Middle East

Policy & Legal Updates

Oman’s New Financial Centre to Begin Company Registration Before End of 2026

The International Financial Centre of Oman announced it will commence company registrations before the close of 2026 ahead of full licensing operations in 2027. Established under Royal Decree No. 8/2026, the centre operates on a common-law framework located at Madinat Al Irfan in Muscat. Dubai-based consultancy Savvy Setup noted the development offers cross-border firms an additional regional option alongside UAE jurisdictions.

China–UAE News

China and Oman Urge Hormuz Maritime Security and Middle East De-Escalation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman held official talks in Beijing, calling for peaceful dialogue between the United States and Iran and the safeguarding of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders warned against turning the region into an arena for major-power confrontation and stressed the importance of unimpeded global trade routes.

Policy & Legal Updates

J.P. Morgan Private Bank Establishes Regulated Branch in DIFC

J.P. Morgan Private Bank has launched a dedicated branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre licensed by the DFSA. The branch aims to serve high-net-worth individuals and family offices across the UAE and the Middle East.

Policy & Legal Updates

China and Oman Sign Comprehensive Agreement and Central Bank Currency Swap

Oman and China signed a comprehensive agreement and 14 memoranda of understanding in Beijing, including a formal bilateral currency swap mechanism. The agreements target cooperation in green development, digital currency, securities regulation, and space technology. Chinese direct investment in Oman has reached over 33 billion yuan ($4.6 billion).