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 Saudi Central Bank confirmed on September 22, 2026, that it has ended its formal participation in the mBridge cross-border digital currency platform. The initiative continues to operate with central banks from mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Macau. Analysts cited by the South China Morning Post noted that the exit removes the Gulf's largest economy from direct membership.
The September 2026 Global Financial Centres Index positioned Dubai at ninth place and Abu Dhabi at 13th place globally. Abu Dhabi climbed eight places, with Abu Dhabi Global Market reporting a 54 percent surge in assets under management in the first half of 2026.
The UAE Cabinet has issued Cabinet Decision No. 149 of 2026, amending Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Value Added Tax. The updates introduce statutory criteria for composite supplies, modify input tax recovery on employee accommodation and medical supplies, and restrict deductions on cash transactions exceeding specific thresholds. Most provisions take effect on 1 October 2026, with input tax apportionment rules applying from the first tax year starting after 1 October 2027.
Dubai Customs has extended the customs duty suspension period on eligible declarations by 60 days, bringing the total suspension period to 180 days. The provision covers duty suspension arrangements expiring between 27 February 2026 and 31 October 2026. Eligible categories include re-export goods, temporary admissions, and transit shipments.
Dubai Customs
United Arab Emirates
Final rule
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