Gulf News

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Announces October Regulatory Changes Covering E-Invoicing, VAT, and Penalties

UAE authorities released several legislative and regulatory updates in early October impacting business compliance and residency rules. The Ministry of Finance issued revised accreditation standards for electronic invoicing providers, alongside updated Federal Tax Authority input VAT recovery rules. Additional federal amendments decriminalised attempted suicide, while Dubai tightened shared accommodation occupancy guidelines.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE ICP Highlights Online Self-Nomination Service for 10-Year Golden Visa

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has highlighted an online self-nomination service for the UAE Golden Visa. The program grants long-term residency of up to 10 years without requiring a national sponsor. Eligible applicants include investors, entrepreneurs, specialized professionals, and exceptional talents.

China–UAE News

UAE Accelerates Autonomous Vehicle Rollout Partnering With Chinese Tech Firms

UAE officials announced plans at the AI Everything 2026 summit to deploy thousands of autonomous taxis and delivery vehicles by 2027. The country aims to become the largest deployer of robotaxis outside China, leveraging expansions by Chinese autonomous driving firms including Baidu Apollo Go, Momenta, and WeRide.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Companies Can Now Estimate ICV Scores Ahead of Official Certification

ADEPTS Chartered Accountants has launched a free online ICV Score Calculator for businesses competing for UAE government and semi-government tenders. The tool estimates performance across local spending, investment, Emiratisation, and employee costs using National ICV framework weightings. The firm highlighted that the tool serves as a planning mechanism and does not replace formal certification by authorized bodies.