The UAE has announced a significant labour market reform aimed at strengthening Emiratisation and improving income security for UAE nationals employed in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that a minimum monthly wage of Dh6,000 will be mandatory for Emirati employees in private companies, effective 1 January 2026. The decision...
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken decisive enforcement action against a domestic worker recruitment agency operating in Ajman, revoking its licence after confirming serious violations of domestic labour regulations. The move reflects the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and protect the rights of domestic workers across the country. According...
The United Arab Emirates has implemented a significant overhaul of its visa and residency regime, introducing new visit-visa categories and revising existing eligibility and sponsorship requirements. The reforms, approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and effective from 2025, form part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen economic competitiveness, attract...
Looking to expand its market access and strengthen its economic engagement with the Gulf region, India entered into a Free Trade Agreement called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman on December 18, 2025. This agreement has been entered into with the endeavour to expand bilateral trade, investment, and fortify economic ties between the...
A new ADGM court ruling in the latest NMC Healthcare case explains when Banks can be ordered to disclose internal Anti-Money Laundering records in civil disputes. In the latest NMC Healthcare Judgement dated 26th November 2025 following the collapse of NMC Healthcare, the administrators of NMC have brought claims against several parties, including Bank of...
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts have significantly expanded their technological capabilities to address the growing complexity of digital and financial disputes, introducing specialised digital custody and blockchain intelligence services through approved third-party providers. The initiative forms part of the DIFC Courts Growth Strategy 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening judicial readiness for disputes arising from the digital economy,...
In a significant move to enhance its corporate landscape and reinforce its status as a global business hub, the UAE government has issued a Federal Decree-Law amending key provisions of the Commercial Companies Law. The reforms introduce a more flexible, transparent, and investor-friendly framework, aligning UAE legislation with international standards and expanding options available to...
Dubai has taken a major step toward modernising its legal ecosystem with the launch of the Legal Profession System, a comprehensive digital platform designed to streamline key services for advocates, legal consultants, and law firms operating in the emirate. The initiative, led by the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, forms part of the city’s...
The Middle East & The Dual Mandate The Middle East is the new frontier for global finance. International companies looking to expand must choose their base carefully. The UAE offers two premier financial hubs: the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Choosing between them is a critical strategic decision. ...
The UAE’s drive toward comprehensive financial inclusion is not merely a corporate social responsibility initiative; it is rapidly becoming a matter of mandatory legal compliance for all companies operating across the mainland and Free Zones. The introduction of new digital saving tools and, crucially, the Voluntary Alternative End-of-Service Benefits System (the ‘Savings Scheme’), signals a...
