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 UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced updated accreditation regulations for electronic invoicing service providers through Ministerial Decision No. 168 of 2026. Taking effect on October 1, 2026, the framework removes the previous pre-approval phase and mandates formal assessments and technical testing. Service providers remain directly liable for regulatory compliance even if third-party Peppol solutions or technical outsourcing are utilized.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia signed a preliminary bilateral agreement in Riyadh to establish cross-border railway connections and advance energy cooperation. The pact establishes a framework for feasibility studies on integrating rail freight networks and facilitating cross-border logistics. The initiative also covers bilateral electricity interconnection and commercial cross-border power trading.
UAE Ministry of Investment, Saudi Ministry of Energy
Dubai Customs announced the graduation of 33 inspectors under the Masar 33 security training programme to support expanding cross-border trade operations. The programme covered 2,725 training hours across inspection duties, risk detection, and compliance. Since November 2024, 87 inspectors have graduated, with the next phase targeting 60 more officers.
Baidu's Apollo Go has secured Dubai's first driverless vehicle testing permit allowing operations without a human safety driver. The company also inaugurated Apollo Go Park in downtown Dubai, its first operations hub outside China. The initiatives support the UAE's plan to partner with Chinese technology leaders to roll out autonomous fleets.
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Effective January 7, 2026
Final rule
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