The UAE continued its ambitious legislative overhaul in 2025, issuing a wide range of legal reforms that touched on public safety, financial regulation, digital governance, and criminal justice. These changes reflect the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernise its legal framework in line with social priorities, global standards, and economic diversification. Tougher Drug Control Laws: Greater Penalties and Enforcement In 2025,...
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share one of the most dynamic and enduring trade relationships in the world, with gems and jewellery being a pillar of bilateral commerce. From centuries-old trade routes across the Arabian Sea to present-day sophisticated global supply chains, this sector blends tradition, artisanal skill, and strategic economic cooperation. For Indian manufacturers, traders,...
Background of the Client Wilfire (pseudonym for confidentiality purposes) is a diversified group comprising seven (7) mainland companies and a total of thirty-nine (39) branches operating under them. Each company was incorporated in Dubai under the Department of Economic Development (“DED” – Dubai Mainland), with its own set of activities and distinct legal structures. The...
The money exchange sector is a vital pillar of the UAE’s financial ecosystem, facilitating remittances, currency conversions, and cross-border payments. For investors seeking a foothold in this market, acquiring an existing licensed exchange can often be more attractive than establishing one from scratch. However, such acquisitions are complex, heavily regulated, and require careful planning. This...
The UAE has long established itself as a global financial hub, driven by its strategic geographic position, expatriate-heavy population, and pro-business regulatory environment. One of the thriving industries in this ecosystem is the money exchange sector, which plays a crucial role in facilitating remittances, currency conversions, and other cross-border financial services. With millions of expatriates...
Money exchangers and remittance houses in the UAE operate within a strict legal and regulatory framework designed to safeguard the financial system, protect customers, and prevent misuse for money laundering or terrorist financing. The framework rests on two complementary pillars: (a) the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) licensing and supervision regime for exchange businesses;...
A New Chapter in Crypto Regulation In a groundbreaking development for the UAE’s digital asset sector, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have agreed on a unified regulatory framework. The move signals a significant leap toward a truly nationwide, cohesive system for governing virtual assets and streamlining Virtual...
The UAE has introduced a new compliance requirement for visiting influencers and content creators: anyone not residing in the UAE who intends to publish paid promotional content while in the country—even temporarily—must now obtain a Visitor Advertiser Permit. This update is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate digital advertising, protect consumers, and ensure...
Introduction The UAE is one of the most dynamic financial hubs in the Middle East, supported by a well-regulated banking and financial services sector. With its strategic location, strong demand for remittance services, and a sizable expatriate population, the money exchange business in the UAE has proven to be both lucrative and competitive. This...
In a landmark ruling reinforcing the sanctity of corporate confidentiality, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court has mandated that a former employee pay AED 50,000 in compensation to her former employer. The decision follows a legal claim brought by the company after discovering that she had leaked sensitive internal data via her work...
