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Consumer Markets & Tourism

Retail, e-commerce, hospitality and tourism

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: The Economic Times

Five Gulf Nations Pursue Schengen Visa Waiver Ahead of Riyadh EU-GCC Summit

Five Gulf Cooperation Council states are seeking a Schengen visa exemption for their citizens ahead of an upcoming bilateral summit in Riyadh. The Economic Times reports that the discussions apply exclusively to national passport holders rather than foreign residents living in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates currently remains the only GCC member country with established visa-free Schengen access.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Angel In Dubai

UAE Enacts Cabinet Resolution 136 of 2026 Governing Business and Tourism Compliance

Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026 establishes updated operational criteria, accounting mandates, and licensing rules for mainland and free-zone commercial entities in the UAE. Entities with an annual gross turnover of AED 50 million or more must submit audited financial statements, while smaller firms must retain digital accounting records for at least five years. Businesses have a 180-day grace period ending on March 30, 2027, to achieve compliance before facing administrative fines.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Business Today

UAE updates five key regulations in October spanning e-invoicing, housing, and food standards

The UAE introduced and updated several key regulations in October covering electronic invoicing, shared housing, food standards, child photography, and penalties law amendments. Notable measures include Ministry of Finance accreditation requirements for e-invoicing providers and strict room occupancy rules under Dubai's Law No. 4 of 2026. Violations across these domains carry severe sanctions, including fines of up to Dh1 million, business suspensions, and licence cancellations.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Gulf Business

Five GCC Nations Close to Starting Schengen Visa Exemption Process, Official Says

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi stated that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are close to beginning the official process for Schengen visa-free travel. A formal announcement is expected at the second EU-GCC Summit in Riyadh on October 24. Currently, the UAE is the only GCC member state whose citizens can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa.

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