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.
UAE fuel prices will increase for the third consecutive month in October 2026 amid elevated global oil benchmark prices. Super 98 will rise to Dh4.40 per litre and Special 95 will increase to Dh4.28 per litre. Diesel will also rise by 11.6 per cent to Dh4.80 per litre.
UAE businesses generating annual revenue of Dh50 million or more must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by October 30, 2026, ahead of mandatory e-invoicing starting January 1, 2027. Smaller enterprises and government entities face a provider appointment deadline of March 31, 2027, prior to phased go-live dates later that year. Non-compliance results in a monthly penalty of Dh5,000 under Cabinet Decision No. 106 of 2025.
The UAE Federal Supreme Court has ruled that documenting suspected violations and submitting footage to regulatory authorities is not a criminal offence if done in good faith. The judgment overturned an appeal court ruling that had fined a Sharjah consumer Dh3,000 for filming insects in a supermarket product. The court clarified that prosecutors must prove malicious intent to harm or defame before recording can be classified as a crime.
UAE expatriates switching employers can temporarily place their dependants' residence visas on hold instead of cancelling them, provided the job transition occurs within the same emirate. The procedure requires a refundable security deposit of AED 5,000 and must be concluded within a 60-day window to avoid forfeiting the funds. Applications are processed through Dubai's GDRFA or the federal ICP platform depending on the jurisdiction.
General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) / Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
United Arab Emirates
Final rule
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