Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies. Every update identifies the issuing authority, jurisdiction, publication date, effective date and official source.
Time Out Dubai has highlighted nine significant updates coming to Dubai and the UAE during winter 2026. Key changes include updated national anti-commercial fraud rules, new passenger stations on the Etihad Rail network, and multiple retail, aviation, and hospitality launches.
Abu Dhabi authorities have introduced guidelines permitting alternative protein and novel food companies to host sensory evaluations and tasting trials before obtaining full UAE commercial authorization. The framework was jointly developed by ADQCC, ADAFSA, and ADIO to bridge the gap between laboratory development and market launch. ADAFSA will oversee trial approvals while ADQCC provides laboratory verification and testing services.
Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Office
During the UAE Government Annual Meetings, Minister Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar reported a 404% increase in Emirati private-sector employment since the Nafis programme launched in 2021. Female labour force participation grew by 109%, while registered companies rose by 46%. Approximately Dh37 billion in salaries is processed monthly through the Wage Protection System.
China's State Administration for Market Regulation granted unconditional antitrust approval for Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group to acquire video game developer Moonton from ByteDance. The transaction, agreed in March 2026, is valued at over $6 billion. The acquisition transfers ownership of the title Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to the Public Investment Fund subsidiary.
State Administration for Market Regulation
China
Effective October 29, 2026
Final rule
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