Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
A survey conducted by Kearney and Panterra found that 53% of surveyed international firms have active or expanding investment projects in the GCC, including the UAE. Another 36% are actively exploring new opportunities across the region. The findings indicate that regulatory reforms, updated tax systems, and transparency are changing investor dynamics.
Commercial Bank of Dubai has completed wholesale Digital Dirham transfers with Bank of China through the Central Bank of the UAE's Jisr platform. The bilateral transaction demonstrated end-to-end processing and settlement of the digital currency between the two countries. The initiative forms part of the CBUAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme to advance cross-border central bank digital currency capabilities.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority announced corporate tax collections for the 2025 financial year reached approximately AED 46.52 billion, representing a 33.9% increase from 2024. Cumulative collections since the tax regime's launch reached AED 81.27 billion by the end of 2025. On-time return filing stood at 91%, with on-time payments at 97% in 2026.
The Oman Investment Authority has set up a $500 million consortium fund targeting investments across Central Asia and the Caucasus. China Investment Corporation and Shenwan Hongyuan Securities have joined the vehicle alongside institutions from Turkey and Uzbekistan. The fund focuses on equity acquisitions across logistics, renewable energy, mining, healthcare, and agriculture.
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