UAE: State Security Launches Confidential Reporting Service

Gulf News, 2 February 2026: The UAE has introduced a new confidential reporting mechanism aimed at strengthening national security by enabling the public to report threats anonymously.

The UAE State Security Department has launched a confidential security reporting service allowing citizens and residents to submit information on security‑related concerns without disclosing their identity. The initiative was unveiled under the slogan “State Security is Everyone’s Responsibility” and is designed to support early detection of risks to public safety and national unity.

According to the authorities, the service covers a wide range of matters, including extremist activity, suspicious behaviour, espionage, information leaks, threats to public order, and insults or defamation targeting the state and its symbols. Reports may be made at any time through several official channels, including a toll‑free number, a dedicated website, a mobile application and an SMS service.

The State Security Department emphasised that confidentiality and data protection sit at the core of the initiative. Individuals may submit reports anonymously, with assurances that personal data will be handled securely and in line with recognised privacy standards.

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/.

UAE: New Stablecoin Rules Reshaped Payments and Banking

Gulf News, 21 January 2026: The UAE had introduced one of the Gulf’s most comprehensive stablecoin regulatory frameworks, formally integrating dirham‑backed digital tokens into its financial system.

The Payment Token Services Regulation (PTSR) had taken effect on 31 August 2024, establishing the legal structure through which dirham‑backed stablecoins may operate inside the UAE. According to S&P Global Ratings, the framework had been designed to connect the traditional banking system with the digital‑asset ecosystem, marking a significant shift in how digital payment instruments are supervised.

Under the PTSR, any stablecoin used for domestic payments must be issued by a licensed entity under ongoing regulatory supervision. The regulation governs issuance, conversion, custody and transfer, and had set strict operational conditions intended to protect consumers and strengthen market integrity. It requires the segregation of reserve assets, monthly external audits, and a minimum initial capital requirement of Dh15 million, together with additional capital linked to tokens in circulation.

The PTSR also draws clear boundaries on what stablecoins can and cannot do. It prohibits interest or any time‑based financial benefits linked to holding payment tokens and bans algorithmic stablecoins entirely. Foreign payment tokens cannot be used locally to buy goods or services—other than virtual‑asset purchases—ensuring that domestic payment activity remains within the regulated UAE environment.

Licensed dirham‑backed tokens have already entered the market. In December 2024, the Central Bank approved AE Coin as the UAE’s first fully licensed payment stablecoin. By January 2026, AE Coin had been integrated into Network International’s point‑of‑sale and online‑payment systems, enabling merchants across the country to accept stablecoin payments. Banks have also begun positioning themselves within the evolving ecosystem: FAB, ADQ and IHC had announced plans in April 2025 to issue a regulated stablecoin, while digital bank Zand launched “Zand AE” in November 2025 and RAKBANK secured initial approval in January 2026.

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/.

UAE: New Child Digital Safety Law Imposes Strict Rules on Global Apps

Gulf News, 15 January 2026: The United Arab Emirates has enacted Federal Decree-Law No. 26/2025 on Child Digital Safety, introducing stringent compliance requirements for platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, and Snapchat to protect minors online.

UAE authorities confirmed the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 26/2025 on Child Digital Safety, a landmark regulation aimed at safeguarding children from harmful online content and exploitation. The law mandates global social media and streaming platforms—including TikTok, Twitch, Snapchat, and others—to adopt robust safety measures, including age verification, parental controls, and proactive content moderation.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 26/2025, platforms must ensure that minors are shielded from inappropriate material, cyberbullying, and predatory behaviour. Failure to comply could result in severe penalties, including fines, service restrictions, or suspension within the UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 26/2025 also empowers regulators to audit compliance and enforce corrective actions swiftly.

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/.