01 | Saudi Arabia’s New Consumer Protection Law Prohibits Fake Reviews and Misleading Pricing

As of 2026-11-13, businesses engaged in retail, e-commerce, or marketing in Saudi Arabia should include consumer reviews, price displays, and payment charges in their near-term compliance checks. The Consumer Protection Law approved by the Saudi Council of Ministers will take effect 180 days after its publication in the official gazette. It will replace the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, the E-Commerce Law, and the Commercial Data Law.

The law prohibits false information, the concealment or misrepresentation of material information, and the sale of counterfeit products. It also regulates undue influence on consumers, burdensome restrictions, and fees charged for specific payment methods. During crises, pandemics, and other extraordinary circumstances, the competent authorities may impose temporary price controls, set maximum profit margins, or require approval before prices are increased.

Penalties include fines of up to SR8 million, imprisonment for up to two years, suspension of business activities, confiscation of non-compliant products, and public warnings to consumers. Businesses should review more than advertising copy: product pages, review management, promotional pricing, checkout processes, and payment fees also require attention. Specific implementation requirements remain subject to the latest publications from the Saudi authorities.

Source: Saudi Gazette, 2026-11-11

02 | UAE Simplifies 13 Types of Work Permits and Cuts Documentation Requirements

UAE employers can use the changes to reassess their work-permit procedures, but fewer documents do not mean that the conditions for each permit have been removed. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has simplified 13 types of work permits, eliminated supporting-document submission requirements for the relevant permits, and reduced the required data fields for some permits by 75% to 97%. Applications are handled through the ministry’s unified digital channels.

The categories cover recruitment from outside the UAE, transfers between employers, employment of residents sponsored by their families, temporary and mission work, part-time work, private tutoring, juvenile work, and student training or employment. They also include permits for UAE and GCC nationals, Golden Residency holders, national trainees, and freelancers. Some permits generally remain valid for two years, subject to the conditions of each category.

Employers can update internal document lists and form fields, then check which permit applies to each working arrangement. Categories involving juveniles and students still carry specific conditions for work and training environments. The applicable requirements remain subject to the latest publications from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Source: People Matters Global, 2026-11-11

03 | Egypt Reports 29% Tax Revenue Growth and Expands Tax and Customs Incentives

Businesses planning to invest or expand in Egypt should watch how the next fiscal year’s facilitation measures affect filing, customs clearance, and real estate tax services. The reported growth in tax revenue does not indicate a new tax burden. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said tax revenue increased by 29% from July through March of the current fiscal year without additional burdens on taxpayers. He attributed the increase to stronger economic activity, a broader tax base, and the modernization of tax procedures.

Egypt is implementing 40 tax and customs measures and plans to introduce new tax, customs, and real estate facilitation packages in fiscal year 2026/2027. Announced measures include shorter customs-clearance times, mobile applications for real estate tax services and real estate transactions, and new or expanded tax service centers. Eligibility and application conditions for each incentive remain subject to subsequent publications from Egypt’s Ministry of Finance and other competent authorities.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Finance, 2026-06-01

04 | Egypt Announces Customs Measures to Facilitate Cross-Border Trade

Businesses engaged in transit or cross-border trade through Egypt can assess whether a new guarantee option reduces the cash tied up in customs procedures. Egypt’s Ministry of Finance announced customs facilitation measures that allow a paper insurance policy to serve as a guarantee for transporting foreign goods under the transit system, providing an alternative to cash guarantees.

The policy must cover customs duties, VAT, and the value of prohibited goods. It cannot be cancelled or amended without prior written approval from both the Egyptian Customs Authority and the Tax Authority. The measures are intended to accelerate customs procedures, reduce financing pressure on investors, and expand transit trade. Before using this option, businesses should confirm the coverage, document format, and applicable procedure under the latest publications from the competent authorities.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Finance, 2026-03-27

05 | Central Bank of Iraq Warns Banks Against Extra Charges on Dollar Sales

Businesses making or receiving US-dollar payments in Iraq should check the official exchange rate separately from itemized fees, rather than treating extra markups as part of the exchange rate. The Central Bank of Iraq warned banks and electronic payment companies against adding unjustified charges or margins to dollar transactions for traders and travelers.

Mahmoud Dagher, an adviser to the central bank governor and the bank’s spokesperson, said banks and payment companies buy dollars from the central bank at 1,510 Iraqi dinars per dollar. When selling at the official rate of 1,520 dinars, they may retain 10 dinars per dollar for profit and commissions. The central bank requires overseas card payments to use the official rate of 1,520 dinars, with every commission clearly itemized and fees kept to a minimum.

The central bank said it would monitor margins charged by banks and payment companies. The report also noted that Baghdad exchange shops were selling $100 for about 169,000 dinars at the time, around 11% above the official price of 152,000 dinars. That market-rate gap does not justify unnecessary fees on transactions conducted through official channels. Businesses arranging transfers or overseas card payments can request separate disclosure of the exchange rate, commissions, and other fees.

Source: 964media, 2026-11-11

06 | Türkiye Updates Its 2026–2030 Green Deal Action Plan

Turkish businesses exporting products covered by the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism should incorporate emissions accounting, verification capacity, and carbon costs into medium-term operating plans. Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade has updated its 2026–2030 Green Deal Action Plan. It covers 11 policy areas, 41 objectives, and 142 actions, including carbon pricing, industrial decarbonization, the circular economy, renewable energy, green finance, and international cooperation.

Türkiye’s Climate Law took effect on 2025-07-09, providing the legal basis for the national emissions trading system. The related emissions trading system regulation took effect on 2026-08-27. The government plans to assess the system’s effects on industrial competitiveness, production costs, and decarbonization during 2026–2028, and to develop a methodology and sector list for industries at high risk of carbon leakage during 2027–2030.

The EU accounts for approximately 47% of Türkiye’s exports of products covered by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The action plan calls for an impact assessment and legal framework for a Turkish carbon border adjustment mechanism linked to the national emissions trading system in 2027, followed by a data mechanism similar to the EU registry during 2027–2028. Affected businesses should identify covered products, emissions-data sources, and verification responsibilities. Specific obligations remain subject to the latest publications from the Turkish authorities.

Source: SteelOrbis, 2026-11-11

Other updates

  • 09 | Bahrain Waives Promotional Fees and Extends Discount Periods for National Day: Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has introduced a National Day incentive for the commercial sector, waiving promotional campaign fees and extending commercial discount periods to give local businesses more flexibility when planning festive offers. (Source: Lovin Bahrain, 2026-11-12)
  • 10 | Egypt Allocates Red Sea Land for Debt Reduction and Sovereign Sukuk: Egypt’s president issued a decree allocating about 26,690 feddans, or approximately 112.1 million square meters, of state-owned land in the Red Sea governorate to the Ministry of Finance for public debt reduction and sovereign sukuk issuance; the government has outlined a path to reduce public debt to about 69.5% of GDP by 2030. (Source: Daily News Egypt, 2026-11-11)
  • 12 | Saudi Authorities Reiterate Job Advertisement and Interview Requirements: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reminded employers to comply with job-advertisement and interview rules, including notifying candidates of interview outcomes within 30 days; the decision took effect on 2025-03-23 and applies to Saudi and non-Saudi candidates. (Source: Morgan Lewis, 2026-11-10)
  • 13 | Turkish Central Bank Raises Growth Limits for Selected Consumer and Business Loans: The eight-week growth limits for general-purpose consumer loans and vehicle loans to consumers increased from 3% to 3.5%; the limit for Turkish-lira loans to SMEs rose from 5% to 5.5%, while the limit for non-SME loans increased from 2% to 2.5%. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 15 | Türkiye Signs Energy and Development-Bank Financing Agreements at COP31: Türkiye signed energy and financing arrangements at COP31, including China–Türkiye renewable-energy cooperation targeting about $15 billion in investment in Türkiye and $5.1 billion in agreements with four development banks; the arrangements include signed loans, preliminary studies, and investment targets, so not all funds have been disbursed. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 16 | Türkiye Sets a 2027 Target to Raise Domestic Oil and Gas Output: Türkiye’s energy minister said Gabar’s daily oil production is targeted to exceed 100,000 barrels in 2027 and output from the Sakarya Gas Field is expected to double; current Gabar production is about 84,000 to 85,000 barrels per day, and the higher figures are government targets rather than achieved output. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 17 | DP World Accelerates Two Fujairah Terminals to Expand Alternative Shipping Routes: DP World is accelerating two Fujairah terminal projects involving about AED 2.5 billion in investment, bringing phased operations forward from an estimated 24 to 30 months to 18 to 24 months; more than 1 million TEUs were moved from east-coast ports to Jebel Ali and domestic UAE markets between early March and the end of October. (Source: Gulf News, 2026-11-12)
  • 19 | Mubadala Plans to Take Up Its Pro-Rata Entitlement in First Abu Dhabi Bank’s Rights Issue: First Abu Dhabi Bank plans to raise about $4.08 billion through a rights issue, with new shares offered at a 30% discount to the previous closing price; its largest shareholder, Mubadala Investment Company, plans to subscribe for its full pro-rata entitlement. (Source: The National, 2026-11-11)
  • 21 | Head of Türkiye’s Banking Regulator Resigns Amid Fund-Case Allegations: Şahap Kavcıoğlu, head of Türkiye’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, announced his resignation and linked the decision to recent allegations concerning the regulator and himself; the resignation does not establish that the allegations have been proven in court or that regulatory rules have changed. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 22 | Turkish Central Bank Raises Inflation Forecasts on Middle East Conflict and Energy Costs: The central bank raised its year-end 2026 inflation forecast from 28% to 29.5%, revised its 2027 and 2028 forecasts to 21% and 13.5%, and retained its 2029 forecast of 9% and medium-term target of 5%. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 23 | Bahrain Bourse to Introduce New Trading Sessions: Starting on December 1, Bahrain Bourse will add a closing auction session and a trading-at-last session for securities listed on its regular market; the auction will establish a closing price based on supply and demand, after which eligible trades can be executed at that price. (Source: Gulf Daily News)
  • 24 | Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority Prepares to Launch Short Selling: The Financial Regulatory Authority is working with the exchange, central clearing institution, brokerage firms, and custodians to finalize operating procedures and test real-time connections for the centralized securities-lending system; the mechanism remains in preparation and no formal launch date has been announced. (Source: Daily News Egypt, 2026-11-11)
  • 25 | Iraq and the IMF Advance Talks on a Medium-Term Reform Framework: Iraq and the International Monetary Fund concluded a round of negotiations in Amman on a 2027–2029 reform path covering public finances, monetary policy, banking, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, the electricity sector, and governance; expert-level talks will continue with the aim of producing a three-year implementation timetable. (Source: Iraq Business News, 2026-11-12)
  • 26 | Iraq Studies an LPG Pipeline Linking the South and North: Iraq’s Ministry of Oil is considering a national liquefied petroleum gas pipeline linking the country’s south and north and has ordered a feasibility study; the project is intended to improve domestic transport and supply while providing flexibility to export surplus production, but construction has not formally begun. (Source: Iraq Business News, 2026-11-11)
  • 27 | Iraq and Lebanon Discuss Lower Logistics Costs and Activation of Free-Trade Arrangements: The two countries discussed expanding trade, reducing logistics costs, and activating bilateral free-trade arrangements, including proposals for Lebanese goods to enter Iraq via Lebanese trucks through the Al-Qaim and Trebil border crossings and for a transit system between the countries; the arrangements remain under discussion. (Source: Iraq Business News, 2026-11-11)
  • 28 | Qatar Government Tenders Reach QAR 6 Billion in Q3 2026: Qatar’s Ministry of Finance reported QAR 6 billion in government tenders and auctions in the third quarter of 2026, covering 757 tenders, practices, and direct agreements; local companies received QAR 5.5 billion in contracts and foreign companies QAR 500 million. (Source: Qatar News Agency)
  • 29 | Qatar Central Bank Opens the Madar Innovation Center: The center gives innovators, fintech companies, and financial institutions access to testing and piloting environments, specialist expertise, and collaboration opportunities; its launch does not amount to a new financial licence, regulatory exemption, or digital-asset trading permission. (Source: The Peninsula, 2026-11-11)
  • 30 | Qatar’s Standards and Metrology Body Adopts Its 2030 Strategy: The strategy covers national standards infrastructure, institutional efficiency, digital services, technical requirements for SMEs, and international market access for Qatari products; its adoption does not mean that new mandatory standards or certification requirements have taken immediate effect. (Source: The Peninsula, 2026-11-12)

Last updated: November 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.