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.
US Democrats are threatening congressional investigations into agreements granting Gulf entities license-free access to advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. The scrutiny is driven by concerns over technology transfer to China and alleged conflicts of interest. However, extensive cross-border investments between Gulf sovereign funds and US AI leaders complicate potential rollbacks.
DLA Piper reported on new Federal Tax Authority guidance regarding VAT fixed establishment risks for non-resident companies with personnel at client premises. The briefing also highlighted a November 30, 2026 registration deadline for the Pillar Two Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax for qualifying multinational entities. Pillar Two rules require applicable multinational groups to satisfy a 15% minimum effective tax rate.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority published Public Clarification TAXP010 regarding Free Zones and Designated Zones for tax purposes. The guidance details geographic qualifying criteria affecting corporate tax treatment and the preferential 0% rate on distribution activities.
China has announced that the maximum permitted stay for APEC Business Travel Card holders will increase from 60 days to 90 days, effective November 1, 2026. The policy aims to improve business mobility and streamline travel for executives from participating economies.
China
Effective November 1, 2026
Final rule
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