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UAE Financial Hub Draws Strong Institutional Interest in 2026

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  The United Arab Emirates continues to cement its position as a premier global financial services destination, with institutional investors and asset managers significantly expanding their presence in key hubs such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This trend reflects growing confidence in the UAE’s regulatory environment, strategic location, and business-friendly incentives. Major Hedge Fund Entry Highlights Institutional Momentum Arrowpoint Investment Partners, led by a former Goldman Sachs Managing Director, has secured a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to operate in the DIFC with over $1 billion in assets under management, underscoring robust institutional participation in the region’s alternative investment landscape. ADGM Expands Institutional Footprint In parallel, Primrose Capital Management received Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at ADGM, positioning th...

UAE Introduces Amendments to Commercial Companies Law to Enhance Business Competitiveness

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  UAE Introduces Amendments to Commercial Companies Law to Enhance Business Competitiveness The UAE has announced key amendments to the Commercial Companies Law , reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the country’s business environment and maintaining its position as a leading global investment hub. The updated framework introduces greater flexibility, improved governance structures, and enhanced legal clarity for companies operating in the UAE. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of new corporate classifications , including provisions that allow companies greater autonomy in managing profits and reinvestment strategies. These amendments aim to support innovation-driven entities, social enterprises, and long-term growth-focused businesses by offering more adaptable corporate structures. The revised law also enhances corporate governance and shareholder protections , clarifying directors’ duties, shareholder rights, and compliance obligations. This is expect...

Dubai Free Zones Introduce Unified Digital Licensing Verification System

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  Dubai Free Zones Introduce Unified Digital Licensing Verification System In a major step toward strengthening regulatory transparency and easing business operations, several leading Dubai free zones have jointly launched a Unified Digital Licensing Verification System . The new platform enables banks, government entities, due-diligence teams, and private-sector stakeholders to instantly authenticate trade licenses and corporate information through a centralized digital gateway. The initiative is designed to reduce administrative friction, accelerate KYC processes, and eliminate inconsistencies that often arise from manual document checks. By enabling real-time verification, authorities aim to create a more secure, compliant, and efficient business environment for both new and existing companies operating across Dubai’s free zone network. Industry analysts note that this digital integration represents a transformative shift in how corporate data is shared and validated. The s...

UAE Banking Sector Expands Support for Corporate Clients

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  UAE Banking Sector Expands Support for Corporate Clients The UAE banking sector is witnessing a significant shift as major financial institutions roll out enhanced services aimed at supporting corporate clients, SMEs, and international investors. This development comes at a time when the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for trade, investment, and business expansion. Banks across the country are introducing new initiatives focused on digital onboarding, streamlined compliance processes, and greater access to corporate financing solutions. In recent months, several leading UAE banks have launched upgraded digital platforms that allow businesses to open accounts faster, submit compliance documents electronically, and track banking requests in real time. This move is part of a broader push to reduce administrative bottlenecks and provide a more efficient experience for companies operating in the Emirates. By integrating advanced verification technologies and AI-driv...

UAE Issues Final Emiratisation Warning to Private Sector Ahead of Year-End Deadline

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UAE Issues Final Emiratisation Warning to Private Sector Ahead of Year-End Deadline The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a final reminder to private-sector companies to comply with the national Emiratisation targets before 31 December 2025 . The Ministry confirmed that firms failing to meet their required quota will face significant financial penalties and classification downgrades starting January 2026. Key Requirements for Companies Companies with 50 or more employees must achieve a 2% annual increase in the number of Emirati nationals employed in skilled roles. Businesses with 20 to 49 employees operating in specific high-activity sectors must hire at least one UAE national before the start of 2026. The Ministry is using enhanced monitoring tools, including AI-based detection systems, to identify attempts at “fake Emiratisation” or non-genuine hiring practices. Penalties for Non-Compliance Firms that fail to meet their quo...
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  UAE Crosses 640,000 Corporate Tax Registrations — A Milestone in Fiscal Modernization The United Arab Emirates has officially surpassed 640,000 corporate tax registrations , marking a major achievement in the nation’s fiscal transformation journey. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) confirmed the record number of registrations as businesses across all Emirates continue aligning with the corporate tax framework introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. The announcement highlights a strong level of compliance and awareness within the UAE’s private sector, reflecting a broader shift toward transparency and governance across business operations. The FTA also introduced deadline relief measures and digital enhancements to accommodate the surge in filings, ensuring smoother registration for companies of all sizes. Officials stated that the growing participation of entities from diverse sectors — including trade, services, manufacturing, and real estate — reinforces the UAE’s ...

UAE Targets 800,000 New Company Registrations Over Next Five Years

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  UAE Targets 800,000 New Company Registrations Over Next Five Years The UAE has activated a nationwide push to expand its corporate base by approximately 800,000 new registered entities within the next five-year cycle. The initiative is positioned to reinforce the country’s trajectory as a preferred jurisdiction for global market entry, innovation, and cross-border capital deployment. Strategic Intent The campaign is designed to: Accelerate private-sector depth Boost non-oil GDP contribution Expand SME participation across priority sectors Strengthen investor confidence through predictable setup pathways Operating Levers To enable scale, authorities are enhancing: Digital licensing and registration infrastructure Fast-track entity-setup channels Sector-focused support programs Entrepreneur-enablement initiatives Market Implications The program signals continued policy alignment toward: Simplified market access for foreign owners Increased ...