Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Reports No Cancellations of Planned Foreign Direct Investment in 2026

Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, stated that no planned foreign direct investment projects have been cancelled in 2026 despite regional geopolitical tensions. The country remains committed to achieving its target of $65 billion in annual FDI inflows by 2031, supported by domestic infrastructure development and investor partnerships. HSBC estimates that the UAE's planned infrastructure project pipeline exceeds $190 billion in financing requirements.

China–UAE News

Hong Kong Expands Offshore Yuan Financing and GCC Outreach for Belt and Road

Invest Hong Kong announced efforts to expand offshore yuan financing across Belt and Road markets during the Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2026 in Beijing. Hong Kong delegations have conducted roadshows in Gulf Cooperation Council countries to foster capital market ties and lower funding costs for infrastructure. The initiative targets clean energy, off-grid power grids, and energy storage, while encouraging mainland firms to expand via Hong Kong.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Ministry of Finance Issues Decision 197 on E-Invoicing Relief

The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Ministerial Decision No. 197 of 2026, granting compliance relief under the federal electronic invoicing system. Transactions within the same VAT tax group receive a 24-month exclusion starting January 1, 2027, and physical domestic storage requirements for archives have been lifted. The rule requiring companies to notify the tax authority of system failures within two days has also been eliminated.

China–UAE News

Ras Al Khaimah Promotes Investment Opportunities to Chinese Business Leaders in Shenzhen

Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi presented investment opportunities to nearly 300 business leaders at a summit in Shenzhen. More than 400 Chinese companies currently operate in the emirate across key growth sectors. Officials noted that UAE-China bilateral non-oil trade exceeded $110 billion in 2025.