China

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Enforces Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Filings and Releases Employee VAT Recovery Rules

Effective October 1, 2026, the UAE implemented mandatory advance cargo reporting for inbound maritime container shipments under the Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information program, requiring electronic filings at least 24 hours prior to loading. Concurrently, Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 17 of 2026 took effect on October 1, establishing conditions for taxable businesses to recover input VAT across six categories of employee expenses. Both regulatory measures introduce stricter compliance and documentation obligations for businesses operating in or trading with the UAE.

China–UAE News

China Securities Secures DIFC Licence to Establish Regional Base in Dubai

China Securities (CSC Financial) has received an operational licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre and authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The Beijing-headquartered brokerage will provide investment banking, capital markets, and asset management services to bridge Chinese and Gulf capital. In parallel, JD Properties partnered with KEZAD Group to construct a 150,000-square-meter logistics facility in Abu Dhabi.

Industry News

COOEC Secures QatarEnergy EPIC2 Contract for Maydan Mahzam Offshore Redevelopment

China Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC) has received an award notification from QatarEnergy for the MM EPIC2 project. The scope encompasses over 100 kilometers of subsea pipelines, cables, and umbilical lines for the Maydan Mahzam offshore redevelopment. The contract lifts COOEC's cumulative Middle East order intake past 50 billion yuan over three years.

China–UAE News

Abu Dhabi Expands Fujairah Port Infrastructure to Secure Trade Corridors to China

Abu Dhabi has advanced its multi-billion-dollar 'Zero Hormuz' initiative by expanding container terminals and oil storage at the Port of Fujairah. Managed by sovereign investment platform L'imad Holding, the project aims to secure direct energy and cargo corridors to China bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative coincides with discussions regarding the privatization of AD Ports Group at a valuation near $9 billion.