United Arab Emirates Archives - LexisNexis Middle East

UAE: Gold Trade Controls Detailed in New Regulatory Statement

28/11/202528/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade has outlined its comprehensive regulatory framework for gold trading operations, emphasising the stringent controls in place for precious metals imports, detailing specific measures governing the nation’s position as the world’s second-largest gold trading hub.

The ministry revealed that mandatory protocols now include anti-money laundering checks, customer verification procedures, and yearly audits across all entry points. Officials confirmed that current regulations match or exceed OECD guidelines for handling minerals from high-risk areas.

The statement highlighted enhanced due diligence requirements for precious metals dealers and refiners, particularly when sourcing from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. These measures include both on-site and off-site verification processes before supplier approval.

The ministry also disclosed the implementation of a comprehensive training programme to support regulatory compliance and maintain supply chain integrity. The framework includes coordination with international bodies to ensure alignment with global standards for enforcement and reporting.

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News developments

Dubai: Ruler Issues New Decrees Establishing Free Zone and Appointing Judges

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai’s Ruler has issued several new decrees, including the establishment of a new free zone in Al Aweer First area and the appointment of judges to the DIFC Courts.

The newly established free zone will be located on plot number 71117180 in Al Aweer First area. The decree outlines that companies and establishments licensed to operate within this free zone will enjoy the same privileges and exemptions granted under existing free zone legislation and regulations applicable in Dubai.

The decree requires all companies operating within the new free zone to align their operations with the authority’s regulations within one year from the decree’s implementation date. The Dubai Municipality will maintain oversight of the markets within the free zone, with the ability to delegate management or operational responsibilities to other entities through formal agreements.

Additionally, the Dubai Ruler issued a decree promoting several members of the judicial authority in Dubai Courts and Public Prosecution.

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News developments

Ajman: Launches Automated Tax Reporting System

27/11/202527/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Department of Finance in Ajman has implemented a new digital tax reporting system, eliminating manual procedures and reducing processing steps by 75 percent.

The streamlined process now enables automatic generation and delivery of tax reports within minutes, replacing the previous paper-based system. All required physical documentation has been eliminated through the new digital framework, standardising forms and procedures across government entities through a single consolidated screen. The technical integration enables automated data exchange between departments, removing the need for manual intervention.

The new platform incorporates standardised reporting templates and automated validation processes to maintain data consistency. Local government departments can now access and process tax information through the centralised system.

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News developments

UAE: Launches Comprehensive Family Benefits Package

21/11/202521/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 16 November 2025: New workplace and civil reforms are being implemented across the United Arab Emirates, introducing significant changes to family-related benefits for government employees ahead of the country’s designated ‘Year of the Family’ in 2026.

UAE has introduced a new Human Resources law offering flexible working hours and remote work options for government employees. The legislation also includes expanded family leave provisions, covering maternity, paternity, marriage, childcare and bereavement leave. Special considerations have been made for pregnant employees and those with five or more children.

Dubai government has established a 10-day fully paid marriage leave for Emirati nationals, effective from early 2025, while Sharjah’s Executive Council has approved an eight-day marriage leave policy. Sharjah has additionally introduced “Care Leave” for female employees who give birth to children requiring special care.

Abu Dhabi has implemented a Civil Family Law for non-Muslim expatriates, establishing secular options for marriage, divorce and custody matters. The emirate maintains a 90-day fully paid maternity leave policy for government employees and has extended adoption leave rights to female employees in specific jurisdictions.

At the federal level, the UAE provides five days of paid parental leave within six months of a child’s birth. Recent Personal Status Law reforms have extended child custody to age 18 and grant children over 15 the right to choose their custodial parent. The legislation also ensures equal travel rights for both parents regarding their children.

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News developments

Dubai: New Digital System Cuts Business Banking Setup to Five Days

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 12 November 2025: Dubai has reduced the time required to open a business bank account from 65 days to just five days through its new digital licensing system.

Seven major banks have integrated with the new system, allowing new businesses to open accounts directly using their unified licence. The digital platform now serves as a single point of access for businesses operating in both mainland Dubai and free zones.

The initiative has established connections with key government departments, including human resources, electricity and water, transport, and foreign affairs authorities. These integrations enable businesses to manage multiple regulatory requirements through one digital gateway.

The unified licence provides each business with a unique, government-verified digital identity that can be used to access essential services including banking, utilities, trade, and labour processing. This centralised approach has created a single verified registry for business information.

The system operates across both mainland and free zone jurisdictions, offering a standardised approach to business administration throughout the emirate.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Implements New Sustainable Fisheries Policy

20/11/202520/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Abu Dhabi has introduced a comprehensive sustainable fisheries policy through Decision No. 8/2025 establishing a framework for fisheries management and focusing on scientific monitoring, research programmes, and regulatory measures.

Under the decree, the EAD will coordinate with relevant entities to implement policy instruments within specified timeframes and analyse their impact through systematic procedures.

Key components of the policy include strengthening monitoring programmes to assess fish stocks and marine habitats, developing new fishing legislation, and supporting aquaculture initiatives. The decree also outlines plans for the rehabilitation of natural habitats, including coral reefs and mangroves.

The policy introduces specific measures to support local fishermen while implementing sustainable fishing practices. The EAD will oversee the development of scientific research and innovation programmes for effective fisheries management.

This regulatory framework comes after recent measures by the EAD have shown positive signs of fish stock recovery. The policy will be implemented through collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to ensure effective resource management.

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News developments

UAE: Ministry Launches Instalment Payment Scheme Through Eight Banks

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 8 November 2025: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced an instalment payment service for ministry fees and administrative fines through eight approved banking institutions, allowing credit card holders to spread the cost of ministry services across multiple payments.

Under the ‘Easy Payment Plan’, customers can access different instalment thresholds depending on their banking provider. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank have set a minimum instalment amount of 1,000 dirhams, while First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Commercial Bank International, National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah and Emirates NBD offer instalments starting from 500 dirhams.

The service is available to customers holding credit cards from any of the participating banks, subject to standard terms and conditions. The ministry has confirmed that payments can be arranged according to customers’ specific financial circumstances.

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News developments

Dubai: Free Zones Introduces Multiple Share Classes for Registered Companies

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai World Trade Centre Authority has launched a new regulatory framework allowing companies in its free zone to issue multiple classes of shares, expanding beyond traditional ordinary shares.

The framework enables registered businesses to implement varied share structures including preference shares, founder’s shares, restricted shares and tiered structures through class A/B/C/D categorisation. Companies can now customise these arrangements through their Memorandum of Association to specify different rights regarding dividends, voting powers, transfer conditions and redemption options.

Under the new regulations, businesses must incorporate specific governance measures to protect shareholder rights and maintain transparency in their operations. The framework includes provisions for minority shareholder protection and clear guidelines for implementing different share classes.

The free zone authority has confirmed that while ordinary shares will remain the standard option, registered companies now have the flexibility to adopt more complex share structures. These arrangements can be used for various purposes including investment attraction, succession planning and equity-based compensation.

The free zone currently hosts businesses from more than 40 sectors, operating under regulations that permit full foreign ownership and simplified licensing procedures.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Introduces Insurance Coverage for Autonomous Vehicles

14/11/202514/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 10 November 2025: Abu Dhabi has established an insurance framework for self-driving vehicles operating within the city.

The Advanced Technology Research Council revealed that insurance coverage for unmanned vehicles was secured within a week, enabling autonomous cargo vehicles to operate legally on city streets. The implementation followed a 45-day testing period during which vehicles underwent extensive field trials and gradual pilot programmes across different zones of the city.

The new insurance framework addresses one of the primary challenges in deploying autonomous transport systems, which has been a significant hurdle both locally and internationally.

The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council continues to develop regulations for the autonomous ecosystem, with plans to expand the framework for future technological developments, including flying taxis slated for introduction in the near future.

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News developments

UAE: Mandates Laboratory Testing under Sugar-Based Drinks Tax

07/11/202507/11/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 29 October 2025: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has outlined new requirements for beverage producers and importers ahead of a tiered sugar tax implementation planned for early 2026.

Under the new system, manufacturers must obtain Accredited Conformity Certificates verifying the sugar content of their products. The certification process requires laboratory testing from approved facilities to determine precise sugar levels per 100 millilitres.

The tax structure will feature four distinct categories: drinks with 8g or more sugar per 100ml: highest tax rate, drinks containing 5-8g sugar per 100ml: moderate tax rate, beverages with less than 5g sugar per 100ml: lower tax rate and sugar-free drinks with artificial sweeteners: zero tax.

Products without proper certification will automatically be classified in the highest tax bracket until laboratory results prove otherwise.

The new framework will apply to all beverages containing added sugars or sweeteners, including concentrates, powders, and gels. Natural sugar-only drinks will be exempt from the tax, while energy drinks will maintain their current 100% excise rate.

Businesses can now apply for certification through the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s online platform. Acceptable test results must come from laboratories accredited by recognised bodies such as the Emirates National Accreditation System or those certified under ISO/IEC 17025.

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