GCC

Egypt is preparing to overhaul regulation of its real estate development market under a draft law that would establish the Egyptian Federation of Real Estate Developers and introduce new rules governing developer classification, unit sales, buyer protection and stalled projects.

Under the proposed legislation, developers would be required to open a separate bank account for each project or development phase. All payments collected from buyers under sales contracts would have to be deposited into the designated account and could only be used for the relevant project or phase.

Withdrawals from each project account would be linked to the construction schedule and the actual rate of completion. These would be determined on the basis of a report prepared by the project’s appointed consultant and approved by the Egyptian Federation of Real Estate Developers.

According to a preliminary copy of the draft law reviewed by Daily News Egypt, the Ministry of Housing is consulting developers on the proposed provisions before the legislation is submitted to the Cabinet.

Prior Approval Required Before Marketing Projects

The draft would require developers to obtain prior approval from the federation before advertising units for sale, marketing projects or participating in real estate exhibitions.

Developers would also have to deposit amounts specified under the relevant regulations into each project’s designated account, taking into account the size of the project and its development costs.

The measures are intended to strengthen oversight of customer funds and ensure that money collected from buyers is directed towards the projects for which it was paid.

Two Funds Proposed To Protect Buyers

The draft law proposes the establishment of two independent funds to protect customers who contract with real estate developers.

One fund would cover customers dealing with registered real estate developers, while the other would protect customers dealing with companies classified as “deemed real estate developers”.

The Prime Minister would determine the management structure of each fund, contribution rates, the risks covered and the rules governing compensation payments.

The proposed funds are part of a wider framework aimed at reducing risks for property buyers and providing mechanisms to deal with stalled projects and failures to meet contractual obligations.

Mandatory Classification Based On Project Size

Companies operating in the sector would be divided into two categories — “real estate developers” and “deemed real estate developers” — based on the nature and size of their projects.

The first category would include companies developing residential projects and related activities on land of at least five feddans, as well as commercial, administrative, service and tourism projects covering at least one feddan.

Companies developing projects below these thresholds would fall into the “deemed real estate developer” category, provided they have previously completed projects covering at least three feddans and meet requirements relating to experience, financial solvency and their record of violations.

Existing developers would be required to regularise their status within one year of the effective date of the law’s executive regulations.

Federation Registration To Become A Condition For Project Approvals

Registration with the federation would become a prerequisite for developers seeking approval for their projects.

Companies applying for registration would have to include real estate development among their corporate purposes, provide evidence of land ownership or allocation, demonstrate financial solvency and establish that they have not been subject to a final bankruptcy ruling.

Administrative authorities would also be prohibited from approving land subdivisions or issuing project-related licences until they had verified that the company was registered with the federation and had obtained the appropriate classification.

The federation would maintain two electronic registers — one for real estate developers and another for companies classified as “deemed real estate developers”.

Registration and classification information would be publicly available free of charge and updated monthly, allowing prospective buyers to verify a developer’s status before entering into a contract.

Federation To Monitor Market And Settle Disputes

The proposed federation would have wide-ranging responsibilities, including classifying companies, establishing a professional code of conduct, settling disputes, monitoring real estate prices and preparing periodic reports on market activity.

The government is seeking to create a more structured regulatory framework for the real estate development industry as the sector has expanded and concerns have increased over developers’ ability to complete projects and deliver units on schedule.

The proposed framework would also give the federation a central role in monitoring market practices, strengthening professional standards and improving transparency between developers and buyers.

New Mechanisms Proposed For Stalled Projects

The draft law sets out procedures for dealing with developers that fail to implement their projects.

Initially, the developer would receive a formal notification and be given an opportunity to resume construction. If the developer failed to respond or take corrective action, the federation could arrange for another company to complete the project at the original developer’s expense or resort to one of the proposed protection funds.

If the federation did not intervene, the competent administrative authority could assign the project to one or more developers registered with the federation, in accordance with rules to be set out in the executive regulations.

The proposed provisions come as the government has begun identifying stalled real estate projects and assessing their status amid complaints from some buyers over delays in the delivery of units.

CBE Monitors Real Estate Sector Financing

The preparation of the draft law also coincides with regulatory efforts by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to monitor bank financing extended to the real estate sector, including the relationship between financing and actual project implementation rates.

The proposed framework would subject developers’ financial capacity, use of customer funds and progress in project execution to greater scrutiny, while establishing mechanisms intended to protect buyers if projects encounter financial or operational difficulties.

Qatar has introduced a new set of regulations governing the legal profession, covering lawyer registration examinations, the licensing of non-Qatari lawyers to represent Qatari law firms and the use of websites and social media by legal practitioners.

The measures, issued by the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Lawyers’ Admission Committee, HE Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, form part of efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for the profession and raise standards of legal practice.

The decisions were published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette and will take effect 30 days after publication.

New Rules For Lawyer Examinations

Under Decision No. 116 of 2026, new rules have been established for examinations required for registration in the practising lawyers’ register.

The examinations will be held every three months at the Ministry of Justice’s Centre for Legal and Judicial Studies. The Lawyers’ Admission Committee, working with the centre, will oversee the preparation of the examination system, organise and conduct the tests, assess candidates and announce the results.

Candidates must achieve at least 50% to pass. Examination results will remain valid for one year from the date they are announced.

The decision also sets out procedures for candidates who fail the examination, including the opportunity to retake the test, measures applicable following a second unsuccessful attempt and the period within which a fresh registration application may be submitted.

Licensing Of Non-Qatari Lawyers

Decision No. 117 of 2026 establishes requirements for licensing non-Qatari lawyers to appear on behalf of Qatari law firms before the authorities covered by the Law of Advocacy.

Applicants must have a law degree from a recognised university and meet the prescribed professional experience requirements. They must also demonstrate good conduct and reputation and must not have a final conviction for a felony or an offence involving dishonesty or breach of trust.

Applicants will be required to undergo a personal interview and pass examinations prescribed by the Lawyers’ Admission Committee.

The decision also establishes procedures for submitting and assessing licence applications, appealing rejected applications and taking the professional oath before the committee or an authorised representative.

It sets a maximum number of licensed non-Qatari lawyers who may appear on behalf of a law firm, with the permitted number determined by the registration category of the Qatari lawyer.

A separate register for non-Qatari lawyers will also be established within the Department of Legal Affairs. Known as the Register of Non-Qatari Lawyers, it will record details of lawyers licensed to represent Qatari law firms, together with their licences and relevant decisions issued in relation to them.

Tighter Rules For Digital Practice

Decision No. 118 of 2026 introduces rules governing lawyers’ use of websites and social media accounts in connection with their legal practices.

Websites and accounts must carry names linked to the lawyer or law firm operating them, while their content must be confined to legal activities and services.

Lawyers will be responsible for ensuring that information and legal services published through their digital platforms are accurate and reliable. They must also comply with professional ethics and cybersecurity requirements prescribed by the relevant authorities.

The rules place particular emphasis on confidentiality and data protection. Lawyers must safeguard confidential information and personal data and may not publish material that could affect the course of legal proceedings or compromise their confidentiality.

Digital platforms must also not contain promotional content that could undermine the dignity of the legal profession or mislead the public.

The regulations prohibit lawyers from using websites or social media accounts to encourage or incite people to initiate legal proceedings. They also establish requirements for lawyers’ professional appearances on digital platforms, with the stated aim of protecting the dignity, integrity and standing of the profession.

Broader Regulatory Framework

Taken together, the three decisions create a more detailed framework governing entry into the legal profession, the participation of non-Qatari lawyers and lawyers’ use of digital technology.

The measures are intended to clarify professional procedures, strengthen compliance with ethical standards, protect client confidentiality and personal data, and support the development of legal services and the wider justice system in Qatar.

The Research Centre at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Justice has published a four-part detailed commentary on the Civil Transactions Law following its approval by Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani.

The commentary examines the provisions of the law in detail, explaining the intended meaning of each article and the legal terminology used. It also sets out the conditions governing the application of each provision and the legal effects arising from it, supported by practical examples and distinctions between cases falling within a specific provision and those outside its scope.

The publication also examines the relationship between the provisions of the Civil Transactions Law and other relevant legislation. It explains the legal consequences of failing to comply with its provisions and identifies rules considered matters of public policy that cannot be altered by agreement between the parties.

The commentary is intended to serve judges, lawyers, academics, researchers, legal advisers and law students by providing a detailed reference for understanding and applying the law.

The publication is the third in the Research Centre’s legal commentary series, following earlier commentaries on the Law of Evidence and the Personal Status Law.

The first part covers the introductory chapter and sources of obligations, while the second examines provisions governing obligations. The third part focuses on nominate contracts, and the fourth addresses real rights and the law’s final provisions.

The commentary is intended to deepen understanding of the Civil Transactions Law and provide greater clarity on its provisions. The Ministry said the publication would help promote their proper application to different factual circumstances, strengthen legal certainty and support the quality of judicial decisions, while contributing specialised legal knowledge to the wider legal community.

EFG International has reached a final settlement with Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) over civil proceedings in the UK, the Swiss private bank said.

Kuwait’s public pension fund had accused asset manager Man Group, EFG and others of involvement in laundering bribes allegedly paid to its late director.

EFG said it had already made a provision for the case, but the settlement would have a marginal additional impact of about 5 million Swiss francs ($6.09 million) on its net profit for the second half of 2026.

The settlement removes all remaining litigation risk for EFG arising from the claims involved in the UK proceedings, which relate to events that took place between 1995 and 2012, the bank said.

For years, thousands of litigants in Kuwait have faced lengthy waits for final judgments as appeals accumulated at the country’s highest court. A new judicial law seeks to tackle the structural problems behind the backlog, including a shortage of senior judges, inconsistent legal interpretations and limited court capacity.

Tackling The Cassation Backlog

The main pressure point has been the Court of Cassation, Kuwait’s highest court of appeal, where the volume of pending cases has grown significantly. Legal experts have described the accumulation as a form of “judicial choking”, with more than 81,000 appeals reportedly pending before the court in July 2025.

Legal expert Dr Ahmed Al-Khudeir, speaking on Kuwait Television, attributed the delays largely to the shortage of experienced senior judges and the growing complexity of appeals.

A further problem has been the emergence of conflicting rulings on similar legal questions. Different judicial panels can sometimes reach different conclusions when interpreting the same provision, creating uncertainty and encouraging further appeals.

The new legislation seeks to address both problems while giving courts additional tools to manage proceedings more efficiently.

Expanding Judicial Capacity

Decree-Law No 80 of 2026 replaces legislation that had been in force for about 36 years and introduces changes aimed at modernising the judicial system and reducing case backlogs.

One of the central measures is the temporary assignment of experienced counsellors from the Court of Appeals to the Court of Cassation. The provision is intended to provide additional judicial capacity when the highest court faces a shortage of senior personnel.

The law also reduces the time required for Kuwaiti judges to progress to senior counsellor positions. The change is designed to expand the pool of judges qualified to handle cases at the higher levels of the judiciary.

Al-Khudeir said the shorter promotion periods could help fill senior judicial positions more quickly. The ability to second Court of Appeals counsellors to the Court of Cassation would also allow the judiciary to respond more flexibly to fluctuations in workload.

The explanatory memorandum accompanying the legislation specifically links the changes to the accumulation of appeals and the resulting delays faced by litigants.

Addressing Conflicting Legal Principles

Another important element of the reform concerns differences in judicial interpretation.

When separate chambers reach conflicting conclusions on the same legal issue, litigants can face uncertainty over how a particular law will ultimately be applied. Such differences can also contribute to further appeals and prolong proceedings.

The new law strengthens the role of an 11-member Unification of Principles Panel, which can be convened by the President of the Court of Cassation or its Technical Office to establish a common legal principle.

A similar mechanism existed under the previous legislation, but the new framework expands the circumstances in which it can be used.

According to Al-Khudeir, the President of the Court or the Technical Office can seek the unification of a legal principle without necessarily waiting for two conflicting judgments to emerge.

The approach is intended to resolve questions of legal interpretation at an earlier stage, helping judicial chambers follow a consistent approach and giving litigants greater certainty about how the law is likely to be applied.

Moving More Proceedings Online

The legislation also formally provides for courts to conduct hearings and other litigation procedures through electronic platforms.

Under the new framework, virtual proceedings can include hearings and the taking of witness testimony. Such hearings are recognised as public trials within the constitutional framework.

The move could also give the judiciary greater flexibility when caseloads rise. Rather than requiring additional physical courtrooms, some proceedings could be conducted remotely using digital platforms.

Al-Khudeir said the system could create additional capacity without the need for significant physical expansion. Judges could conduct proceedings from smaller rooms while allowing members of the public to attend hearings through an electronic link.

The measure reflects Kuwait’s wider move towards greater use of technology in judicial administration and could become particularly important if case volumes increase in the future.

Early Signs Of Lower Case Volumes

The latest reforms follow procedural changes that had already begun to affect the number of cases entering the court system.

Statistics cited by legal experts indicate that overall court case volumes have fallen by about 20 per cent. Appeals filed before the Court of Cassation have reportedly declined by 40 per cent compared with the previous year, while filings before the Court of Appeals and First-Instance Courts have fallen by about 27 per cent.

Al-Khudeir said the reduction was already having an effect on court schedules, with fewer cases contributing to changes in hearing dates.

The new legislation is therefore intended not only to deal with the existing backlog but also to reduce the likelihood of a similar accumulation developing again.

By combining additional judicial resources, faster progression of judges, earlier resolution of conflicting legal principles and wider use of virtual hearings, Kuwait is seeking to make its court system more responsive to growing demands.

The effectiveness of the reforms, however, will ultimately depend on how quickly the new mechanisms are implemented and whether the reduction in incoming cases can be sustained.

Kuwait has unveiled a draft decree law aimed at modernising the country’s media regulations and creating a unified legal framework covering traditional and digital media.

Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Al-Omar said the proposed legislation represents a major step towards updating Kuwait’s media laws while balancing freedom of expression and media work with professional responsibility and the protection of society.

The draft consolidates existing legislation governing publications, publishing, audio-visual media and electronic media under a single legal framework. It also covers advertising, content creation, artistic production, broadcasting services and other related activities.

The proposed system is intended to provide media professionals, businesses and investors with a clearer legal reference as the sector responds to rapid technological and digital developments.

The draft law also proposes a more flexible licensing system through a unified electronic platform. The system would simplify licensing procedures and connect applications with the relevant government authorities, reducing administrative complexity for media-related activities.

For the first time, the proposed legislation would introduce specific rules governing content creators and advertising on social media platforms. It would establish disclosure requirements and standards for the use of artificial intelligence in content production, with the stated aim of improving transparency and protecting consumers.

Child protection and family safeguards are also key elements of the proposed legislation. The draft includes stricter controls intended to prevent exploitation and abuse, while updating content standards to address risks emerging from the expanding digital environment.

The legislation proposes a graduated approach to enforcement. Depending on the nature and seriousness of a violation, authorities could begin with warnings and administrative measures before imposing financial penalties. Criminal sanctions would be reserved for specifically defined cases.

The proposed framework is intended to bring Kuwait’s media regulations in line with changes in technology and the way content is produced, distributed and consumed, while establishing clearer obligations for media organisations, advertisers and digital content creators.

The Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) has referred seven individuals and entities to the Public Prosecution since the beginning of this year following initial monitoring and investigation into suspected offences under Article 10 of the Accounting and Auditing Profession Law.

SOCPA warned that providing false or misleading information can result in imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to SR2 million. The organisation also stressed that certified public accountants are responsible for the accuracy of financial reports and information they certify.

Under Article 10, a certified public accountant may commit an offence by certifying financial statements that have not been audited either by the accountant or by employees working under their supervision. Those found guilty of one or more of the offences covered by the article may face imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of up to SR2 million, without prejudice to any additional penalties prescribed under other laws.

Offences Covered

The law also criminalises providing false information or forged certificates to obtain a professional licence, as well as misleading the public in any manner about the right to practise the profession.

It further covers cases where a certified public accountant knowingly provides false information or conceals information that is required to be disclosed. Certifying a report that does not reflect the truth or contains false information in a document required by law or professional regulations is also considered an offence.

Other violations include disclosing confidential information relating to an entity for which professional services are provided, providing false information about the qualifications or experience of employees, or assisting in the provision of such information.

SOCPA said the measures form part of its efforts to strengthen compliance with professional and regulatory requirements and address practices that could undermine the reliability of financial information.

The organisation said the reliability of financial reports is a fundamental element of financial health and is important for protecting entities, beneficiaries and users of financial statements.

It also highlighted the role of coordination between the accounting and auditing regulatory system and relevant regulatory and judicial authorities in strengthening compliance, addressing irregular practices and improving the integrity of financial information and the quality of professional services.

Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has referred the management of a telecommunications tower to the Public Prosecution after it allegedly prevented one of the country’s licensed telecommunications service providers from accessing the building while granting exclusive access to another operator.

The CRA said the practice restricted fair competition, affected consumer rights and was contrary to the public interest. Following regulatory and legal intervention, the tower management rectified the situation and allowed the previously denied service provider to access the building and deploy its services in accordance with Qatar’s telecommunications regulations.

The regulator said the referral followed the tower management’s failure to comply with official notices and its continued alleged violation of Qatar’s Telecommunications Law under Decree-Law No. 34 of 2006, as amended by Law No. 17 of 2017. The alleged breaches also involved provisions of the law’s Executive By-Law, issued under Decision No. 1 of 2009.

The CRA said the enforcement action was part of its statutory mandate to uphold telecommunications legislation, safeguard competition and prevent practices that could give one licensed operator an unfair advantage over another.

Equal Access

Under Qatar’s telecommunications regulatory framework, licensed service providers are entitled to access buildings and facilities on an equal basis. The principle is intended to ensure that operators can deploy their networks and provide services without discriminatory restrictions.

The CRA said the tower management’s alleged conduct was inconsistent with these requirements because access was effectively granted exclusively to one operator while another licensed provider was prevented from deploying its services at the same location.

Following the initiation of judicial proceedings and an investigation into the alleged violations, the tower management complied with the applicable legislation and regulations. Its technical team subsequently provided the affected telecommunications provider with access to the building, allowing it to deploy its services without restrictions or discriminatory conditions.

Regulatory Enforcement

The CRA reiterated that equal access to buildings and facilities is an important element of maintaining competition in Qatar’s telecommunications market. The authority said the regulatory framework is designed to ensure that licensed providers can compete on a fair basis while consumers have access to a wider range of telecommunications services.

The regulator also warned that it has the authority to refer cases to the relevant authorities and pursue legal measures against conduct that may constitute monopolistic practices or obstruct the exercise of its statutory powers.

The CRA called on building and facility managers, as well as licensed telecommunications service providers, to comply fully with the laws and regulations governing access to telecommunications infrastructure.

The authority said it would continue enforcing Qatar’s telecommunications regulatory framework to support a fair and transparent market, improve service quality, expand consumer choice and encourage the availability of innovative telecommunications services.

Kuwait has introduced new regulations governing the exercise of judicial control powers by qualified employees of the Protection Centers Department, strengthening procedures for responding to domestic violence while protecting the privacy and rights of victims.

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the issuance of a ministerial decision setting out the rules and procedures for employees of the Protection Centers Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs to exercise judicial control powers. The decision implements Decree Law No. 11 of 2026 on protection from domestic violence.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Huwailah said the decision was designed to enable legally and socially qualified Kuwaiti personnel to protect vulnerable groups, monitor domestic violence cases and respond to them promptly within a framework based on justice, confidentiality and integrity.

Under the new rules, employees granted judicial authority must be Kuwaiti citizens of good character and reputation and provide a recent criminal record. They must also hold at least a bachelor’s degree in psychological counselling, social counselling or law.

Applicants are required to complete specialised training in co-ordination with the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies. After successfully completing the course, they must take the legal oath before the head of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs before assuming their duties.

The authorised employees will have powers intended to help protect victims and ensure that cases are dealt with promptly. These include monitoring domestic violence cases, inspecting locations they are legally authorised to enter, documenting observations and information in official reports, requesting relevant documents, preserving evidence and referring reports to the competent authorities without delay.

The decision also establishes restrictions on how these powers may be exercised. Authorised employees are prohibited from using their position or influence for personal gain or interfering in family relationships beyond the scope of their official duties.

They are also barred from making media statements or publishing photographs that could disclose the identities of victims. The restrictions are intended to protect the privacy of individuals involved in domestic violence cases.

Employees must immediately withdraw from handling a case and inform their direct supervisor if circumstances arise that could create a suspected conflict of interest involving any party connected with the incident. The requirement is aimed at maintaining neutrality and objectivity in the handling of cases.

Strict confidentiality is also required in relation to all data, correspondence and documents connected with domestic violence cases. The obligation continues even after an employee leaves the service.

The relevant department will prepare an annual statistical report to evaluate the protection system and identify practical challenges in its implementation. The report must not include information that could disclose the identities of victims.

Al-Huwailah said the decision marked an important step towards institutionalising social and legal work in Kuwait and creating a secure legal framework to protect the dignity of families and their members, particularly children, women, older people and people with disabilities.

The Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial and Administrative Cases has ordered a man to pay Dh1 million to another man who had sued him over a disputed bank transfer.

The claimant sought an order requiring the defendant to repay Dh1 million, together with legal interest at 12% from the date the lawsuit was filed until the amount was paid in full.

The claimant told the court that the defendant had asked him to transfer money on the understanding that it would be repaid with profits. He said he subsequently transferred Dh1 million to the defendant but that the latter failed to repay the amount despite repeated requests, prompting him to take legal action.

During the proceedings, the court appointed an accounting expert to examine the financial transactions between the parties. The expert's report confirmed that the claimant had transferred Dhs1 million from his bank account to the defendant.

However, the report found no documentary evidence establishing the reason for the transfer. It also found no evidence that the defendant had subsequently paid any amount to the claimant, as neither party had submitted documents proving repayment.

The court then required the claimant to take the decisive oath concerning the amount allegedly owed to him. The claimant took the oath in the prescribed form, thereby establishing the defendant's liability for the Dh1 million.

Based on the evidence and the claimant's sworn statement, the court ordered the defendant to pay Dh1 million to the claimant.