Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Outlines 10-Year Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria for Exceptional Talent Categories

The UAE has released qualifying criteria for its 10-year Golden Visa covering creative, scientific, sports, and specialized professional fields. According to the Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Authority, the scheme grants renewable decade-long residency to eligible applicants and their families without a national sponsor. Specialized professionals must earn at least AED 30,000 monthly, hold a bachelor's degree, and carry comprehensive health insurance.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Capital Market Authority Shifts Stance Toward Market Engineering and Regulatory Harmonisation

The UAE's Capital Market Authority (CMA) has transitioned from a traditional regulatory watchdog into an economic enabler, according to its chief executive Waleed Al Awadhi. Speaking at the Meira 2026 conference in Dubai, Al Awadhi stated that the authority completely rewrote its laws over the past 18 months. The regulator is working with Dubai's DFSA and Abu Dhabi's FSRA to harmonise frameworks and bolster international competitiveness.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Capital Market Authority Rewrites Regulations Following 18-Month Overhaul

The UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) has completely rewritten its laws and regulatory rulebook following an 18-month reform process. Announced by CMA Director General Waleed Al Awadi at the Meira 2026 conference, the reforms transition the regulator into a market developer while coordinating rules with DIFC and ADGM authorities.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Gender Balance Council Honours Organisations at Inaugural SDG 5 Pledge Awards

The UAE Gender Balance Council honoured four organisations at the inaugural SDG 5 Pledge Awards in Dubai, recognising measurable workplace policies and female leadership initiatives. Award recipients included Standard Chartered UAE, ADNOC, Schneider Electric, and Deloitte Middle East. Eight additional private-sector organisations officially signed the SDG 5 Pledge during the ceremony.