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.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai placed among the world's leading cities for economic opportunity and quality of life in Boston Consulting Group's Cities of Choice 4.0 report. Dubai ranked fifth globally for economic opportunities—the only Middle Eastern city in the top five—and twelfth in social capital while leading globally in social connections. The 80-city study found both UAE hubs consistently outperforming global averages across resident experience indicators.
Artificial intelligence adoption among UAE businesses has increased to 72 percent from 53 percent a year ago, according to a joint study by Strand Partners, AWS, and the UAE AI Office. The surge comes alongside AWS's planned investment of up to AED 20.1 billion ($5.47 billion) in the country through 2037. Additionally, 85 percent of adopting companies noted that the technology accelerated their digital transformation.
Hotels and tourism-licensed food outlets across Abu Dhabi face full enforcement of new nutritional regulations starting October 1, 2026. The mandate requires at least one healthy option per adult menu category and sets nutritional standards for at least 50 percent of children's meals. Establishments must also provide low-sodium salt as the default table condiment.
The UAE's Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information (MPCI) program has entered full enforcement following the end of its compliance grace period on September 30, 2026. Managed by the National Advance Information Centre under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the framework mandates advance digital filing for all containerized cargo bound for or transiting UAE ports. Failure to file verified cargo data at least 24 hours prior to vessel loading will result in strict 'Do Not Load' instructions and regulatory penalties.
National Advance Information Centre (NAIC) / Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
United Arab Emirates
Effective October 1, 2026
Final rule
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