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 United States has threatened secondary sanctions against buyers of Iranian crude and confirmed warning letters were issued to two Chinese banks. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Washington anticipates a pause in Chinese crude purchases as an American naval blockade on Iran takes effect. The Treasury Department also placed new sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, entities, and vessels tied to Iranian oil transport.
Eight Sleep announced that its smart bed technology has been approved as a medical device in Abu Dhabi to support the at-home diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. The regulatory clearance follows a Health Technology Assessment conducted by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Physicians in the emirate can now prescribe the system to calculate Apnea-Hypopnea Index scores based on continuous at-home biometric monitoring.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority, in collaboration with Planet, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered digital platform for tourist Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds. Operational across major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the paperless system uses facial recognition to process claims. The upgrade reduces tourist refund distribution times from roughly nine days to one business day.
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded an advisory review of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, commending the UAE's emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight. Conducted between October 12 and 20, 2026, the mission assessed safety measures and lessons learned from a drone strike on May 17 that damaged an external electrical generator. The IAEA verified adherence to nuclear safety principles and issued recommendations to further strengthen infrastructure reliability and inter-agency coordination.
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation
United Arab Emirates
Final rule
The UECN Brief
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Business relationships in both markets
Forums, delegations and events
Policy updates and market insights
Membership
Join a network with a shared purpose.
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
