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Dubai Business And Tax Advisors ( DBTA )

UAE Business & Tax News

Latest updates and practical insights to help your business stay informed.

UAE and IMF Review Economic Outlook: What the Latest Fiscal Assessment Means for Businesses

The United Arab Emirates has started its 2026 economic review with the International Monetary Fund

UAE Introduces National Sustainable Finance Standards Framework for Federal Government

The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has published a new framework to bring sustainability into

UAE Excise Pricing Rules Update

The UAE has introduced new minimum excise price rules for tobacco products and liquids used

UAE Budget Approval with Flag and Coins

The UAE Cabinet has approved a federal budget of AED 292.5 billion for 2027–2029, marking

UAE Launches AED 1 Billion Resilience Fund

The UAE has activated the online application portal for its AED 1 billion National Industrial

Dubai showcases AI-powered Financial Compliance Technology

Dubai is strengthening its approach to financial compliance through new artificial intelligence (AI) solutions showcased

UAE FTA Reviews VAT Refund Process for Nationals Building New Homes

The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced major improvements to the VAT refund process

UAE Tax Administration Goes Digital

The UAE is strengthening its tax administration through new rules for digital transaction verification and

UAE Revises eInvoicing Penalties 2026: New AED 50,000 Annual Cap Explained

The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced important changes to the administrative penalties for businesses

UAE Government Financial Systems Transformation: What ERP Modernisation Means for Accounting 

The UAE has taken another major step towards modernising its government financial systems. On 1

UAE Treasury Sukuk Auction Attracts AED 4.54 Billion in Investor Bids

The UAE’s October 2026 Treasury Sukuk and Bond auction has attracted AED 4.54 billion in

Sharjah Free Zone Partners With Beehive to Expand SME Financing

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has partnered with Beehive to help small

Abu Dhabi–UK Investment Links: What Businesses Should Know About Cross-Border Expansion

Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom are taking new steps to strengthen business ties and

UAE Launches Entrepreneurship Week Across Six Higher-Education Institutions

The UAE has launched Entrepreneurship Week at Higher Education Institutions to help students and graduates

UAE Amends E-Invoicing Rules: Tax-Group Transactions Get a 24-Month Exclusion 

Dubai, UAE, The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced important changes to its electronic invoicing

UAE Launches Entrepreneurship Week Across Six Higher-Education Institutions

The UAE has launched a four-day Entrepreneurship Week to help students and graduates turn their

UAE Capital Market Authority Improves Access to Financial Regulations

The UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) has improved access to its capital market regulations, making

Sharjah Investment Forum Examines AI Tax Compliance, Supply-Chain Risks and Investor Protection 

Sharjah, UAE, 16 October 2026: The ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) has highlighted how

Mubadala Says Geopolitical Fragmentation Is Reshaping Long-Term Investment Decisions

New Delhi, 16 October 2026: Mubadala Investment Company is taking a long-term view of rising

Abu Dhabi Targets Faster Business Setup and Investment Approvals

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 15 October 2026: Abu Dhabi is stepping up efforts to make business

UAE and Georgia central banks

Dubai, UAE, 15 October 2026: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the National

Abu Dhabi Delegation Promotes Investment Opportunities in the UK

London, UK: Abu Dhabi is strengthening its business ties with the United Kingdom through a

UAE Non-Oil GDP Reaches 79.2%

Dubai, UAE: The UAE’s non-oil economy accounted for 79.2% of the country’s real gross domestic

Dubai, UAE: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reported strong growth in its family wealth sector, with registered foundations rising 67% and family-related entities increasing 36% year on year in the first half of 2026. The latest figures highlight Dubai’s growing role in private wealth management and family business planning. DIFC reported 1,409 registered foundations and 1,408 family-related entities in its H1 2026 results, released on 28 July. The center also reported that DIFC Square was fully pre-leased ahead of completion, while the launch of DIFC Zabeel District marked another step in its expansion. These developments come as Dubai continues to attract businesses and investors seeking long-term wealth management and investment structures. DIFC Introduces More Flexible Investment Structures One of the key regulatory developments this year is the enactment of the DIFC Variable Capital Company (VCC) Regulations on 9 February 2026. The framework gives investors more options for structuring proprietary investments and managing different investment strategies. A VCC can operate as a standalone company or as an umbrella structure with incorporated or segregated cells. These cells can help separate assets and investment strategies within one structure while supporting more centralized administration. The framework may be relevant to family-owned businesses and investors managing several assets or investment portfolios. However, the right structure depends on the family’s objectives, activities and applicable legal requirements. Professional business planning and strategy can help owners assess their options before making long-term structuring decisions. New DIFC Rules Expand Options for Holding Assets Another important development came in August, when DIFC announced updates to its Prescribed Company Regulations. The changes, enacted on 24 July, broaden access to these special-purpose vehicles for legitimate holding and structuring purposes. Prescribed Companies can be useful for family groups, investment holding arrangements and financing transactions. They must remain passive holding vehicles and cannot employ staff. The updated framework also introduces a formal role for licensed Corporate Services Providers in most cases, supporting administration, record-keeping and regulatory engagement. Together, the VCC and Prescribed Company frameworks offer different options for investors. Families should assess their intended use before choosing between them, rather than assuming one vehicle will suit every situation. What Family Offices and Business Owners Should Review These developments matter to family offices, business owners, entrepreneurs and investors planning to hold assets, manage investments or transfer wealth between generations. Choosing an unsuitable structure or overlooking ongoing obligations can create avoidable legal, tax and administrative problems. A structure’s benefits depend on its actual activities, ownership arrangements and compliance with the rules that apply to it. Families should review their ownership records, succession plans, governance arrangements and investment objectives. They should also seek advice on UAE Corporate Tax treatment before assuming that dividends, investment income or a foundation’s income will automatically qualify for tax relief. Reviewing tax and compliance requirements can help identify obligations that may apply to the chosen structure. Where a structure involves regulated financial services, the relevant licensing requirements should also be checked before activities begin. How Businesses Can Prepare Family offices and business owners should begin by identifying what they want their structure to achieve. This may include holding investments, separating assets, supporting succession planning or organizing family business interests. They should then compare suitable legal structures, understand the associated costs and responsibilities, and maintain clear financial and ownership records. Accurate bookkeeping can help maintain reliable financial information, while budgeting and forecasting can support planning for ongoing costs and future funding needs. Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) helps businesses understand relevant UAE tax and business requirements and make informed decisions as they plan for growth and long-term stability. Dubai’s private-capital sector is evolving through both growing demand and new regulatory options. For families and businesses, the next step is to ensure their wealth structures are suited to their goals, properly maintained and compliant with the rules that apply.

Dubai, UAE: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reported strong growth in its family wealth

Dubai’s Financial Sector Growth in 2026: Opportunities for Investors and Businesses 

Dubai, UAE: Dubai is strengthening its position as a global financial hub, with new rankings

UAE FTA Top-Up Tax Guide

Dubai, UAE: The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued new guidance on the Multinational

UAE Strengthens Virtual Asset Audit Rules New VARA Reserve-Asset Requirements Explained

Dubai, UAE: Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has strengthened its expectations for reserve-asset audits

New UAE SME Financing Partnership Opens More Funding & Payment Options for Businesses 

Abu Dhabi, UAE: UAE small and medium-sized businesses are getting more access to financing and

UAE FIU & VARA Strengthen AML Controls: What Virtual Asset Businesses Need to Know 

Dubai, UAE: The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (UAE FIU) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Ajman Launches AI-Powered Business License Setup What It Means for UAE Entrepreneurs 

Ajman, UAE: Ajman is taking another step toward AI-powered government services with the launch of

VARA Grants New VASP License to Rain MENA as Dubai Expands Regulated Crypto Market

Dubai, UAE: Dubai’s regulated virtual asset market has recorded a new development as the Virtual

DFSA Fines DIFC Firm AED 401,000: What UAE Businesses Can Learn About Unauthorized Financial Services

Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has fined Vault Wealth Limited (VWL) USD

UAE Outward FDI Reaches $63.35 Billion: What This Means for Investors and UAE Businesses 

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE is strengthening its position as a major global investor, with

DFSA Changes Prudential Reporting Rules What DIFC Financial Firms Need to Know From October 2026 

Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has introduced changes to its prudential reporting

ADGM 2026–27 Regulatory Priorities What UAE Businesses Need to Prepare For

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority (RA) has published its

New DFSA Rules Take Effect in DIFC: What Financial Businesses Need to Know 

Dubai, UAE: Financial businesses in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are facing fresh regulatory

UAE CMA Plans New Rules for Free-Zone and Mainland Financial Services Transactions 

Dubai, UAE: UAE financial businesses operating from commercial free zones or serving mainland investors are

DIFC Firms Face New DFSA Rules: Key Regulatory Changes Taking Effect in 2026 and 2027 

Dubai, UAE: DIFC financial firms are facing fresh regulatory changes as the Dubai Financial Services

UAE VAT Changes From 1 October 2026 What Businesses Need to Know

Dubai, UAE: UAE businesses are facing several important VAT changes from 1 October 2026, with

FTA Decision 17 of 2026 New UAE VAT Rules for Employee Expenses Explained

Dubai, UAE: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued Decision No. 17 of 2026, setting

The Modern UAE CFO How AI and Data Are Transforming Financial Management

Dubai, UAE: The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the UAE is changing

UAE EInvoicing 2026 30 October Deadline for AED 50 Million+ Businesses

Dubai, UAE: UAE businesses with annual revenue of AED 50 million or more are approaching

UAE Corporate Tax Exemption 2026: New 31 October Deadline Explained 

Dubai, UAE: The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced updated procedures for Corporate

UAE VAT Cash Payment Rules 2026: When Could Businesses Lose Input Tax Recovery?

Dubai, UAE: UAE businesses need to review how they handle cash payments as new VAT

Can UAE Businesses Claim VAT on Employee Accommodation in 2026? New FTA Rules Explained

Dubai, UAE: UAE businesses providing accommodation to employees need to review their VAT treatment before

UAE VAT Return Deadline 28 September 2026

Dubai, UAE: UAE businesses are approaching an important tax compliance deadline. The Federal Tax Authority

UAE Input VAT Credit Rules 2026 New Supplier Verification Requirements Explained

Dubai, UAE: UAE businesses are facing a new Input VAT compliance requirement as the Federal

UAE Pillar Two Information Return 2026 Who Must File and What MNEs Need to Know

Dubai, UAE: The UAE has issued new rules clarifying which multinational enterprise (MNE) entities must

UAE Small Business Relief 2026 New Rules, Eligibility & Corporate Tax Impact 

Dubai, UAE: The UAE has extended its Small Business Relief (SBR) programme to give eligible

FTA Issues VATP045 UAE Clarifies Legacy Import Rules, Tax Invoices & Input VAT Recovery 

Dubai, UAE: The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued Public Clarification VATP045 – Concerned

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