when we called the Gulf Times on 25th December, they were not aware of these changes, suggesting that there had been no effort made by the authorities to ensure that those affected by the changes were given due notice.

As CB says, surely better to start on Sunday (30th Dec.), or maybe on the 1st of Jan.

And why no announcement in advance?

Even in KSA, when they introduced income tax (for about ten minutes) they announced it in advance!!