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.
China's outbound direct investment into the UAE reached $2.6 billion, more than tripling from the previous reporting year, according to the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce. Bilateral non-oil trade surpassed $100 billion as Chinese financial institutions expanded their presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Multiple Chinese energy companies and healthcare delegations also advanced bilateral commercial engagements.
The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market has imposed financial penalties totalling $100,000 on PKF Accountants and Business Advisers LLP and its audit principal. The penalties follow an inspection that uncovered failures to adhere to International Standards on Auditing and inadequate fraud risk assessments. PKF received a $65,000 fine, while its audit principal was fined $35,000.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Ministerial Decision No. 168 of 2026, transitioning the country's electronic invoicing regime from a pre-approval process to direct accreditation. The new regulations took effect retroactively on October 1, 2026, granting previously approved providers a 30-day compliance window. Providers may continue utilizing third-party Peppol solutions but remain directly responsible for regulatory compliance.
The Gulf Cooperation Council's secretary-general stated that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are very close to starting the official Schengen visa-waiver process. Positive outcomes are anticipated ahead of the GCC-EU summit in Riyadh on October 24, 2026. The UAE remains the only GCC member whose citizens currently hold visa-free short-stay access to the Schengen area.
Gulf Cooperation Council
Gulf Cooperation Council
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