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.
Effective October 1, 2026, the UAE implemented mandatory advance cargo reporting for inbound maritime container shipments under the Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information program, requiring electronic filings at least 24 hours prior to loading. Concurrently, Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 17 of 2026 took effect on October 1, establishing conditions for taxable businesses to recover input VAT across six categories of employee expenses. Both regulatory measures introduce stricter compliance and documentation obligations for businesses operating in or trading with the UAE.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security / Federal Tax Authority
China Securities (CSC Financial) has received an operational licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre and authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The Beijing-headquartered brokerage will provide investment banking, capital markets, and asset management services to bridge Chinese and Gulf capital. In parallel, JD Properties partnered with KEZAD Group to construct a 150,000-square-meter logistics facility in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) / Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Sharjah recorded a 45 percent increase in foreign direct investment projects in 2025, according to Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah). Speaking to the Emirates News Agency ahead of the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum, Al Musharrkh highlighted that global capital is concentrating in stable markets with clear legal frameworks. Non-oil activities accounted for 79.4 percent of the UAE economy in the first quarter of 2026.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. The agreement establishes a framework for regulatory coordination, information sharing, and supervisory oversight between the two entities. Both authorities will maintain independent legal mandates while addressing intersections in payment processing, anti-money laundering, and banking channels.
Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM) and General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA)
United Arab Emirates
Final rule
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