EY

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Launches TAWWER Portal for R&D Tax Credit Preapproval Applications

The Emirates Research and Development Council has officially launched TAWWER, an online portal for preapproval filings under the UAE Research and Development Tax Credit regime. The incentive applies to fiscal years beginning on or after 1 January 2026, offering nonrefundable credits up to 50% against corporate tax and Top-up Tax. Projects must meet a minimum qualifying expenditure threshold of AED 500,000.

Industry News

Dubai Investments Plans DIP Holding IPO on Dubai Financial Market

Dubai Investments has announced plans to float a 20 percent stake in DIP Holding on the Dubai Financial Market, marking the UAE's first IPO of 2026. Approximately 1.74 billion existing shares will be offered, with subscriptions opening October 27 and trading slated for around November 11. Dubai Investments will retain the proceeds for expansion and corporate purposes.

Industry News

Microsoft UAE and G42 Detail AI Deployment at Sharjah Investment Forum

Executives from Microsoft UAE and G42's Inception outlined enterprise applications of agentic AI during Sharjah Investment Forum 2026. The discussion revealed an unnamed Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund is using AI agents to counter-argue investment proposals before human review. Speakers highlighted human-led, agent-operated frameworks across investment screening and procurement operations.