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 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.
Global asset management firm Capital Group has secured a financial services licence from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market. The licence authorizes the firm to conduct regulated investment management, trading, and fund distribution within the financial free zone. According to ADGM, asset managers setting up in the hub during the first half of 2026 collectively managed over $2.1 trillion.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation highlighted labour market regulatory developments during the second Doha Dialogue on October 9, 2026. Official figures revealed that the UAE's private-sector workforce expanded by over 101 percent over five years. The total count of registered commercial companies also rose by about 46 percent.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced updated accreditation regulations for electronic invoicing service providers through Ministerial Decision No. 168 of 2026. Taking effect on October 1, 2026, the framework removes the previous pre-approval phase and mandates formal assessments and technical testing. Service providers remain directly liable for regulatory compliance even if third-party Peppol solutions or technical outsourcing are utilized.
UAE Ministry of Finance
United Arab Emirates
Effective October 1, 2026
Final rule
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