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.
Sharjah Media City hosted the second edition of 'Shams Connect' in partnership with Mashreq NEO BIZ to assist startups and business owners. The initiative integrates corporate bank account opening into the licensing process and offers compliance guidance. Officials from the Federal Tax Authority also provided briefings on recordkeeping and mandatory e-invoicing obligations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said concluded 14 bilateral cooperation pacts during a summit in Beijing. The agreements span supply chain development, green energy, artificial intelligence, and a central bank currency swap pact.
Dubai Municipality has updated building regulations for Al Satwa, allowing property owners to construct taller residential and mixed-use developments. Plots along internal roads may now build a ground floor plus two residential floors, while external road plots allow commercial ground floors with two or three apartment levels. Eligible parcels of 1,000 square metres or more can qualify for up to eight residential floors above ground with a floor area ratio of up to 3.5.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum introduced new regulatory and digital initiatives permitting visitors to apply directly for tourist visas through the Visit Dubai platform starting November 2026. The launch also features the invitation-only Dubai Access Club, offering repeat visitors a five-year multi-entry visa permitting stays of up to 90 days annually. Visa applications continue to be vetted and formally approved by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Effective November 1, 2026
Final rule
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