UAE 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

Abu Dhabi: Executive Regulations Define 15 Types of Government Employee Leave

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

Emarat Alyoum, 26 April 2026: The Department of Government Empowerment has issued the executive regulations of Abu Dhabi Administrative Decision No. 1/2026 on the Issuance of the Implementing Regulation of Abu Dhabi Law No. 8/2025 on Human Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, establishing a comprehensive framework for 15 types of leave available to government employees.

The regulations detail entitlements including annual leave (22–30 days depending on grade), sick leave (up to 15 days with medical certification requirements), work injury leave (12 days), exam leave (3–15 days), marriage leave (10 days), maternity and adoption leave (3 months), paternity leave (6 days), bereavement leave (10 days), ‘iddah leave (4 months and 10 days), Hajj leave (15 days), and companion leave (3 months), among others.

The regulations also specify seven conditions for annual leave entitlement, seven cases of non‑entitlement, and rules for carry‑over and cash compensation. Employees with disabilities are granted five additional annual leave days. Absence beyond authorised leave is treated as work discontinuation, subject to disciplinary provisions.

The framework ensures that leave periods count toward continuous service, end‑of‑service benefits, and pension contributions, unless otherwise specified. Government entities may grant connected leave periods under the regulation’s conditions, reinforcing consistency and fairness across Abu Dhabi’s public sector.

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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

Sharjah: Council Reviews Draft Law Regulating University of the Arts

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

Sharjah 24, 16 April 2026: Sharjah Consultative Council has reviewed a draft law regulating the University of the Arts as part of legislative discussions.

The SCC approved the draft law regulating the University of Arts in Sharjah. The law, consisting of 18 articles, was reviewed in detail by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee.

Committee Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Hammadi confirmed that several amendments were introduced to enhance the project, particularly provisions relating to the powers of the university director and the directors of the Visual Academy and Performing Academy, both of which fall under the law’s scope.

Government representatives participated in the session, and all amendments received official approval.

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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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Upcoming People Management in Uncertain Times: Addressing Employee Concerns Under GCC Employment Frameworks | 19 May 2026 | 10 AM to 12 PM GST | Live Zoom Webinar

22/04/202608/05/2026
by Hannah Gutang

People Management in Uncertain Times: Addressing Employee Concerns Under GCC Employment Frameworks | 19 May 2026 | 10 AM to 12 PM GST | Live Zoom Webinar
19/05/2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM SEFORMENA-D

This two-hour live webinar, organised by LexisNexis in collaboration with DIFC Academy, examines how organisations in the GCC can manage employee concerns during periods of regional or geopolitical uncertainty. The session focuses on practical HR and legal responses to issues relating to employee wellbeing, safety, workplace communications, flexible working, and employee relations.

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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