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 UAE's Federal Tax Authority has rolled out an AI-powered digital platform with Planet Tax Free for tourist VAT refunds. The paperless service is operational at Zayed International, Dubai International, and Sharjah International airports, enabling quick pre-departure claims.
As institutional participation in digital assets expands in the UAE, industry governance and infrastructure have become central to sustained market development. Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has introduced demanding licensing standards to support credible institutional entry. Long-term market leadership will depend on client protection, asset segregation, and strict risk controls.
Family-owned businesses generate approximately 60% of the UAE's GDP, but many across the Gulf face significant generational succession challenges. An estimated $500 billion to $700 billion in regional private wealth is projected to be transferred by 2035, prompting governments to introduce formal governance and dispute-resolution frameworks.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has urged businesses to meet electronic invoicing deadlines to avoid an administrative fine of AED 5,000 per month. The authority stated that flexible mechanisms have been adopted to ease the compliance process. FTA continues to offer in-person and online workshops regarding system integration and EmaraTax activation.
Federal Tax Authority
United Arab Emirates
Final rule
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