United Arab Emirates: Compliance

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Article
UAE Rolls Out New Music Licensing Fees For Businesses Starting December 2026
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new licensing framework requiring businesses that play music commercially to obtain annual licenses and pay fees starting December 2026. This system aligns the UAE with international copyright standards and affects a wide range of establishments from restaurants and hotels to radio stations and airlines, with fees structured based on venue type, size, and usage.
United Arab Emirates IP
HA
HAS Law Firm
Article
UAE Civil Transactions Law: Key Changes Under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 Of 2025
Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 introduces a comprehensive recodification of UAE civil law, effective June 2026. How will the new framework reshape pre-contractual conduct, governing law selection, and remedies for contractual hardship? What practical steps must businesses take to align their contracting practices with the modernized provisions on disclosure, force majeure, and compensation?
United Arab Emirates Commercial
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Article
Divorce In The UAE For Muslims And Non-Muslims: Key Legal Differences
The United Arab Emirates operates under two distinct personal status systems that determine how divorce proceedings unfold based on nationality, residency, and religious affiliation. Understanding which legal framework applies—whether the 2024 Personal Status Law for Muslims, the 2022 Civil Personal Status Law for non-Muslims, or Abu Dhabi's specialized civil family court system—is crucial as each system establishes different procedures, financial rights, custody arrangements, and grounds for di
United Arab Emirates Family
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Video
Can AML Mistakes Lead To Criminal Charges? (Video)
Businesses operating in the UAE face severe penalties for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, where even minor errors in customer verification, record keeping, or reporting procedures can result in substantial financial penalties and irreparable harm to corporate reputation. Understanding the specific compliance requirements and potential consequences is critical for organizations seeking to operate within the UAE's regulatory framework.
United Arab Emirates Government
AM
Dr. Hassan Elhais
Article
UAE Business Law Updates: Key Legal Changes Companies Should Monitor
The UAE's legal landscape is evolving rapidly with new laws affecting contracts, tax compliance, employment practices, and corporate governance. Understanding how Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, updated AML frameworks, and revised employment regulations impact your business operations is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding disputes. Are your company's internal policies, contracts, and decision-making processes aligned with these regulatory changes?
United Arab Emirates Commercial
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Article
How Do The DIFC Prescribed Company Regime Amendments Open The Door To Wider Eligibility?
The DIFC Prescribed Company regime has undergone its most significant transformation since inception, removing restrictive eligibility criteria and replacing them with a governance-focused framework. These changes open new opportunities for investors, family offices, and multinational groups to access cost-effective holding vehicle structures in the DIFC, while introducing enhanced oversight requirements through mandatory corporate service provider appointments for non-exempt entities.
United Arab Emirates Commercial
W
Walkers
Article
9 New Dubai Laws Changing Social Media, Salary Rules, Travel Rights And More
Dubai's 2026 legal reforms introduce sweeping changes across employment, healthcare, housing, and digital safety. From new social media age restrictions to stricter building maintenance standards and revised banking communication protocols, these developments reshape how residents, businesses, and institutions operate. Understanding these nine major legal changes is essential for compliance and avoiding penalties in the emirate's evolving regulatory landscape.
United Arab Emirates Commercial
AM
Dr. Hassan Elhais
Article
Doing Business In The UAE! Dummies Handbook!
Navigating the complexities of establishing and operating a business in the United Arab Emirates requires understanding the distinctions between free zones and mainland companies, corporate structures, and the evolving tax landscape. This comprehensive guide addresses the most common questions about UAE business formation, from choosing the right emirate and free zone to understanding corporation tax, VAT obligations, and audit requirements. Whether you're considering relocation or expanding operations, und
United Arab Emirates Commercial
CA
CYAUSE Audit Services Ltd
Article
Examining The New UAE Civil Code—Part 3: Contract Negotiation, Formation And Interpretation
The New UAE Civil Code introduces significant reforms to contract law, establishing mandatory good faith obligations in negotiations, comprehensive disclosure requirements that cannot be contracted out of, and modernised rules for contract formation and interpretation. These changes fundamentally reshape how commercial parties must conduct pre-contractual negotiations and structure their agreements in the UAE.
United Arab Emirates Commercial
MB
Mayer Brown
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