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Policy updates, China–UAE developments, industry news and official Middle East travel alerts.

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October 16, 2026Source: Arabian Business

UAE Pension Authority Outlines Rules for Purchasing Additional Service Years

The UAE General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has detailed rules permitting eligible Emirati employees to buy up to 10 extra pensionable service years. Insured individuals must meet statutory service thresholds under the 1999 or 2023 pension laws, with maximum recognised service capped at 35 years. Purchase costs are calculated on contribution salaries at 20 or 26 percent, payable in lump-sum or defined instalments.

China–UAE News

October 16, 2026Source: Food Business Middle East & Africa

Gargash Prime and JINGDONG Partner on 2.5 Million Sq Ft Dubai Logistics Hub

UAE-based Gargash Prime and JINGDONG Property, the infrastructure arm of JD.com, have signed a memorandum of understanding to invest in a joint venture developing a logistics facility in Dubai. The planned hub will cover 2.5 million square feet (approximately 250,000 square metres) of land to serve regional distribution and fulfilment needs. The agreement was executed during the Dubai Business Forum – China held in Shenzhen.

Policy & Legal Updates

October 16, 2026Source: Emirates 24|7

Dubai Court Orders $468,332 Repayment Following $803,000 Crypto Phishing Scam on X

The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance ordered a defendant to return $468,332 in cryptocurrency, or its equivalent in dirhams, to a victim who lost $803,000 in an X phishing scam. Dubai Police traced the stolen assets through decentralized wallet swaps into the defendant's registered trading account. The court also awarded the victim Dh50,000 in moral damages following a final criminal conviction.

Industry News

October 16, 2026Source: EnterpriseAM

UAE Public Transport Expansion Faces Last-Mile Connectivity Challenges to Compete With Cars

The UAE is investing billions of dirhams to expand rail and metro networks, including Etihad Rail passenger operations and over AED 54 billion in planned Dubai metro lines. However, transport and urban planning experts emphasize that overcoming car dependency requires significantly improving station accessibility, feeder routes, and dedicated transit corridors. Incomplete integration and lengthy feeder travel times currently keep private vehicles as the more convenient option for many commuters.