Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 allows eligible free zone companies to operate in the mainland market without establishing duplicate onshore entities. Mainland access is granted via permits from Dubai Economy and Tourism tied to existing free zone business activities. Financial institutions governed by the Dubai International Financial Centre are excluded from the regime.
Under UAE labour regulations, employers may enforce non-compete clauses barring former employees from joining rivals for up to two years if specific statutory criteria are met. The restrictions must define time, geography, and scope of work, while employers bear the legal burden of proving actual financial damage in court. Clauses become void if an employer terminates the employment unlawfully or breaches contractual obligations.
UAE legislation imposes severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines of up to Dh500,000, for online statements that constitute defamation, insult, or invasion of privacy. Legal guidance published in Khaleej Times highlights the distinction between objective, evidence-backed consumer feedback and unlawful personal attacks or false claims. The statutory framework is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Cybercrimes alongside the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law.
Under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, individual residents in the UAE will face a limit of five registered vehicles starting January 1, 2027. Residents may hold up to two vehicles under standard terms, while registering additional vehicles up to the five-vehicle cap will require extra fees. The numerical cap applies to individual residents rather than companies, though fee levels and transition rules for existing owners remain unspecified.
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