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Policy & Legal Updates

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.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Khaleej Times

UAE Cybercrime Law Outlines Criminal Penalties for Defamatory Online Business Reviews

UAE legal provisions under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 criminalise fabricated, defamatory, or extortionist online reviews against businesses. Dubai Police recently referred a group to Public Prosecution after commercial shops coordinated fake Google Maps reviews against a competitor without visiting the premises.

  • Federal Government of the UAE
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Final rule
Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Asian Business Review

Abu Dhabi Customs Wins Two Honours at Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2026

The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs received two awards at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2026 for its Digital Trade Corridor and Tawqiei platform. The Digital Trade Corridor leverages blockchain and artificial intelligence to enable pre-arrival processing and faster clearance under a 'Submit Once, Use Many' model. The Tawqiei system, introduced in 2025, digitised document signing and administrative approvals across departments.

  • General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Final rule
Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Gulf Business

UAE pension system upgraded to B grade in 2026 Global Pension Index

The UAE's retirement-income system was upgraded from a C+ to a B grade in the 2026 Global Pension Index published by Marsh and CFA Institute. The nation's score increased to 70.0 from 64.9 in 2025, earning top A grades in both adequacy and integrity. The General Pension and Social Security Authority linked the performance to legislative reforms, including Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023.

  • General Pension and Social Security Authority
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Final rule
Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Fragomen

Fragomen Details UAE Golden Visa Salary Thresholds and Emirati Minimum Wage

Immigration law firm Fragomen has detailed key salary requirements governing UAE Golden Visas and private sector work permits. In Dubai, Scientists and Specialists Golden Visa applicants without government nomination must meet a monthly basic salary of AED 30,000 excluding allowances, alongside a two-year prior income history. Additionally, the minimum wage for Emirati nationals working in the private sector stands at AED 6,000 per month as of January 1, 2026.

  • UAE Immigration Authorities
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Effective January 1, 2026
  • Final rule

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