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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. Real Estate Regulatory Authority — Dubai28 Sept 2026Guide UpdateMedium impact

    Dubai Real Estate Valuation Guide

    The updated Dubai Real Estate Valuation Guide provides comprehensive guidelines for valuing real estate properties in Dubai. It is crucial for real estate professionals to adhere to these guidelines to ensure accurate property valuations.

  2. Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM25 Sept 2026GuidanceLow impact

    Annual Accounts Guidance (September 2026)

    The FSRA has issued updated guidance on the preparation and submission of annual accounts. This guidance aims to clarify reporting requirements and ensure compliance with the latest financial reporting standards.

  3. Dubai Financial Services Authority23 Sept 2026News AnnouncementMedium impact

    WAIVER AND MODIFICATION NOTICE To HYCM Limited

    The DFSA has issued a waiver and modification notice to HYCM Limited, exempting them from certain rules in the AML Module and modifying rules in the GEN Module. This notice affects the residency requirements for certain authorised individuals and remains in force until specific conditions are met.

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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.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority23 Sept 2026News AnnouncementLow impact

    DFSA Chief Executive Mark Steward appointed Vice Chair of the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ Growth and Emerging Markets Committee

    Mark Steward, DFSA Chief Executive, has been appointed Vice Chair of the IOSCO’s Growth and Emerging Markets Committee. This appointment highlights DFSA's active role in international regulatory cooperation and its commitment to enhancing global financial market standards.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM23 Sept 2026GuidanceMedium impact

    Guidance – Regulatory Framework for Private Financing Platforms and Multilateral Trading Facilities dealing with Private Capital Markets

    This guidance outlines the regulatory framework for private financing platforms and multilateral trading facilities in the private capital markets. It provides clarity on the operational and compliance requirements for entities operating in this space.

  • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre23 Sept 2026Regulations AmendmentHigh impact

    DMCC Establishes Foundations Regulations to Expand Private Wealth and Structuring Offering for Members

    DMCC has established new Foundations Regulations aimed at expanding its private wealth and structuring offerings for its members. This move is significant as it provides enhanced legal frameworks for wealth management and structuring, which can attract more high-net-worth individuals and family offices to the DMCC.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority23 Sept 2026Regulatory NoticeMedium impact

    Notice of Approval of the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China as an Exempt Offeror Under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules

    The DFSA has approved the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China as an Exempt Offeror under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules. This designation exempts the Ministry from the requirement to issue a Prospectus and from certain reporting obligations under the Markets Law 2012.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority23 Sept 2026Regulatory NoticeMedium impact

    Notice of Approval of New Development Bank as an Exempt Offeror Under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules

    The DFSA has approved the New Development Bank as an Exempt Offeror under Rule A5.1.1 of the Markets Rules. This approval exempts the New Development Bank from the obligation to issue a Prospectus and from certain reporting requirements under the Markets Law 2012.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority15 Sept 2026Consultation PaperMedium impactConsultation open

    Consultation Paper No. 173 - Proposals to Enhance the DFSA’s Collective Investment Fund Framework

    This paper proposes enhancements to the DFSA's framework for collective investment funds. The aim is to improve regulatory oversight and investor protection while fostering growth in the sector. Stakeholders are invited to provide their input on the proposed changes.

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

    Consultation Paper No. 3 of 2026 – Proposed Undeveloped Commercial Land Regulations 2026

    The ADGM Registration Authority has issued a consultation paper to invite public feedback on proposed regulations for undeveloped commercial land. This aims to establish a regulatory framework for managing undeveloped commercial properties within ADGM.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority10 Sept 2026News AnnouncementMedium impact

    DFSA, Nasdaq Dubai, HKMA, and HKEX establish Strategic Working Group to deepen capital markets cooperation

    A Strategic Working Group has been established by DFSA, Nasdaq Dubai, HKMA, and HKEX to enhance cooperation in capital markets. This initiative aims to foster stronger ties and facilitate the development of capital markets across the involved jurisdictions.

  • Federal Tax Authority10 Sept 2026Regulations AmendmentHigh impact

    Executive Regulation of Federal Decree Law No 8 of 2017 and its amendments

    The executive regulation of Federal Decree Law No 8 of 2017 has been amended to reflect changes in VAT regulations. These amendments are crucial for ensuring compliance with the latest VAT requirements.

  • Federal Tax Authority4 Sept 2026Public ClarificationMedium impact

    Amendments to the VAT Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 – Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2024 and Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2025

    This public clarification outlines the amendments made to the VAT Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017, as updated by Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2024 and Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2025. These changes are crucial for businesses to understand their VAT obligations and ensure compliance with the updated legal framework.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority4 Sept 2026Regulatory NoticeMedium impact

    Modification Notice to ASB Capital Limited

    The DFSA has issued a modification notice to ASB Capital Limited, altering the application of certain rules related to Money Market Funds. This modification allows the Fund Manager to invest a higher percentage of the fund's net asset value in deposits with a single bank, provided certain credit rating conditions are met. This change is significant for fund managers as it provides more flexibility in investment strategies.

  • Federal Tax Authority4 Sept 2026Public ClarificationHigh impact

    VATP046 – Amendments to the VAT Law under Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2024 and Federal Decree-Law No. 16 of 2025

    Consolidated clarification explaining the combined effect of the 2024 and 2025 VAT Law amendments: the expanded Fixed Establishment definition (foreign staff regularly working at UAE client premises), the interaction between electronic invoicing and Tax Invoice validity, removal of mandatory self-invoicing for reverse-charge imports from 1 January 2026, the five-year VAT refund claim deadline, and the new input-tax-denial rule for evasion-linked supply chains.

  • Federal Tax Authority2 Sept 2026Press ReleaseHigh impact

    Federal Tax Authority Calls on All Persons Subject to Corporate Tax to File Their Tax Returns and Pay the Corporate Tax Due Within the Specified Timeframes to Avoid Late-Payment Penalties

    FTA reminds taxable persons with a 31 December 2025 financial year-end that Corporate Tax returns and payment are due by 30 September 2026, including simplified returns for Small Business Relief claimants, and flags record-keeping obligations and late-payment penalty risk.

  • Central Bank of the UAE2 Sept 2026Enforcement NoticeMedium impact

    CBUAE Revokes the Licence of 'Omda Exchange' and Imposes a Financial Sanction of AED 10 Million

    CBUAE revoked the exchange-house licence of Omda Exchange and imposed a AED 10 million financial sanction, continuing a pattern of significant AML/CFT enforcement action against exchange houses in the review period. This is a directly CBUAE-sourced press release and one of the most recent regulatory actions in the review window.

  • Federal Tax Authority26 Aug 2026Public ClarificationMedium impact

    VATP045 – Concerned Goods: Tax Invoices and Input Tax Recovery

    Clarifies tax invoice and input-tax-recovery requirements for imports of 'Concerned Goods' under the reverse charge mechanism, including new due-diligence expectations before recovering input tax where a supply chain may be linked to tax evasion.

  • Federal Tax Authority26 Aug 2026Cabinet DecisionMedium impact

    Cabinet Decision No. 137 of 2026 on Excise Pricing for Tobacco Products and Electronic Smoking Device Liquids

    Updates the excise price/valuation basis used to calculate Excise Tax on tobacco products and liquids used in electronic smoking devices. Issued 24 July 2026; published 26 August 2026.

  • Federal Tax Authority20 Aug 2026FTA DecisionMedium impact

    FTA Decision No. 4 of 2026 on Rules and Requirements for Maintaining Information in Accounting Records and Commercial Books

    Prescribes the minimum information taxable persons must retain in accounting records and commercial books to satisfy Tax Procedures Law record-keeping obligations, relevant to audit-readiness. Issued 2 June 2026; published 20 August 2026.

  • Federal Tax Authority20 Aug 2026FTA DecisionLow impact

    FTA Decision No. 7 of 2026 on Procedures for Disposal of Seized and Abandoned Goods

    Sets out the procedures the FTA will follow when disposing of goods seized or abandoned in connection with tax/customs enforcement action. Issued 11 June 2026; published 20 August 2026.

  • Federal Tax Authority20 Aug 2026FTA DecisionMedium impact

    FTA Decision No. 13 of 2026 on Verification Measures and Procedures for Taxable Persons

    Sets out verification measures and procedures the FTA may apply to Taxable Persons, relevant to audit and compliance-review activity. Issued 22 July 2026; published 20 August 2026.

  • DIFC Registrar of Companies15 Aug 2026Regulations AmendmentHigh impact

    DIFC Enacts Amended Data Protection Regulations (AI and Autonomous Systems)

    Following the June-July 2026 consultation, DIFC enacted amendments to the Data Protection Regulations strengthening AI-system safeguards under Regulation 10 and adding Regulation 11 (Commissioner power to recognize AI accreditation/certification schemes). LOW CONFIDENCE ON DATE: the exact enactment date could not be independently confirmed via direct DIFC source fetch in this research pass (WebFetch access to difc.com was blocked/rate-limited); the date shown is a best estimate based on the 30-day consultation closing 18 July 2026 plus typical DIFC enactment lag seen in other 2026 items. Compliance teams should verify the precise in-force date against DIFC's Legal Database or the cited DIFC news page directly.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM14 Aug 2026Press ReleaseLow impact

    FSRA Signs Memorandum of Understanding with GCGRA to Strengthen Regulatory Cooperation

    The FSRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to strengthen cross-border regulatory cooperation and information-sharing. This is a cooperation arrangement rather than a rule change and has no direct compliance obligations for regulated firms.

  • Central Bank of the UAE14 Aug 2026New Regulation/StandardMedium impact

    Regulation Regarding Takaful Insurance

    A refreshed regulation governing Takaful (Shari'ah-compliant) insurance operations in the UAE, issued under Federal Decree-Law No. 6/2025, alongside related draft Shari'ah standards on Takaful's operational model, Wakala agency arrangements, and Takaful fund controls. Per the regulation's own Article 31, it takes effect one month after Official Gazette publication, which CBUAE's Rulebook shows as 14 September 2026 — publication date given here (14 August 2026) is a best-sourced estimate derived from that one-month rule and was not independently confirmed via a dated announcement.

  • Financial Services Regulatory Authority — ADGM11 Aug 2026News AnnouncementLow impact

    Coinbase Establishes Tokenization Hub in Abu Dhabi with FSRA Financial Services Permission

    Coinbase was granted a Financial Services Permission by the FSRA to establish a tokenization hub in ADGM, signalling continued regulatory acceptance of digital-asset tokenization activity under the existing FSRA licensing framework. No new rules were introduced; this is a licensing/market development of interest to digital asset firms.

  • ADGM Registration Authority10 Aug 2026Enforcement NoticeMedium impact

    ADGM Issues Alert Concerning Misleading Claims by Vibrafund FZLLC

    The Registration Authority and FSRA jointly issued a public alert stating that Vibrafund FZLLC is not incorporated, registered or licensed in ADGM and has falsely claimed ADGM registration/licensing status for digital-asset trading activity. This sets a policy-relevant precedent on enforcement against misrepresentation of ADGM status and underscores the importance of verifying counterparties via the ADGM Public Register.

  • Dubai Financial Services Authority10 Aug 2026Press ReleaseLow impact

    HKMA and DFSA to co-host third Climate Finance Conference to drive transition in a changing world

    DFSA announced it will co-host the third Climate Finance Conference with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, continuing joint sustainable-finance engagement between the two regulators. Purely informational, no direct compliance obligation.

  • Federal Tax Authority4 Aug 2026FTA DecisionMedium impact

    FTA Decision No. 12 of 2026 on Registration and Deregistration Timelines (Corporate Tax)

    Updates the prescribed timelines within which Taxable Persons must register and, where applicable, deregister for Corporate Tax, refining the framework first set out in Public Clarification CTP001. Issued 16 July 2026; published 4 August 2026.

  • Ministry of Economy — AML/CFT & Commercial Supervision4 Aug 2026Press ReleaseLow impact

    Ministry of Economy and Tourism Organizes a Workshop to Enhance Electronic Connectivity Between National Economic Registry 'Growth' and Licensing Authorities

    MOET convened licensing authorities (economic development departments and free zones) to improve electronic data connectivity with the National Economic Registry ('Growth'), the federal system underpinning trade-license issuance and company data-sharing across emirates. Relevant to regulated businesses' license renewal and registry-data accuracy obligations, though no new binding rule was announced in this release.