Dubai Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: National Committee Adopts New AML/CFT Initiatives

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 28 April 2026: The National Committee for Anti‑Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing, chaired by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, has adopted a comprehensive set of decisions and initiatives to strengthen national readiness, investigation tools, and institutional integration.

During its second meeting of 2026, attended by ministers and senior officials, the Committee approved the restructuring of subcommittees and updating of mandates to reflect current priorities. It also endorsed new work methodologies and follow‑up mechanisms to support effective national decision‑making.

A key measure was the adoption of the National Guide on Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering Investigations, which updates procedures for organising investigations, tracking and confiscating assets, and coordinating among competent authorities. The guide incorporates virtual assets and regulates asset recovery mechanisms, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of financial investigations.

The Committee further approved risk assessments covering financial institutions, virtual asset service providers, and designated non‑financial businesses and professions, enabling more precise supervisory and enforcement actions. It also endorsed the National Risk Assessment for Proliferation Financing (public version) and the National Risk Assessment for Non‑Profit Organisations, strengthening transparency and risk‑based oversight.

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News developments

Dubai: Civil Aviation Authority Launches Air Travel Consumer Guide

29/04/202629/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Al Bayan, 28 April 2026: Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority has introduced a new Consumer Care Guide and Service for the aviation sector, establishing a regulatory framework that defines passenger rights, airline and travel agent obligations, and complaint resolution mechanisms.

The guide provides a clear legal reference for the relationship between passengers, licensed airlines, and travel agents, while the new service enables travellers to submit complaints and feedback directly through the Authority’s official website. Complaints can be tracked online, ensuring transparency and improving customer experience.

Director General Mohammed Abdullah Lengawi described the initiative as a strategic step to strengthen passenger rights and enhance Dubai’s civil aviation system. He emphasised that the framework aligns with international best practices, improves service quality, and builds consumer trust in the aviation sector.

The Authority urged passengers to familiarise themselves with the guide and use the service to safeguard their rights. Airlines and travel agents were also encouraged to support the initiative and raise awareness, contributing to a more efficient and reliable aviation ecosystem.

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News developments

UAE: CBUAE Updates AML/CFT/CPF Guidance for Licensed Financial Institutions

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Central Bank has updated its guidance on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing obligations for licensed financial institutions.

The updated guidance package introduces comprehensive measures to help institutions detect, prevent, and manage risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

Key regulatory guidance documents include:

Proliferation Financing Risks: Framework for assessing inherent risks, evaluating policies and controls, and monitoring emerging typologies.
Trade‑Based Money Laundering (TBML) and Transshipment Risks: Guidance to strengthen monitoring of trade and shipping activities linked to illicit finance.
Correspondent Banking Relationships: Expectations for managing AML/CFT/CPF risks in correspondent banking, with emphasis on internal policies and compliance.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD), KYC, and Record Keeping: Clarifies procedures for verifying customer identities, building risk profiles, and retaining documentation.

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News developments

Dubai: Dubai South Introduces New Incentives for Free Zone Firms

23/04/202623/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 17 April 2026: Dubai South authorities have introduced new incentives for companies operating within the free zone as part of regulatory measures to enhance business activity.

Dubai South has rolled out a package of incentives aimed at attracting and retaining businesses, particularly in sectors such as logistics, aviation, and trade. The initiative includes reductions in licensing fees, flexible payment plans, and simplified company set-up procedures designed to lower entry barriers for firms.

The incentives are implemented within the free zone’s regulatory framework governing company formation, licensing, and operations. They apply to both new and existing businesses, offering cost reductions and administrative flexibility to support business continuity and expansion.

The measures are intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Dubai South as a commercial hub, increase foreign investment, and support economic activity within the emirate.

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News developments

UAE: Authorities Launch Essential Goods Price Monitoring Platform

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a digital platform enabling consumers to compare daily prices of 33 essential goods across 12 major retailers, reinforcing transparency and consumer protection. The Essential Goods Price Platform provides real‑time price comparisons for 33 staple items, including rice, poultry, dairy, cooking oil, eggs, sugar, meat, fish, bread, fruits, and vegetables. Prices are updated daily through direct integration with participating retailers, allowing consumers to build customised shopping baskets and identify the lowest total cost. Consumers can report discrepancies between listed and in‑store prices, enabling enforcement action against non‑compliant outlets.

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News developments

UAE: Government Considers Shifting Oil Payments Away from US Dollars

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

20 April 2026: During meetings in Washington last week, UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama raised the idea of establishing a currency swap line with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve officials. The proposal was presented as a precautionary measure to shield the UAE economy from further fallout of the Iran conflict. Emirati officials indicated that if dollar liquidity tightens, the UAE may consider settling oil transactions in alternative currencies. The Chinese Yuan has been identified as a leading option.

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News developments

GCC States Announce Draft Resolution on Maritime Navigation Security

22/04/202622/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

16 April 2026: GCC member states have announced a new draft resolution addressing threats to maritime navigation.

This development has followed rising concerns over threats targeting maritime routes, prompting coordinated regional action to safeguard shipping lanes.

The draft resolution sets out a framework for strengthening maritime security cooperation among GCC countries, including measures aimed at protecting vessels, ensuring safe passage, and enhancing coordination between relevant authorities. It reflects commitments under international maritime law to maintain secure and open sea routes.

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News developments

UAE: CMA Issues Comprehensive Virtual-Assets Regulatory Framework

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The National, 13 April 2026: The UAE’s Capital Market Authority has issued a robust Virtual Assets Framework, establishing a specialised regulatory regime governing the virtual-asset sector.

The framework consists of five core modules:

General Requirements – overarching obligations for virtual-asset providers.
Conduct of Business – licensing, governance, compliance and risk-management rules.
Alternative Trading System (ATS) – dedicated governance for trading platforms, covering virtual and tokenised securities.
Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) – targeted safeguards.
Prudential Requirements – capital adequacy, client protection and operational resilience.

The framework expands regulated activities from three to eight, including:

Dealing in virtual assets as principal
Dealing in virtual assets as agent
Providing custody
Arranging custody
Arranging investment deals
Providing investment advice
Portfolio management
Operating a multilateral trading facility

A dedicated ATS module now regulates trading venues for virtual assets and tokenised securities, reflecting market convergence and evolving business models.

The CMA emphasised that the framework enhances investor protection, market integrity, and innovation, aligning with IOSCO and FATF standards, and upholding the principle: “same activity, same risk, same regulatory outcome”

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News developments

Dubai: Real Estate and Residency Services Unified Under Single System

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 11 April 2026: Dubai has moved to integrate real estate and residency services under a single government system following a memorandum of understanding between GDRFA Dubai and the Dubai Land Department.

The agreement brings Golden Residency, Retiree Residency and Property Residency services onto one platform, allowing applicants to complete procedures through a single channel instead of dealing with multiple authorities. Previously, property‑linked residency applications required coordination across separate real estate and immigration systems.

Authorities stated that the integration will simplify procedures, improve processing efficiency, and enhance the experience for residents, investors and property owners, while strengthening regulatory coordination between land registration and residency authorities.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: March-April 2026 Edition

10/04/202610/04/2026
by Tanya Jain

The March/April 2026 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert provides a comprehensive snapshot of key legal, regulatory, and commercial developments across the GCC. It combines expert-led feature articles with practical updates on evolving laws, offering in-house counsel, legal practitioners, and business leaders insight into how recent legislative changes impact contracts, compliance, digital regulation, real estate, and taxation. The publication particularly highlights the UAE’s new Civil Code, Qatar’s evolving e-commerce framework, and emerging technology regulations shaping the region.

Happy Reading!

FEATURE: A NEW CODE: CONTRACT CONCERNS

An in-depth analysis of the newly issued UAE Civil Code, focusing on how it reshapes contractual priorities. The authors explore risk allocation, enforceability, and key considerations businesses should reassess when drafting and negotiating contracts.

FEATURE: ONLINE ONLY APPROACH

A detailed look at Qatar Ministerial Decision No. 25/2026, outlining licensing requirements for businesses operating exclusively online. This section clarifies compliance obligations for digital-first companies without physical premises.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

A profile of Daniela Bartolo, General Counsel at Careem, exploring how rapid organisational growth has driven a reassessment of compliance approaches. The piece highlights how in-house legal teams are adapting frameworks, processes, and risk management strategies to keep pace with expansion.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

A practitioner-led overview of recent legal developments relating to self-driving vehicles in Dubai, offering practical insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and the implications for implementation and compliance.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

A regional roundup of notable legal industry appointments and career moves, offering insight into talent trends and leadership shifts across the Middle East legal market.

CONTRACT WATCH: ARBITRATION CLAUSES

A practical guide by Antonia Birt, Partner at Reed Smith International, highlighting key lessons in drafting and enforcing arbitration clauses, with a focus on avoiding common pitfalls and strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms.

TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

An overview of key fiscal and financial developments, including evolving treatment of R&D tax credits in the UAE. This section highlights regulatory shifts impacting corporate tax planning and financial strategy.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2026

Explore the past editions of the Lexis® Middle East Law Alert and stay up-to-date with the latest news! Click the links below for instant access to older editions.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2026

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_July-August 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_May-June 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

TECHNOLOGY MONITOR

Explores major developments in technology law across the GCC. Topics include proposed regulation of crypto-mining in ADGM and broader legal responses to emerging digital industries.

Digital Child Safety: A focused analysis of new UAE legislation introducing a dedicated digital child safety framework—among the first in the region—addressing online protection measures and platform responsibilities.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

A summary of major legal developments across the region, including updates such as new shared housing rules in Dubai. Designed to give readers a quick but meaningful understanding of recent legislative changes.

LAW MONITOR

A jurisdiction-wide tracker of significant legal updates in the GCC. It includes a featured analysis of Qatar’s Preliminary Real Estate Registry and its implications for off-plan property sales and investor protection.

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