TME LEGAL | DUBAI – RECHT KLAR

NEWS

Legal, Real Estate

4 Feb. 2025

The Smart Rental Index in Dubai: A Legal Analysis

The Smart Rental Index is a crucial instrument for regulating the rental market in Dubai. It contributes to market stability and transparency, providing legal guidance for both tenants and landlords. However, there remains room for optimization, particularly in considering individual property characteristics and maintaining flexibility for investors. A continuous adaptation of the index to market conditions could help establish a balanced relationship between tenant protection and economic attractiveness for landlords and investors.

Omar Sami

Legal, Real Estate

29 Jan. 2025

Conversion from Leasehold to Freehold Properties in Dubai

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced that private property owners in two prominent areas, Sheikh Zayed Road (from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Water Canal) and Al Jaddaf, can convert their property ownership to freehold status. This opportunity is available to all nationalities and applies to 457 eligible plots: 128 in Sheikh Zayed Road and 329 in Al Jaddaf. The initiative is part of Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033, aimed at driving growth and strengthening the emirate's position as a global hub for real estate investment.

Omar Sami

Employment, Employment Law, Legal

22 Jan. 2025

Recent Developments in Employment Law in the UAE: Focus on Abu Dhabi Global Market and Remote Work

Significant reforms to UAE employment law will take effect in April 2025, focusing on the groundbreaking regulations of the Abu Dhabi Global Market. These updates redefine employee rights, introduce comprehensive protections for remote workers, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in flexible work models. The new regulations mark an important step in the evolution of the labor market, aligning it with the modern demands of the workforce

Derya Bandak

E-Commerce, Legal, Privacy Law

13 Jan. 2025

District Court of Cologne Decision: Misleading Advertising – Dubai Chocolate Must Come from Dubai

The Cologne District Court ruled that a chocolate product cannot be marketed as "Dubai Chocolate" if it is neither produced in Dubai nor has any geographical connection to Dubai. Distribution companies had advertised the chocolate with phrases like "a touch of Dubai" and "bringing the magic of Dubai to your home." The court deemed this misleading, as consumers might assume the chocolate originates from Dubai. Such use of geographical indications is prohibited under Section 128(1) of the German Trademark Act.

Sebastian Luermann

Employment, Legal, UAE

7 Jan. 2025

Mandatory Health Insurance Across UAE to Benefit Private Sector Employees and Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched a competitively priced basic health insurance package. Coverage extends to all private sector employees and domestic workers across the UAE, starting January 1, 2025. Employers in the Northern Emirates will be required to provide health insurance as a condition for residency permit issuance or renewal. The initiative aims to enhance worker welfare, reduce employer costs, and improve national healthcare infrastructure.

Derya Bandak

Legal, Regulation, Tax, UAE

15 Dez. 2024

UAE to Implement 15% Minimum Tax on Multinational Corporations Starting 2025

The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced the implementation of a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) of 15% on multinational corporations starting January 2025. The New Tax Policy Aims to Strengthen UAE's Fiscal Framework and Global Alignment. By balancing new tax obligations with growth-oriented incentives, the government seeks to attract multinational enterprises and foster innovation. Companies operating in the UAE should proactively assess the implications of these changes and explore opportunities to leverage the proposed incentives to support strategic goals.

Omar Sami

Economy, Legal

9 Dez. 2024

Legal Implications of the UAE’s New Climate Change Law for Companies: Climate Protection as a Compliance Obligation

UAE Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 provides a comprehensive legal framework aimed at combating climate change through mandatory environmental and reporting standards. Businesses are legally required to adapt their operations, invest in sustainable technologies, and establish internal compliance systems. Early adoption of these measures will help companies reduce legal and financial risks while benefiting from market-driven incentives.

Sebastian Luermann

Legal, Real Estate

2 Dez. 2024

Eviction Notices in the Context of Property Transfers

The sale of a rented property introduces a unique intersection of property law and tenancy rights in the UAE. Recent judicial developments have clarified longstanding ambiguities regarding the validity of eviction notices issued by the former owner and their binding nature on a new owner. As the UAE’s real estate market continues to grow, legal clarity in such matters will remain critical for maintaining balance and stability in the rental market.

Derya Bandak

Real Estate

25 Nov. 2024

FTA-Guide: Tax Exemptions for Personal Real Estate Investments in the UAE

The taxation of real estate investments by natural persons in the UAE necessitates a nuanced understanding of the applicable legal framework. The FTA’s guide serves as an essential resource for ensuring compliance and leveraging the benefits of the UAE tax system.

Omar Sami

Employment Law, Legal, Tax

17 Nov. 2024

UAE Supreme Court Decision: VAT Treatment of Employment-related Expenses for Employees

The UAE Supreme Court issued an important decision in Case No. 629, which has significant implications for the VAT treatment of employee housing costs and related utilities. It highlights the need for precise and transparent contractual drafting to meet both labor law and tax requirements.

Sebastian Luermann

Finance, Legal, Tax, z_ENG

11 Nov. 2024

E-Invoicing in the UAE

The UAE’s adoption of Federal Law No. 16 of 2024 and Federal Law No. 17 of 2024 sets the stage for a digitally advanced, transparent, and compliant tax environment. E-invoicing is a strategic step towards modernizing tax administration, simplifying processes, and fostering a culture of compliance. By adopting these e-invoicing measures, UAE businesses are not only meeting compliance requirements but also leveraging an opportunity to improve operational efficiency and data security.

Omar Sami

International, Legal, z_ENG

6 Nov. 2024

Last wills of EU citizens in the UAE

The structuring of inheritance law in cross-border cases, particularly in scenarios where the testator either simultaneously owns estate abroad or relocates his habitual residence to a foreign country, especially a non-European state like the United Arab Emirates, has always posed complex questions or difficulties in planning.

Sebastian Luermann