Policy update

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Sets E-Invoicing Deadlines and Penalties for Businesses and Government Entities

The UAE has established compliance timelines for its mandatory electronic invoicing system, requiring large firms to appoint an Accredited Service Provider by October 30, 2026. Entities failing to appoint an approved provider within the statutory deadlines face monthly administrative penalties of Dh5,000. Phased mandatory go-live dates run from January 1, 2027 through October 1, 2027.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Launches Third National Risk Assessment to Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Framework

The UAE has initiated its third National Risk Assessment to enhance oversight against financial crimes across more than 20 sectors. The initiative involves 84 public and private entities and will inform the UAE's national compliance strategy for 2024–2027.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Central Bank Licensees Permitted to Conduct Regulated Virtual Asset Activities

The UAE Capital Market Authority issued Resolution No. (16/Chairman) of 2026 permitting Central Bank-licensed institutions, excluding insurance firms, to conduct regulated virtual asset operations. Regulated activities include trading, brokerage, custody, and operating alternative trading systems. The measure removes the requirement for banks to establish separate licensed legal entities.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Central Bank Enforces New Takaful Rules Mandating Subscriber Fund Separation

The Central Bank of the UAE has implemented a new regulatory framework for Takaful insurance effective September 2026. The rules mandate full legal and financial separation between subscribers' funds and insurer assets, while requiring separate accounts for different insurance classes. Insurers must also obtain central bank approval prior to any fund transfers and provide independent financial disclosures.