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.
Arabian Business highlighted key UAE commercial developments including Etihad Rail's scheduled launch of Dubai passenger services on September 30, 2026. Dubai tenancy registrations also showed new leases outnumbering renewals as asking rents dropped by up to 15 percent in key apartment areas. Motorists and businesses across the country are also awaiting October fuel price adjustments following consecutive increases in August and September.
US Treasury measures against Iran place an increasing investigative burden on foreign banks to monitor opaque cross-border transactions, including transfers disguised between Hong Kong and Dubai companies. Prior to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, China bought an estimated 90% of Iran's oil exports, with trade largely settling in renminbi through shadow-banking channels. Secondary sanctions under Operation Economic Outcast threaten to cut non-compliant foreign institutions off from dollar clearing.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has formally converted its Abu Dhabi interim operational hub into a permanent regional office. The location anchors infrastructure and trade financing connecting Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Africa. Capitalized at $100 billion, the Beijing-based lender will leverage the base to expand sovereign and private-sector partnerships.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has introduced 65 measurable Emirati Hospitality Standards for local hotels and serviced apartments. Developed with the National Projects Office, compliance will become mandatory across eight guest service stages starting in early 2027.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Effective January 1, 2027
Final rule
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