Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Decision No. (24) of 2026 forming the Board of Directors of the Economic Security Centre of Dubai. Talal Humaid Belhoul was appointed Chairman, with Awad Hader Al Muhairi serving as Vice Chairman. The decree came into legal effect immediately upon its issuance.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has introduced a strategic initiative to shorten the timeframe between investment decisions and active operations. Government reforms focus on removing redundant regulatory steps and integrating digital approvals via the TAMM Investor Journey platform. Official data indicates non-oil sectors contributed 54.7 percent of the emirate's GDP, with new commercial licenses rising 21 percent in Q1 2026.
UAE businesses must submit excise tax returns and settle liabilities with the Federal Tax Authority by October 15, 2026. The requirement applies to entities importing, producing, or stockpiling designated excise goods via the EmaraTax digital portal. The warning comes as the FTA issues guidelines for multinationals regarding the 15 percent Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax regime.
Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has secured Full Market Approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority for its subsidiary Payward FZCO. The license permits the entity to operate as a regulated Virtual Asset Service Provider for retail, professional, and institutional clients. The platform will support AED-denominated pairs alongside direct dirham deposits and withdrawals.
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