United Arab Emirates Archives - Page 3 of 70

Dubai: Launch of New Family‑Focused Digital Media Platform

05/02/202605/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Dubai has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new digital media platform designed to provide family‑focused content across a range of genres and formats.

The approval was granted by Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, during the Council’s first meeting of 2026. The platform forms part of Dubai Media’s strategy to strengthen the emirate’s digital media ecosystem and respond to evolving content‑consumption trends.

The launch follows a review of sector priorities, including investment in talent, technology and new production capabilities, with further initiatives expected as part of the emirate’s ongoing media development plans.

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News developments

ADGM: Discussion Paper on Crypto Mining Regulation

05/02/202605/02/2026
by Hannah Gutang

The ADGM Registration Authority has launched a public consultation on a proposed regulatory framework to govern crypto mining activities conducted within or from the financial free zone.

The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market published Discussion Paper No. 1/2026, inviting stakeholder feedback on proposed guidance for crypto mining operations linked to ADGM. The initiative aimed to provide regulatory clarity while supporting responsible innovation and strong governance standards across the crypto mining ecosystem.

Under the proposals, crypto mining would be regulated as a licensed commercial activity overseen by the Registration Authority, rather than as a financial service. The framework adopts a technology‑neutral approach, applying to all consensus mechanisms, including proof‑of‑work, proof‑of‑stake, and future blockchain technologies. This distinction reflects the Authority’s position that mining activity aligns more closely with infrastructure and operational services than with regulated financial activity.

The discussion paper also set out clear governance and compliance expectations, including corporate transparency, disclosure of beneficial ownership, and standards of operational integrity. Supervisory oversight would follow a risk‑based model, with regulatory scrutiny calibrated according to the scale, complexity, and geographic reach of mining operations.

A notable feature of the proposal is the introduction of global headquarters oversight, requiring ADGM‑registered entities that manage or coordinate overseas crypto mining activities to maintain consistent governance and control across international operations. The Registration Authority invited responses from mining operators, ADGM‑based headquarters, technology providers, auditors, and other industry participants, with consultation submissions open until 20 March 2026.

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Expired LEXPERT Series: Civil Code Edition | Navigating the UAE’s New Civil Law: Risks, Rights, and Opportunities

03/02/202613/02/2026
by Tanya Jain

We're sorry, but all tickets sales have ended because the event is expired.

LEXPERT Series: Civil Code Edition | Navigating the UAE’s New Civil Law: Risks, Rights, and Opportunities | 17 February 2026
17/02/2026
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

17 February 2026 | A panel discussion on the new UAE Civil Transactions Code and its impact on legal and commercial practice.

News developments

UAE: New Stablecoin Rules Reshaped Payments and Banking

30/01/202630/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

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.

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News developments

Sharjah: Higher Monthly Allowances for Thousands of Citizens

30/01/202630/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 26 January 2026: The Ruler of Sharjah has directed an increase in monthly financial allowances for more than 6,300 citizens, strengthening the emirate’s social welfare framework and expanding state‑backed support for vulnerable groups.

Monthly allowances for 6,317 Emirati citizens will be raised to Dh17,500. The directive applies to eligible beneficiaries including senior citizens, widows, divorcees, and low‑income families with two or more members.

The decision is expected to carry an annual cost of approximately Dh524 million and will take effect from January 2026, with payments to be made in line with existing administrative procedures. The measure reflects continued use of executive powers to expand social protection without altering eligibility criteria.

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News developments

Dubai: Police Launched Digital Lawyers Platform with Seven Legal Services

29/01/202629/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 22 January 2026: Dubai Police have launched a dedicated digital Lawyers Platform offering seven fully online legal services to streamline procedures and reduce the need for physical visits to police stations.

Dubai Police announced the launch of the Lawyers Platform during a press conference unveiling the second generation of its official website and smart application. Officials said the initiative is part of Dubai’s wider digital‑transformation and Zero Bureaucracy agenda, aimed at improving service efficiency, enhancing integration with justice partners, and supporting legal practitioners through secure digital channels.

The platform is designed exclusively for lawyers and legal consultants, enabling them to complete transactions digitally, upload documents, manage case files, and track applications in real time. A unified case‑management system allows the monitoring of applications, circulars and travel bans, with continuous updates sent through email, SMS and in‑platform notifications.

Dubai Police stated that the new system would reduce in‑person visits to police stations, easing operational pressure on officers and allowing them to focus on core policing duties. Officials added that the digital shift also strengthens transparency and enhances communication with justice partners by keeping all legal interactions within a secure and authenticated digital environment.

The seven digital legal services

According to the Gulf News report, the Lawyers Platform includes seven core services designed specifically for legal professionals:

Power of Attorney Linking – digitally linking POAs to police reports for formal legal representation.
Electronic Power of Attorney Signing – enabling legally authenticated, fully digital POA signing.
Clearance Certificate – obtaining Dubai‑Police‑issued clearance documents required to lift circulars.
Filing Criminal Complaints – allowing lawyers to file complaints on behalf of clients after verification and POA linkage.
To Whom It May Concern Certificates – issuing official certificates related to cases or transactions.
Detainee or Inmate Visit Permit – enabling authorised video communication with detainees.]
Circulars and Travel Ban Inquiry – viewing financial status, identifying issuing authorities, paying dues and completing the process digitally. Dubai Police noted that around 10,000 users per day access this specific service.

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News developments

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

23/01/202623/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

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.

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News developments

Sharjah: Executive Council Reviewed Draft Drone Regulation Law

23/01/202623/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 20 January 2026: The Sharjah Executive Council has reviewed a draft law regulating unmanned aerial vehicles or drones in the emirate.

The Council has examined a draft law governing the use of drones in Sharjah, which is aligning the legislative framework to the UAE’s broader aviation‑sector development. Council Members asked that a number of points be added into the draft before it is referred to the Sharjah Consultative Council.

The draft law seeks to regulate drone usage through clear legal provisions which will enhance safety, ensure compliance, and support the emirate’s strategic aviation ambitions.

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News developments

Dubai: Air Taxis To Be Launched

23/01/202623/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arabian Business, 16 January 2026: Dubai is set to see its first commercial electric air taxi flights by the end of this year, according to the Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Joby Aviation, the California‑based manufacturer of the fully‑electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, completed the first test flight of its air taxi in Dubai in June 2025 — a milestone in the emirate’s plan to integrate aerial mobility into its transport network. The aircraft can travel up to 160 km at speeds reaching 320 km/h while producing zero operating emissions, qualities designed to make it suitable for urban environments.

In early 2024, Joby Aviation signed an agreement granting it exclusive rights for six years to operate air taxi services in Dubai. The RTA’s strategy envisages expanding the city’s mobility options with environmentally friendly, fast, and low‑noise aerial transport, complementing existing roads and public‑transport systems.

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News developments

UAE: Federal Real Estate Assets to Join Electronic Registry

15/01/202615/01/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arabian Business, 13 January 2026: The UAE government has announced plans to integrate all federal real estate assets into a unified electronic registry to enhance transparency and streamline property management.

Officials confirmed that the initiative will create a centralised digital platform for recording and managing federal properties across the Emirates. The system aims to improve data accuracy, facilitate inter-agency coordination, and support strategic planning for asset utilisation.

Authorities stated that the registry will include detailed property information and enable real-time updates, forming part of the UAE’s broader digital transformation and governance reforms in the real estate sector.

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