PwC Middle East

Industry News

UAE Captures $52.6 Billion in First-Half M&A Deals, Dominating GCC Activity

The UAE accounted for 80.9 percent of disclosed GCC M&A deal value in the first half of 2026, reaching $52.6 billion across 131 transactions, according to Apolonia Capital. While total regional deal count fell 18 percent, overall value rose 12 percent to $65.1 billion. In parallel, UAE audit firms Evas Constantin and Mac & Ross announced a merger into CPAC IMEA amid expanding corporate tax and compliance requirements.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Cabinet Amends VAT Executive Regulation Under Decision No. 149 of 2026

The UAE Cabinet has issued Cabinet Decision No. 149 of 2026, amending Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Value Added Tax. The updates introduce statutory criteria for composite supplies, modify input tax recovery on employee accommodation and medical supplies, and restrict deductions on cash transactions exceeding specific thresholds. Most provisions take effect on 1 October 2026, with input tax apportionment rules applying from the first tax year starting after 1 October 2027.