World Bank

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Amends Commercial Companies Law to Permit Full Foreign Business Ownership

The United Arab Emirates has amended its Commercial Companies Law to remove foreign equity restrictions, allowing overseas investors to own 100 percent of onshore businesses. The reform scraps the historical 49 percent ownership ceiling across 13 economic sectors, including renewable energy, transport, and e-commerce. Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq al-Marri stated the measure is intended to boost national competitiveness and facilitate commerce.

Industry News

World Green Economy Summit Details GCC Green Debt Expansion and UAE Decarbonisation

The 12th World Green Economy Summit in Dubai reported that GCC green bonds and sukuk reached $73 billion. GCC ESG issuance represented roughly 40 percent of emerging market US-dollar ESG debt outside China in early 2026. Multilateral lenders highlighted the UAE's capacity to finance industrial decarbonisation and green hydrogen exports.

Industry News

12th World Green Economy Summit Highlights UAE Transition and Regional Green Finance Expansion

The 12th World Green Economy Summit concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, gathering policymakers, lenders, and industry leaders to discuss industrial decarbonisation and sustainable finance. According to Fitch Ratings, outstanding green sukuk and bonds across the GCC reached $73 billion, representing about 40 percent of emerging market US-dollar ESG debt issued in the first nine months of 2026, excluding China. Speakers emphasised that predictable policies, capital availability, and low-carbon industrial exports provide the UAE with a distinct competitive edge.

China–UAE News

SIEF Unveils China-Arab Investment Report and World Bank Partnership at Investopia

The Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation launched the 2026 China-Arab Business & Investment Report and announced a climate resilience partnership with the World Bank during Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi. UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri attended the plenary launch. The joint flagship report analyzes bilateral collaboration across both established industries and emerging technology sectors.