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.
US Treasury measures against Iran place an increasing investigative burden on foreign banks to monitor opaque cross-border transactions, including transfers disguised between Hong Kong and Dubai companies. Prior to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, China bought an estimated 90% of Iran's oil exports, with trade largely settling in renminbi through shadow-banking channels. Secondary sanctions under Operation Economic Outcast threaten to cut non-compliant foreign institutions off from dollar clearing.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has formally converted its Abu Dhabi interim operational hub into a permanent regional office. The location anchors infrastructure and trade financing connecting Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Africa. Capitalized at $100 billion, the Beijing-based lender will leverage the base to expand sovereign and private-sector partnerships.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has introduced 65 measurable Emirati Hospitality Standards for local hotels and serviced apartments. Developed with the National Projects Office, compliance will become mandatory across eight guest service stages starting in early 2027.
Chinese flying car developer ARIDGE has partnered with Ras Al Khaimah to launch an Advanced Air Mobility regulatory sandbox under UAE General Civil Aviation Authority oversight. The collaboration makes ARIDGE the first Chinese flying car firm in a national-level Middle East regulatory testing program. The initiative includes regional desert flight tests and an experimental flight route connecting Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
UAE General Civil Aviation Authority
United Arab Emirates
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