Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
Chinese investment banks and securities firms are expanding into the Gulf, establishing presences in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Beijing-based China Securities has opened a DIFC office targeting capital markets, investment banking, and asset management. The move follows CICC's entry into Dubai to facilitate cross-border capital flows.
UAE authorities released several legislative and regulatory updates in early October impacting business compliance and residency rules. The Ministry of Finance issued revised accreditation standards for electronic invoicing providers, alongside updated Federal Tax Authority input VAT recovery rules. Additional federal amendments decriminalised attempted suicide, while Dubai tightened shared accommodation occupancy guidelines.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has highlighted an online self-nomination service for the UAE Golden Visa. The program grants long-term residency of up to 10 years without requiring a national sponsor. Eligible applicants include investors, entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, and exceptional talents.
A research report by Modern Diplomacy indicates that Gulf sovereign wealth funds deployed 10 percent of their 2026 capital into China and Hong Kong, compared to 45 percent directed toward the United States. Institutional investors including Abu Dhabi's Mubadala, Saudi Arabia's PIF, and the Qatar Investment Authority continue targeted exposure in Chinese technology, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sectors. The funds are balancing long-term Asian partnerships against global macroeconomic variables and tightening technology investment regulations.
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