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The Saudi Central Bank has concluded its formal participation in Project mBridge following the completion of its proof-of-concept phase. The multilateral central bank digital currency project remains co-anchored by the People's Bank of China, the Central Bank of the UAE, and the BIS Innovation Hub.
Gulf technology firms and institutional investors are opening secondary operational bases in Hong Kong and Singapore amid regional tensions. A dual-hub model is being adopted to direct Middle Eastern capital into Asian AI data centres and multicurrency payment rails. Dubai-based trading platform xBratAI advanced its Hong Kong expansion to early 2026 due to regional conflict.
UAE businesses are completing tax computations and documentation ahead of the September 30, 2026, corporate tax filing deadline for the tax year ending December 31, 2025. The deadline marks the second compliance cycle under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Tax experts warn against common filing errors, unsupported deductions, and penalties for late submission and payment.
BRICS member economies, including China and the UAE, highlighted expanded cooperation in critical minerals, clean-tech manufacturing, and supply chains at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Discussions featured China's upcoming 2027 presidency priorities in smart manufacturing and AI, as well as a proposed $11.5 billion aluminium investment by the UAE's International Holding Company. The bloc's New Delhi Declaration called for greater developing-nation participation in advanced manufacturing and broader use of national currencies.
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