Dubai Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Tax Authority Launches AI Tools to Modernise Tax Services

30/10/202530/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 22 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has implemented new artificial intelligence systems to enhance its tax administration services across the United Arab Emirates, including two primary AI platforms: an internal system for staff and an upgraded public-facing service for taxpayers.

The authority has introduced FTAGPT, an AI-powered internal system designed to provide FTA staff with immediate responses to queries about VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax legislation. The tool primarily supports call centre staff and employees who interact directly with taxpayers.

Simultaneously, the FTA has enhanced TARA, its existing AI platform for taxpayers, accessible through the authority’s official website. The upgraded system now includes comprehensive information about Corporate Tax, introduced in 2023, and allows users to check application status and submit queries about tax legislation.

Director of the Taxpayer Services Department, confirmed that the system has been expanded to handle inquiries about Corporate Tax returns and reconsideration cases related to fines. The authority has also implemented predictive AI capabilities to identify common filing errors and send preventative guidance to taxpayers.

The UAE’s current tax framework encompasses three main taxes: a 5% Value Added Tax, Excise Tax on specific products ranging from 50% to 100%, and Corporate Tax with rates of 0% on profits up to AED 375,000 and 9% above this threshold.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Cut Trademark Fees for Small Business Programme Members

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 21 October 2025: The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced a 50 per cent reduction in trademark fees for members of its National SME Programme, alongside a complete fee waiver for people of determination.

The ministry has established fees for 28 trademark services, including several new offerings. Key charges include AED2,250 for filing infringement complaints and AED7,500 for grievances against dismissed objections. Applications involving multiple categories will be charged separately for each category.

Seven new trademark services have been introduced, including geographical indication registration at AED6,500, one-day trademark examination at AED2,250, and international trademark conversion at AED400. The ministry has also consolidated renewal fees into four categories, ranging from AED5,750 for standard renewals to AED9,750 for late renewal of monitoring marks.

The ministry has implemented additional measures including a Geographical Indications system and participation in the Madrid Protocol since 2021, enabling local businesses to expand trademark protection internationally. A new one-day trademark initiative has also been launched to accelerate registration processes.

The fee reduction applies to all registered members of the National SME Programme, which supports UAE entrepreneurs in business development and sustainability.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Dubai: Launches Major AI Initiatives to Boost Digital Infrastructure

24/10/202524/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 19 October 2025: Dubai’s leadership has unveiled a comprehensive package of artificial intelligence projects, including a new infrastructure platform and acceleration taskforce, as part of the emirate’s latest digital advancement efforts.

At the heart of the new programme is an AI Infrastructure Empowerment Platform, which provides government departments with a secure, integrated digital environment for AI development and deployment. The platform combines advanced infrastructure with ready-to-use smart services, designed to streamline the implementation of AI-driven solutions across public sector operations.

Alongside this, officials have established a new AI Acceleration Taskforce following discussions with Chief AI Officers from 27 government entities. The task force emerged from consultations led by the local Centre for Artificial Intelligence and aims to enhance coordination between various government departments in their AI adoption strategies.

The third major component is the Unicorn 30 Programme, which has been created with input from 80 local and international firms. This initiative sets out to support 30 promising startups in their journey to achieve billion-pound valuations whilst maintaining their headquarters in the emirate. The programme encompasses ten distinct initiatives focusing on areas such as financing, growth strategies, and governance frameworks.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Central Bank Gains New Powers Under Financial Stability Law

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 11 October 2025: The UAE has introduced sweeping new financial regulations, granting the Central Bank enhanced powers to intervene in troubled institutions and impose larger penalties for violations.

Federal Decree-Law No. 6/2025 establishes several key measures: Crisis Management Powers: authority to remove and appoint bank management, power to transfer or sell assets and obligations, ability to override shareholder rights, authority to implement forced mergers or liquidations and power to establish temporary entities for asset management.

Consumer Protection Measures: creation of “Sanadak” unified complaints system, establishment of specialised judicial committees, final binding decisions for disputes up to AED 100,000 and mandatory financial access requirements for institutions.

Enhanced Penalties: increased administrative fines, penalties up to ten times violation value, automatic deduction of fines from accounts and direct recovery powers from responsible individuals.

The law strengthens early intervention protocols, allowing the Central Bank to impose additional capital requirements, mandate recovery plans, and restructure troubled institutions’ operations.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

GCC: New Permanent Residency Schemes

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Daily Tribune, 14 October 2025: GCC countries have introduced comprehensive long-term residency schemes, expanding opportunities for foreign nationals to establish permanent roots in the region.

Under the new frameworks, each GCC nation has established distinct residency pathways. Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme offers two options: an annual renewable permit for SAR 100,000 or a permanent residency for SAR 800,000. The scheme enables holders to live and work without requiring a sponsor.

Qatar has implemented a property-based residency programme, granting temporary status for $200,000 investments and permanent residency for $1 million investments. The processing time ranges from four to six weeks, with successful applicants gaining rights to work and sponsor family members.

Bahrain’s Golden Residency Visa provides a 10-year renewable permit for individuals meeting specific criteria, including property ownership valued at BHD 200,000 or a monthly income threshold of BHD 2,000 after five years of residence. Retirees can qualify with a monthly income of BHD 4,000.

Oman has introduced a tiered system through its Investor Residency Program, offering 10-year visas for OMR 500,000 investments and 5-year visas for OMR 250,000 investments. The programme includes provisions for retirees with fixed monthly incomes of OMR 4,000.

Each programme includes specific provisions for property ownership, business operation, and family sponsorship, with varying investment thresholds and eligibility requirements across different GCC states.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

DFSA: Launches Digital Application Platform

17/10/202517/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

DFSA has introduced a new digital platform to accelerate regulatory approvals, responding to an 18% rise in licence applications during the first nine months of 2025.

Key Features of DFSA Connect: automated application processing, streamlined workflow system, online approval tracking, reduced manual procedures and AI-ready infrastructure.

Current Impact: 33% efficiency improvement expected, faster processing times and simplified authorisation process.

The platform handles: financial services authorisations, regulatory approvals, licence applications and compliance documentation.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

UAE: Issues First Drone Traffic Management Licence

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 3 October 2025: The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in drone regulation with the issuance of its first U-Space Service Provider (USSP) certification to a national air navigation organisation.

The approved organisation will operate a specialised platform for managing drone traffic throughout the UAE airspace. The system offers immediate flight approvals and incorporates radar data, weather information, and aeronautical notifications.

The newly certified platform features advanced conflict detection and avoidance capabilities, designed to support future urban air mobility operations across UAE cities.

Officials confirmed that the certification process included comprehensive operational readiness assessments and system validations to ensure compliance with international standards.

Applications for drone operations under the new system will span various sectors, including delivery services, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

News developments

Dubai: Launches New Support Package for Local Start-ups

10/10/202510/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 1 October 2025: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has announced new incentives for Emirati-owned start-ups through a partnership between its SME division and Emirates Petroleum Company.

The scheme introduces several cost-reduction measures including: discounted registration and product fees, reduced rates for advertising services, lower rental costs for retail spaces and kiosks, new revenue-sharing arrangements and access to promotional platforms.

Under the agreement, eligible businesses will receive access to premium retail locations and marketing support across the petroleum company’s network. The programme includes co-branded marketing opportunities and preferential rates for payment and logistics services.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Upcoming Advocacy 101: Mastering Courtroom Skills for Legal Success | 5-6 November 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar

07/10/202510/10/2025
by Maristela Albores

Advocacy 101: Mastering Courtroom Skills for Legal Success | 5-6 November 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
05/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D
Advocacy 101: Mastering Courtroom Skills for Legal Success | 5-6 November 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon GST | Live Zoom Webinar
06/11/2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

Join LexisNexis and SOL International for an expert-led introduction to courtroom advocacy. This CLPD-certified course equips legal professionals in the Middle East with the skills to prepare for hearings, structure persuasive arguments, and respond effectively to judicial cues.

News developments

UAE: Announces Nationwide Push for Local Inspectors and Regulators

03/10/202503/10/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Al Etihad, 24 September 2025: The United Arab Emirates has launched a comprehensive initiative to increase local employment in inspection and regulatory roles across both government and private sectors.

The programme focuses on recruiting and training Emirati nationals for supervisory positions in several key areas, including: Environmental monitoring and pollution control, Food safety and consumer protection, Occupational health and safety, Infrastructure project supervision and Market quality control.

Officials have confirmed that the initiative will implement specialised training programmes incorporating artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies to prepare local candidates for inspection and monitoring roles.

The scheme requires new inspectors to undergo extensive field training and obtain scientific qualifications to handle major infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The programme includes continuous professional development to ensure inspectors can effectively use the latest technological tools.

For the full story, click here.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.