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Consumer Markets & Tourism

Retail, e-commerce, hospitality and tourism

Industry News
Source: Arabian Business

UAE Online Payments Reach 55% Domestic Share as App Delivery Surges

Online and in-app payments accounted for 55% of domestic Visa payment volume in the UAE in 2026, up from 35% in 2019, according to Visa Business and Economic Insights. Payment card activity on food delivery applications climbed from approximately 2% in 2018 to nearly 30% in 2026, driven primarily by everyday spenders. In addition, 25.7% of active UAE Visa cards logged at least 10 digital transactions monthly, compared to 4.5% in 2018.

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.

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