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.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chairman of Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, visited Dragon Mart on October 28, 2026. PCFC confirmed that its regulatory arm Trakhees will provide streamlined licensing and inspection procedures for merchants. Dragon Mart hosts 3,051 retail outlets and attracts over 22 million visitors each year.
The Central Bank of the UAE met with the People's Bank of China during the 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok. The bilateral talks addressed cross-border payment systems, financial innovation, sustainable finance, and trade settlement connectivity. During the summit, the UAE also confirmed Abu Dhabi as host for the 2029 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
Under a US rule published in July, UAE AI compute firms G42 and Core42 hold license-free access to advanced US chips until April 6, 2027. After that date, the companies must restructure as US entities or apply through the Bureau of Industry and Security. Meanwhile, regional data center expansion continues despite physical security risks highlighted by recent infrastructure damage.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion. The day will not be an official public holiday, with workplaces and schools scheduled to operate normally. The inaugural celebration is set to take place on Thursday, January 7, 2027.
UAE Presidency
United Arab Emirates
Effective January 7, 2027
Final rule
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