United Arab Emirates: Government, Public Sector

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Government regulation and public sector law thought leadership, articles, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights covering topics such as fiscal and monetary policy, human rights, foreign investment, government contracts and procurement, and constitutional and administrative law.
Article
Voluntary Disclosure Of Customs Violations
Dubai Customs has introduced a voluntary disclosure mechanism allowing businesses to report customs violations before detection by authorities, potentially resulting in full or partial waiver of fines. The system requires companies to identify errors through internal reviews and submit disclosures with supporting documentation within strict timeframes. Understanding the conditions and procedures is essential for businesses seeking to leverage this compliance tool while avoiding penalties.
United Arab Emirates Government
AL
ADG Legal
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
BIS Upgrades The UAE From Country Group D To Country Group A Under The EAR, Allowing Increased Trade In Advanced Computing And Defense Items
On July 14, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule “Enhanced Favorable Treatment for the United Arab Emirates under the Export Administration Regulations” (Final Rule) that amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774) to significantly improve the status of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)...
United Arab Emirates Government
AG
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
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Inward/ Foreign Investment

Article
Look Beyond The Five-Star Hotel
Johannes Jonas, managing partner of Cohen & Gresser's Dubai office, explains why familiarity can create a false sense of confidence and why long-term success in the Gulf depends on understanding the region's business culture as much as its legal framework. The article examines common cultural and business mistakes made by first-time entrants and provides a practical five-point readiness checklist for companies considering expansion into the Gulf.
United Arab Emirates Commercial
CG
Cohen & Gresser
Article
Foreign Direct Investment In A Shifting MENA Landscape: Legal Considerations For Investors Across Iraq And The UAE
Recent developments across the MENA region have fundamentally altered the operating environment for foreign direct investment, particularly in Iraq and the UAE. While significant opportunities remain in energy, infrastructure, and logistics, investors now face greater variability in how projects are structured, executed, and enforced.
United Arab Emirates International
SA
Salt & Associates
Article
The Reality Of UAE-Saudi Tensions: More Aligned Than Not, For Now
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have escalated in recent months, manifesting in blocked financial transfers, delayed trade shipments, and diverging strategic visions for the Middle East. While both Gulf powers remain aligned on key objectives, their competition for economic dominance and conflicting approaches to regional conflicts reveal a growing rift that could reshape US strategy, global energy markets, and multinational business operations in the region.
United Arab Emirates International
S
Steptoe LLP
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Constitutional & Administrative Law

Article
What Happens If You're Caught With Narcotics In UAE? The Real Consequences
The UAE enforces one of the world's strictest drug policies, where even trace amounts of controlled substances or their metabolites can trigger criminal prosecution, mandatory imprisonment, and automatic deportation for foreign nationals. Understanding the comprehensive legal framework, from airport detection methods to long-term consequences including financial restrictions and employment barriers, is essential for anyone traveling to or residing in the Emirates.
United Arab Emirates Criminal
AM
Dr. Hassan Elhais
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Terrorism, Homeland Security & Defence

Article
BIS Upgrades The UAE From Country Group D To Country Group A Under The EAR, Allowing Increased Trade In Advanced Computing And Defense Items
On July 14, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule “Enhanced Favorable Treatment for the United Arab Emirates under the Export Administration Regulations” (Final Rule) that amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774) to significantly improve the status of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)...
United Arab Emirates Government
AG
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
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Government Contracts, Procurement & PPP

Article
Voluntary Disclosure Of Customs Violations
Dubai Customs has introduced a voluntary disclosure mechanism allowing businesses to report customs violations before detection by authorities, potentially resulting in full or partial waiver of fines. The system requires companies to identify errors through internal reviews and submit disclosures with supporting documentation within strict timeframes. Understanding the conditions and procedures is essential for businesses seeking to leverage this compliance tool while avoiding penalties.
United Arab Emirates Government
AL
ADG Legal
Article
Driverless In The UAE, Two Years On: From Roads To Waterways And Beyond
The United Arab Emirates has rapidly evolved its regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles across federal and emirate levels, establishing comprehensive licensing, testing, and operational requirements. From Abu Dhabi's groundbreaking driverless vehicle permits to Dubai's detailed executive regulations and Ras Al Khaimah's new AV law, the UAE is creating a multi-layered compliance architecture that extends beyond road vehicles into marine and logistics applications
United Arab Emirates Transport
B
Bracewell
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Latest Videos

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