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

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September 25, 2026Source: mepmiddleeast.com

Dubai Municipality Hosts First Construction Legathon and Partners with Sandbox Dubai

Dubai Municipality hosted its first Future of Construction Legathon on 24 September at Emirates Towers to address regulatory frameworks for modern building technologies. During the event, Dubai Municipality signed a partnership agreement with the Dubai Future Foundation to pilot innovative solutions under Sandbox Dubai. The initiative will initially focus on the Smart Built Environment sandbox group.

Policy & Legal Updates

September 25, 2026Source: Gulf Business

Invest in Sharjah CEO Highlights FDI Inflows, AI Adoption, and Economic Diversification

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), outlined the emirate's strategy focusing on foreign direct investment, artificial intelligence, and economic diversification. Sharjah attracted 142 FDI projects worth AED 7.74 billion ($2.1 billion) in 2025, with around 75 percent already operational. The agency is targeting quality investments across technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and logistics, while expanding outreach across Asian and global markets.

Industry News

September 25, 2026Source: GDNOnline

Ohana Breaks Ground on $4 Billion Manchester City Yas Residences in Abu Dhabi

UAE developer Ohana Development has officially broken ground on the AED 15 billion ($4.08 billion) Manchester City Yas Residences along Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi. The 1.67 million-square-metre waterfront development will deliver more than 2,000 residential units and a sports training academy in phases by 2029. An on-site Experience Centre was also launched alongside the ground-breaking ceremony.

Policy & Legal Updates

September 25, 2026Source: news.bloombergtax.com

UAE Approves Major VAT Executive Regulation Overhaul Taking Effect October 1

The United Arab Emirates has approved a major revision of its value-added tax executive regulations under Cabinet Decision No. 149 of 2026. The amendments affect input VAT recovery calculations, payment mechanisms, composite supply structures, and transaction documentation. Most of the revised provisions take effect on October 1, 2026.