Recent enforcement actions across the GCC have established a new baseline for organizational and professional conduct. For businesses, community leaders, and professional service providers, “compliance-first” is now the mandatory standard for all regional operations.
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Abu Dhabi: Licensing for Social and Non-Profit Entities
The Department of Community Development (DCD) has finalized a significant milestone in its “Year of Community” initiatives, bringing the total number of licensed non-profit organizations to 115 as of February 2026. Under the strict directive “First the license, then the service,” all social clubs, professional associations, and charitable groups must be formally registered before engaging the public.
- Expanded Scope: The mandate now covers a diverse range of sectors, including health, justice, media, and professional services.
- Institutional Governance: The DCD is actively building a “Third Sector” ecosystem that prioritizes financial transparency and prevents illegal fundraising.
- Corporate Liability: Businesses must conduct rigorous due diligence when sponsoring or partnering with community groups. Collaborating with an unlicensed entity even for a charitable cause carries significant legal and reputational risks under the new regulatory framework.
Kuwait: Regulation of Professional Advice and Digital Media
In a major disciplinary shake-up, the Kuwait Bar Association and the Ministry of Information have launched a coordinated crackdown on unauthorized professional activity. This specifically targets the “digital advisory” space, where individuals have been providing legal or commercial consultations on platforms like TikTok and Instagram without proper local credentials.
Enforcement Actions: Authorities have already filed official complaints against numerous individuals (primarily expatriates) and suspended three law firms found to be operating under unauthorized management. Additionally, 11 lawyers were recently removed from the official register for failing to meet statutory requirements.
Influencer Licensing: A forthcoming Media Law will soon mandate that all social media influencers obtain an official license from the Ministry of Information before promoting products or services. This is designed to eliminate misleading promotions in sensitive sectors such as health, real estate, and financial services.
Digital Commerce Law: As of February 22, 2026, a new decree-law (No. 10 of 2026) has been issued to regulate digital commerce, establishing strict penalties including fines and potential imprisonment for misleading advertisements or operating without a license.
Corporate Risk and Strategic Responsibility
These shifts indicate a broader Gulf-wide move toward digital accountability and institutional transparency. The “informal” era of community engagement and digital consulting is ending, replaced by a structured environment where every service must be backed by a government-issued permit.
To mitigate risk, corporations operating in the region should:
- Audit Digital Content: Ensure that social media teams and brand ambassadors are not inadvertently providing regulated “advice” or “consultancy.”
- Verify NPO Licenses: Use the DCD’s official registry to verify the status of any non-profit or community partner before signing sponsorship agreements.
- Monitor Influencer Compliance: Ensure that any hired influencers or content creators are moving toward the mandatory licensing required by the new Media Law.
