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Hong Kong Financial Secretary Visits Qatar to Deepen Gulf Financial and Trade Cooperation

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan arrived in Doha to advance economic, trade, and financial cooperation between mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Gulf region. During the visit, Chan met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi and Qatari Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari. Discussions centered on green finance, catastrophe bond issuance, bilateral investment, and Belt and Road initiatives.

Policy & Legal Updates

Abu Dhabi climbs eight spots to 33rd in global real estate transparency ranking

Abu Dhabi rose eight places to rank 33rd globally in JLL's 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index, scoring 2.42. The emirate recorded the largest improvement globally, supported by expanded market disclosure and digital initiatives led by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). ADREC has established a strategic target to rank among the top 25 most transparent real estate markets by 2030.

Industry News

Saudi Arabia Qualifies 13 Firms Including UAE and Chinese Entities for Gas IPPs

Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has qualified 13 companies to bid for the third round of the kingdom's combined-cycle gas turbine independent power producer programme. The qualified pool features regional and international developers, including UAE-based Taqa and Etihad Development Company alongside China's PowerChina. The projects will be executed under a build-own-operate model with provision for future carbon capture readiness.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Tax Authority Urges Businesses to Prepare for E-Invoicing Ahead of 2027

The UAE Federal Tax Authority has called on businesses to utilise the remaining time to prepare for mandatory e-invoicing ahead of its phased rollout starting January 1, 2027. The announcement was made during an ICAI Dubai Chapter conference attended by over 500 professionals. Officials confirmed the programme has transitioned to its pilot phase, operating under the decentralized Five-Corner Model via accredited service providers.