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 Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has announced a one-year regulatory extension allowing Tajer Abu Dhabi licence holders to operate without physical premises. The measure applies to entrepreneurs whose exemptions were scheduled to expire during 2026. Authorities aim to lower startup capital requirements and enhance operational flexibility for early-stage businesses.
Eversheds Sutherland has been named an Approved Certification Body under DIFC Regulation 10. The designation allows the firm's Konexo arm to conduct AI readiness audits and issue compliance certifications in the free zone.
The UAE Cabinet has issued Cabinet Decision No. 149 of 2026, amending the UAE VAT Executive Regulations. The update introduces an output-based input tax apportionment ratio under Article 55 for partially exempt businesses. General changes take effect on 1 October 2026, while the revised apportionment rules apply from the first tax year starting after 1 October 2027.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has issued FTA Decision No. 13 of 2026, establishing mandatory supplier due-diligence rules for input VAT recovery. Taking effect on 1 October 2026, the framework requires businesses to verify supplier identities and transactions against designated risk thresholds. Failure to maintain these records grants tax authorities the right to reject input VAT recovery claims.
Federal Tax Authority
United Arab Emirates
Effective October 1, 2026
Final rule
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