News

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. (3) of 2026 on the Quality and Safety of Buildings, introducing a comprehensive legal framework to enhance structural integrity, safety standards, and regulatory oversight across Dubai.  The law applies to all buildings within the emirate, including those located in free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well...

Dubai has introduced a new regulatory framework requiring tenancy contracts for shared accommodation to be officially registered in a government registry, a move aimed at strengthening legal protection for residents and improving oversight of shared housing arrangements across the emirate.  The requirement forms part of Dubai Law No. (4) of 2026 on Shared Accommodation, issued...

Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. They tell you your Aadhaar number has been used to open a bank account linked to a money laundering network. An arrest warrant has been issued. You have just a few hours to comply — or face public disgrace and criminal prosecution.  This is the...

From rental dispute resolution to abandoned property rules, here’s what you need to know about Ajman’s sweeping legislative reforms.  Since February 1, 2026, Ajman has had a dedicated judicial body to handle all matters between landlords and tenants. This follows the issuance of Law No. 1 of 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and...

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has initiated a regulatory consultation following its evaluation of the Alternative End-of-Service Benefits (EOSB) Savings Scheme, introduced pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. (96) of 2023. The consultation reflects a continuing evolution in the employment regulatory framework of the United Arab Emirates.  The Alternative EOSB Savings Scheme establishes an optional, investment-based model as an alternative to the traditional gratuity regime...

Ministerial Decision reinforces institutional alignment between Dubai’s virtual asset regime and the UAE’s federal tax framework  The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Ministerial Decision No. 336 of 2025 formally recognising Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) as a “competent authority” under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses.  While the development has tax implications,...

The Financial Markets Tribunal (FMT) has upheld a decision by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to impose a USD 25,000 fine on Al Ramz Capital LLC for failing to promptly report suspicious trading activity, reinforcing regulatory expectations around market conduct and compliance within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).  Background of the Case  The penalty relates to transactions executed...

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has imposed a financial penalty of Dh1,850,940 on Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited, citing serious breaches of DIFC regulatory requirements relating to market abuse controls and disclosure obligations.  Ark Capital, an authorised firm operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was found to have maintained inadequate systems and controls for detecting and escalating potential market abuse,...

Dubai has announced a landmark expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with the launch of the DIFC Zabeel District, a Dh100 billion development that will more than double the size of the financial free zone. Beyond its physical scale, the project represents a significant strengthening of Dubai’s legal, regulatory, and dispute-resolution framework underpinning international business activity in the emirate. ...

Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) record growth in 2025 reflects not only rising commercial activity but also the continued strength of its legal and regulatory architecture, which has become a key factor attracting global financial institutions to Dubai.  The centre added more than 2,500 new firms during the year, taking the total number of active registered...