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Finance & Investment

Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Regfollower

UAE Federal Tax Authority Issues Clarification on Free Zone and Designated Zone Status

The UAE Federal Tax Authority published Tax Public Clarification TAXP010 explaining how businesses must assess whether facilities qualify as Free Zones or Designated Zones. The guidance emphasizes that zone definitions differ across Corporate Tax, Value Added Tax, and Excise Tax laws. Qualifying for a 0% Corporate Tax rate requires meeting specific statutory criteria, including separate evaluation from VAT Designated Zone status.

Industry News
Source: China Daily

Gulf Energy Pressures and AI Infrastructure Reshape Asia Trade Finance

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that elevated energy prices will likely persist even after Gulf conflict subsides, with Strait of Hormuz navigation risks hitting Asian and Chinese supplies. Concurrently, senior transaction bankers reported that energy security and AI infrastructure expansion are driving higher working capital requirements and shifting trade finance patterns across Asia.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

UAE Federal Tax Authority Issues Guide on Scope and Registration for Top-Up Tax

The UAE Federal Tax Authority has issued a new guide regarding scope and registration for the Top-up Tax on multinational enterprises. The document supports multinational enterprise groups in understanding obligations under the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax regime and OECD/G20 Pillar Two framework. It details in-scope criteria, registration timelines, and reporting requirements ensuring an effective tax rate of at least 15%.

China–UAE News
Source: PA Media

Dubai Talent Programme Selects 23 Candidates From 14,600 Applications Worldwide

The Dubai Business Associates programme has welcomed 23 professionals from 15 countries for its 12th cohort after receiving 14,600 applications globally. Participants, who include graduates from China's Tsinghua and Peking universities, will complete nine months of business placements and consulting projects across key Dubai public and private sector organisations. The programme is run under Falcon and Associates and has built a network of 350 alumni across 11 previous cohorts.

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