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.
The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts published a white paper proposing a mechanism to resolve disputes across the on-chain economy. The framework enables court determinations to be executed directly on blockchain assets through machine-readable instructions.
DIFC Courts
Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates
The Customs Tariff Commission of China's State Council has extended the suspension of a 24 percent additional tariff on US imports for two months starting November 10, 2026. A 10 percent additional tariff rate will remain in effect. The decision aims to provide tariff stability for trade corridors and intermediate re-exporters in the Middle East.
Customs Tariff Commission of China's State Council
Saudi Arabia has introduced a copyright law that explicitly permits developers to use copyrighted materials for artificial intelligence training under defined statutory conditions. The legislation positions the Kingdom alongside jurisdictions such as Japan, Singapore, and the European Union that maintain specific AI training carveouts. The law also establishes a framework allowing Saudi entities to translate foreign works into Arabic without author consent under certain timeframes.
UAE businesses can recover input value-added tax on six categories of staff expenses under Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 17 of 2026, which took effect on October 1 following its issuance on September 9. The eligible categories cover work transport, food and beverages in remote areas, employee accommodation, temporary housing for new hires, telecommunications, and business parking. Eligibility requires businesses to satisfy strict documentation and operational conditions, while personal benefits and cash allowances remain excluded from recovery.
Federal Tax Authority
United Arab Emirates
Effective October 1, 2026
Final rule
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