthcare facilities and hygiene levels.

Officials also met workers to understand their concerns and evaluate the services and facilities provided by employers.

The report highlighted the commission’s continued monitoring of prison conditions and rehabilitation programmes. It said complaints were addressed in coordination with relevant authorities, while initiatives such as family meeting facilities, cultural programmes and exhibitions displaying inmates’ work were introduced to support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Citizenship, Pardons and Public Services

The OHRC also monitored several developments during 2025, including Royal Decrees granting Omani citizenship to 329 individuals and Royal pardons covering 2,115 inmates, including both Omani and foreign nationals.

The commission said these measures reflected principles of citizenship, social stability and restorative justice.

It also followed up on complaints related to school maintenance after concerns were raised over student safety. The issue prompted the Ministry of Education to issue directives requiring stricter supervision of maintenance projects and compliance with safety standards.

In the healthcare sector, the commission welcomed the opening of the Muscat Recovery Centre, Oman’s first government-run addiction rehabilitation facility, and noted the establishment of the Suhar Recovery Centre through a public-private partnership.

The OHRC also highlighted improvements in reducing waiting times for medical appointments and surgeries, along with the launch of Oman’s National Health Policy.

Warning Over Child Exploitation on Social Media

The commission raised concerns over the growing exploitation of children on social media, warning that some families were using children’s online presence for popularity or financial gain at the expense of their rights and wellbeing.

The OHRC said such practices could negatively affect children’s psychological and social development, exposing them to risks including cyberbullying, abuse and blackmail.

It called for stronger protection measures through closer coordination between authorities and increased public awareness of children’s digital privacy rights.

The commission recommended stricter monitoring of online content, particularly material shared by influencers, along with updated regulations and faster reporting mechanisms to tackle digital abuse.

It urged parents and guardians to avoid publishing children’s personal information, photographs or other private details online, and called for measures to ensure the safe and responsible use of social media by individuals under the age of 18.

The OHRC said it also strengthened its public awareness programmes in 2025, trained a new group of internationally accredited human rights trainers, published workers’ rights guides in six languages and enhanced cooperation with international human rights bodies.

Three Omani nationals have been convicted in separate cybercrime and vote-buying offences linked to the tenth Majlis A’Shura elections, with their sentences upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

The Muscat Primary Court found the defendants guilty of using information technology to insult an individual and attempting to influence the electoral process through vote buying.

According to the Public Prosecution, Abdullah Abdulrahman Mohammed, Yousef Ahmed Shaheen and Tarik Ibrahim Hassan were convicted of online defamation under Article 16 of Oman’s Law on Combating Cybercrimes.

The court sentenced each defendant to one year in prison and imposed a fine of RO1,000. The first defendant was granted a partial suspension of his sentence and will serve one month in custody.

In a separate ruling, the second and third defendants were convicted of vote buying aimed at influencing the outcome of the Shura elections.

They were each sentenced to one year in prison and fined RO5,000. The court partially suspended the sentence against the third defendant, reducing his imprisonment to six months and lowering his fine to RO1,000. The second defendant will face the full sentence. The court also ordered the publication of the judgment.

The Public Prosecution said investigations found that the first and second defendants had shared a video on social media containing remarks considered insulting to one of the candidates in the tenth Shura elections.

The video questioned the candidate’s eligibility and ability to carry out his responsibilities, affecting his reputation and public standing, prosecutors said.

Investigators also uncovered communications between the second and third defendants that showed an agreement to buy votes in support of the second defendant. Authorities said the act was intended to compromise the integrity of the electoral process and undermine voters’ freedom of choice.

After completing the investigation, the Public Prosecution referred the case to the competent court, which issued the convictions.

The prosecution said the ruling demonstrates Oman’s commitment to protecting electoral integrity and enforcing laws against cybercrime and unlawful attempts to influence elections.