Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has enacted a cluster of rule changes this spring that reshape how digital-asset businesses, family offices and exempt vehicles operate on Al Maryah Island. Below is a practitioner-focused tour of the four key instruments now in force. Digital-Asset Framework Overhaul – 10 June 2025 A fresh FSRA announcement details...
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) is sending an unmistakable message in 2025: robust anti-money-laundering (AML) controls are no longer optional. Since March the regulator has issued a string of record-breaking penalties on exchange houses, bank branches and insurers, pushing the cumulative tally past AED 339 million and ushering in the toughest enforcement climate...
The UAE has introduced a new Federal Media Regulation Law, representing the first significant legislative reform in the country’s media landscape in over 40 years. This reform is a watershed moment for legal professionals, media practitioners, and digital content stakeholders, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to modernizing its regulatory environment in line with technological advancements and...
On 12th May 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) issued administrative and financial sanctions against five insurance brokers operating in the UAE. The action was taken under Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations. Two of the...
The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF), in consultation with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), has issued a significant compliance relief measure in the form of an administrative penalty waiver for businesses and entities that failed to register for Corporate Tax by the required deadline. However, this waiver is conditional—it is only available to registrants who...
In a progressive move to strengthen labour protections, the UAE has now mandated that domestic workers must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS). This change aligns with ongoing efforts to improve transparency and uphold fair treatment across all employment sectors. What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)? The Wage Protection System is an...
In a significant move to enhance regulatory oversight and streamline business operations in Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, on 17 March 2025 issued a new Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025, regulating the operations of free zone establishments...
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued an urgent reminder to businesses across the country to update their tax records before the grace period ends on March 31, 2025. This compliance requirement is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance tax transparency, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure businesses adhere to the latest tax...
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has launched 18 new interactive and informational phone services aimed at enhancing communication and support for both establishments and domestic workers in the UAE. This initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, streamline services, and provide efficient customer assistance in the labor sector. ...
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center of the UAE’s capital, has recently completed a significant jurisdictional expansion by integrating Al Reem Island. This strategic move solidifies ADGM’s position as one of the largest international financial centers globally and underscores its commitment to fostering a robust and business-friendly environment. Expansion Overview Announced...
