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Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Urges Stronger Judicial Cooperation at UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi

The UAE has called for enhanced international judicial cooperation to address cross-border organised, cyber, financial, and environmental crimes during the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi. Mubarak Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Justice, emphasised the need for resilient justice systems supported by information sharing and capacity-building. A key outcome of the gathering is the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, establishing a five-year roadmap for international legal partnerships.

Industry News

Emirates and Dubai Chambers Partner to Support SME Global Expansion

Emirates and Dubai Chambers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the international expansion of Dubai-based small and medium enterprises and startups. The partnership provides Dubai Chamber of Commerce members with access to Emirates SkyCargo's global freight network and Emirates Courier Express shipping solutions. Eligible businesses will also receive corporate travel incentives through the Emirates Business Rewards programme, including a 2,000-point welcome bonus.

China–UAE News

Mastercard Targets Processing Nearly All UAE Debit Payments Under Sovereign Scheme

Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of UAE debit transactions once its partnership with Al Etihad Payments is fully implemented. The project positions Mastercard as the underlying switching and processing technology provider for the UAE's national card switch and domestic Jaywan scheme. Concurrently, China's UnionPay International is expanding its own partnership with Al Etihad Payments to accept Jaywan cards across its network.

China–UAE News

Mastercard Targets Near-100% UAE Debit Processing as Domestic Payment Infrastructure Expands

Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of debit transactions in the UAE once its rollout with Al Etihad Payments is complete. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs event, Hai pointed to the UAE partnership as a strategic model for navigating national sovereignty payment initiatives, alongside references to operations in China. The UAE's domestic payments entity is also expanding cross-border acceptance and co-branded card ties with China's UnionPay International.