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Regulatory updates

Every UAE regulatory change, as it happens.

New rules, circulars, consultations and notices from UAE regulators, each summarised with who is affected and what to do. Collected by Arakan Lexara from the regulators' own websites.

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All regulatorsDubai Financial Services Authority (70)Federal Tax Authority (46)Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (27)Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM (22)Central Bank of the UAE (19)Ministry of Economy — AML/CFT & Commercial Supervision (17)ADGM Registration Authority (10)DIFC Registrar of Companies (10)Federal (Cross-Regulator / Federal Decree-Laws) (2)Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (1)Dubai Land Department (1)Ministry of Finance (1)Real Estate Regulatory Authority — Dubai (1)Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (1)
  1. ADGM Registration Authority31 Oct 2026Press ReleaseMedium impact

    FSRA Statement Regarding Security Incident Involving Binance

    The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued a statement regarding a security incident involving Binance. This announcement is crucial for firms dealing with cryptocurrencies as it highlights potential vulnerabilities and the importance of robust security measures.

  2. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation30 Oct 2026Regulatory NoticeMedium impact

    MoHRE urges private sector to meet Emiratisation targets for 2026

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a notice urging private-sector establishments with 50 or more employees to accelerate their efforts to meet the Emiratisation targets set for 2026. The final deadline for compliance is 31 December 2026. This notice serves as a reminder for firms to ensure they are on track to meet these targets, which are part of the UAE's broader strategy to increase the participation of Emiratis in the private sector workforce.

  3. Federal (Cross-Regulator / Federal Decree-Laws)30 Oct 2026
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Updates are found automatically on regulators' websites and summarised by AI. Check the official source before relying on any item.

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Laws and regulations are issued and published by the relevant UAE authorities; always rely on the official text. Summaries on this page are for information only and are not legal advice.

The selection, arrangement and summaries of this library are Arakan's own work and are protected under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights. Automated scraping, bulk copying or republishing of this content without Arakan's written permission is prohibited and may be an offence under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. See the Terms of Service, Section 5.

Cabinet Decision
High impact

New Cabinet Decision on Administrative Penalties relating to the UAE eInvoicing framework

The Ministry of Finance has announced a new Cabinet Decision that updates the administrative penalties associated with the UAE eInvoicing framework. This decision replaces the previous Cabinet Decision No. (106) of 2025, indicating a revision in the penalties structure. This change is significant for firms involved in eInvoicing as it may affect compliance costs and operational procedures.

  • Ministry of Finance30 Oct 2026Cabinet DecisionHigh impact

    MoF Announces Updated Administrative Penalties Related to the UAE eInvoicing System to Enhance Clarity and Support Business Compliance

    The Ministry of Finance has issued a new Cabinet Decision updating the administrative penalties related to the UAE eInvoicing framework. This decision replaces the previous Cabinet Decision No. (106) of 2025. The amendments aim to enhance clarity and support business compliance following stakeholder consultations.

  • Central Bank of the UAE30 Oct 2026New Regulation/StandardHigh impact

    Administrative and Financial Penalties for Emiratization Violations Regulation

    This regulation implements Emiratization strategies and targets in the banking, financial, and insurance sectors in the UAE. It mandates the Central Bank of UAE to establish mechanisms for monitoring compliance and imposes penalties on institutions that fail to adhere. The collected penalties will fund Emiratization efforts and training for UAE nationals in these sectors.

  • Dubai Land Department29 Oct 2026Regulation AmendmentHigh impact

    Rules & Regulations (Update)

    The Dubai Land Department has updated its 'Rules & Regulations' page to include new regulations governing communication with property owners, specifically prohibiting cold calling. This update is significant for real estate firms as it directly impacts how they can engage with potential clients.

  • ADGM Registration Authority29 Oct 2026GuidanceMedium impact

    ADGM Becomes the Region's First International Financial Centre to Publish Dedicated Crypto Mining Guidance

    ADGM has published new guidance on crypto mining, making it the first international financial centre in the region to do so. This guidance aims to provide clarity and regulatory oversight for firms involved in crypto mining activities, ensuring compliance with ADGM's regulatory framework.

  • Central Bank of the UAE28 Oct 2026News AnnouncementMedium impact

    CBUAE Maintains the Base Rate at 3.9%

    The Central Bank of the UAE announced its decision to keep the base rate applicable to the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) unchanged at 3.9%. This decision is significant for financial institutions as it influences the cost of borrowing and lending in the UAE, impacting liquidity and financial planning.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM28 Oct 2026GuidanceMedium impact

    Guidance on Crypto Mining Activities in and from ADGM

    The FSRA has issued guidance on crypto mining activities within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This guidance outlines the regulatory expectations and requirements for entities engaging in crypto mining, ensuring compliance with ADGM's legal framework. It is crucial for firms involved in crypto mining to understand these guidelines to operate within the regulatory boundaries.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority28 Oct 2026Enforcement NoticeHigh impact

    The DFSA fines Moody’s Investors Service Middle East Limited USD 585,825 for data confidentiality breaches

    The DFSA has imposed a fine of USD 585,825 on Moody’s Investors Service Middle East Limited for breaches related to data confidentiality. This enforcement action highlights the importance of maintaining data confidentiality and serves as a warning to other firms about the consequences of non-compliance.

  • Central Bank of the UAE27 Oct 2026Press ReleaseMedium impact

    CBUAE Board Reviews Strength and Resilience of the UAE's Financial System and Banking Sector and Approves a Proactive Financial Institution Resilience Package

    The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) Board has reviewed the current state of the UAE's financial system and banking sector, emphasizing their strength and resilience. As part of this review, the Board approved a proactive financial institution resilience package designed to safeguard financial stability. This package aims to enhance the robustness of financial institutions against potential economic shocks.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority26 Oct 2026Enforcement NoticeMedium impact

    The DFSA fines Gary Joseph Peters USD 210,000 for misleading the DFSA and failing to produce documents

    Gary Joseph Peters was fined for providing misleading information to the DFSA and failing to produce required documents. This enforcement action underscores the importance of transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.

  • ADGM Registration Authority23 Oct 2026Enforcement NoticeHigh impact

    ADGM’s RA Imposes Financial Penalties of USD 88,000 Against MCA Auditors and its Registered Audit Principal for Audit Failings

    The ADGM Registration Authority has imposed financial penalties totaling USD 88,000 on MCA Auditors and its Registered Audit Principal due to audit failings. This enforcement action underscores the importance of adhering to audit standards and the consequences of non-compliance.

  • Federal (Cross-Regulator / Federal Decree-Laws)20 Oct 2026Cabinet DecisionHigh impact

    Cabinet Resolution Regarding the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree by Law Regarding the Regulation of Competition

    This resolution provides the executive regulations for the Federal Decree by Law concerning the regulation of competition in the UAE. It outlines the framework and guidelines for ensuring fair competition practices, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy market environment. Regulated firms must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure fair competition.

  • Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority14 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

    D. Category 1 VA Issuance

    This section of the Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook has been amended to specify the license requirements for Category 1 virtual asset issuance. Firms must adhere to these updated requirements to maintain compliance.

  • Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority14 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

    Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook

    The Virtual Asset Issuance Rulebook has been updated to provide new guidelines and requirements for the issuance of virtual assets. This amendment is crucial for firms involved in virtual asset issuance as it outlines the necessary compliance measures.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM14 Oct 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open

    Consultation Paper No. 7 of 2026 – Proposal to Introduce a Regulatory Framework for Business Centres

    The ADGM Registration Authority has issued a consultation paper seeking feedback on proposed amendments to introduce a regulatory framework for business centres. This includes changes to the Commercial Licensing Regulations and associated rules, aiming to enhance the regulatory environment for business centres operating within ADGM.

  • Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority12 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

    B. Whitepaper Requirements

    The whitepaper requirements for virtual asset issuance have been updated, detailing the necessary disclosures and information that must be included. This is vital for firms preparing to issue virtual assets to ensure transparency and compliance.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM9 Oct 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open

    Consultation Paper No. 6 of 2026 – Proposed Revisions to the Fees and General Rulebooks

    This consultation paper proposes revisions to the Fees and General Rulebooks, aiming to update and refine the regulatory framework. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

  • Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority6 Oct 2026CircularMedium impact

    Circular: regarding Reserve Assets Audit Report

    VARA has issued guidance following a review of Proof of Reserve Assets reports submitted in 2025. This guidance clarifies the minimum regulatory expectations for independent audits of Reserve Assets, promoting a consistent and detailed approach to assessing and verifying client Virtual Asset safeguarding arrangements.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM6 Oct 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open

    Consultation Paper No. 5 of 2026 – DeFi Risk Management Guidance

    This consultation paper seeks feedback on proposed guidance for managing risks associated with Decentralized Finance (DeFi) activities. It aims to establish a framework for risk assessment and mitigation in DeFi operations within the ADGM.

  • Federal Tax Authority2 Oct 2026Public ClarificationMedium impact

    Application of the Reverse Charge Mechanism on Metal Scrap trading among UAE VAT Registrants- VATP047

    This clarification addresses the application of the reverse charge mechanism on metal scrap trading among VAT registrants in the UAE. It is important for businesses involved in such trading to comply with VAT regulations.

  • Federal Tax Authority2 Oct 2026Public ClarificationMedium impact

    Free Zones and Designated Zones for Tax Purposes - TAXP010

    This public clarification provides guidance on the tax treatment of free zones and designated zones within the UAE, clarifying their status for VAT purposes. It is crucial for businesses operating in these zones to understand their tax obligations.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority1 Oct 2026News AnnouncementMedium impact

    WAIVER AND MODIFICATION NOTICE To Evolution Markets Limited (DIFC Branch)

    The DFSA has issued a waiver and modification notice to Evolution Markets Limited (DIFC Branch), exempting them from certain rules in the AML Module and modifying specific rules in the GEN Module. This notice is significant as it alters compliance obligations related to the residency of certain authorized individuals and the roles of the Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority1 Oct 2026Enforcement NoticeHigh impact

    The DFSA fines Vault Wealth Limited USD 109,200 for carrying on unauthorised financial services in Dubai International Financial Centre

    The DFSA imposed a fine of USD 109,200 on Vault Wealth Limited for providing financial services in or from DIFC without DFSA authorisation. The firm was found to have breached the Financial Services Prohibition by advising on financial products and arranging deals in investments without the necessary licence. The fine was reduced by 30% as VWL agreed to settle the matter.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM1 Oct 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open

    Consultation Paper No. 4 of 2026 – Proposed Strata Regulations 2026

    The FSRA has released a consultation paper on the proposed Strata Regulations 2026. This paper seeks feedback from stakeholders on the new regulatory framework for strata management, which aims to enhance governance and operational standards in the sector.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority1 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

    Prudential – Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 443) 2026

    The DFSA has revised the Prudential – Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB) to strengthen the prudential requirements for financial institutions. These amendments are designed to enhance the financial stability and resilience of firms operating in the DIFC.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority1 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

    Conduct of Business Module (COB) Rule-making Instrument (No. 444) 2026

    Amendments to the Conduct of Business Module (COB) have been made to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair treatment of clients. These changes are part of the DFSA's ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of business conduct within the DIFC.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority1 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentHigh impact

    Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) Rule-making Instrument (No. 445) 2026

    The DFSA has introduced amendments to the Islamic Finance Rules (IFR) to enhance the regulatory framework governing Islamic financial activities. These changes aim to align with international standards and improve the operational clarity for firms engaged in Islamic finance.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority1 Oct 2026Rulebook AmendmentMedium impact

    Glossary Module (GLO) Rule-making Instrument (No. 446) 2026

    The DFSA has amended the Glossary Module (GLO) as part of its rule-making instruments for 2026. This amendment is intended to update and clarify definitions within the regulatory framework, ensuring consistency and clarity for regulated entities.