The National

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Capital Markets Authority Overhauls Regulatory Framework to Support Market Growth

The UAE's Capital Markets Authority has shifted its mandate from an enforcement watchdog to an economic enabler supporting market expansion. Following an 18-month reform period, the authority completely rewrote its statutory framework and harmonized rules with the Dubai Financial Services Authority and Abu Dhabi Global Market's Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The regulator expects the alignment to strengthen market stability and draw major international financial institutions.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Fully Enforces Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information Shipping Regulation

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.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Petrol Prices to Rise by Up to 16% in October 2026

UAE fuel prices will increase for the third consecutive month in October 2026 amid elevated global oil benchmark prices. Super 98 will rise to Dh4.40 per litre and Special 95 will increase to Dh4.28 per litre. Diesel will also rise by 11.6 per cent to Dh4.80 per litre.

China–UAE News

China Balances Gulf Investments and Energy Security Amid Iran Conflict: The National

An analysis by The National reports that China is balancing strategic shifts from the US-Iran conflict while prioritising the safety of its extensive investments across the UAE and GCC. The publication notes that the GCC nations and Iraq are collectively far more vital to China as trade partners and energy suppliers than Iran. China has also mitigated energy disruptions through strategic oil reserves, domestic power diversity, and overland pipeline gas.