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 eliminated the preliminary approval stage for electronic invoicing service providers, requiring them to secure direct accreditation before offering services. Issued under Ministerial Decision No. 168 of 2026, the updated framework took effect on October 1, 2026, ahead of the October 30 deadline for large businesses to appoint an accredited provider. Service providers that previously held preliminary approval have 30 days from October 1 to complete the necessary assessments and testing.
Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has granted Full Market Approval to Payward FZCO, the parent company entity of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken. The license authorizes Payward to provide broker-dealer, management, and investment services to retail, professional, and institutional clients. Kraken plans to launch UAE services in the coming weeks, featuring UAE dirham trading pairs and direct AED funding.
Five Gulf Cooperation Council states are seeking a Schengen visa exemption for their citizens ahead of an upcoming bilateral summit in Riyadh. The Economic Times reports that the discussions apply exclusively to national passport holders rather than foreign residents living in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates currently remains the only GCC member country with established visa-free Schengen access.
Global law firm Dentons published legal analysis warning companies that standard compliance language stating an obligation to comply with applicable laws is often insufficient to address changing sanctions and financial crime risks. The firm highlighted risks faced by UAE entities when counterparties become subject to foreign sanctions regimes not mirrored in local law. Dentons recommended drafting explicit contractual rights permitting information audits, performance suspensions, and contract terminations.
United Arab Emirates
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