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The UAE Space Agency has introduced a 90-day grace period for companies, organizations, and individuals to obtain mandatory licensing under Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2023. Space sector stakeholders must complete registration and secure the required permits before enforcement begins in late October 2026. Read the full analysis on UAE Space Agency's 90-day grace period for mandatory space sector licensing and compliance requirements:

The UAE's Category 5 License under the new Capital Market Authority (CMA) regulatory framework covers financial activities such as financial consultation and analysis, listing advisory, introduction, and promotion. With the CMA replacing the SCA from 1 January 2026, businesses seeking to conduct regulated capital market activities in the UAE should understand the applicable licensing process, indicative fees, documentation, and compliance requirements. 🔗 Read the full guide on [UAE Category 5 Capital Markets License requirements, activities, fees, and application process] to understand the regulatory framework and key considerations for applicants.

The ADGM Registration Authority has updated its Commercial Permits Framework, introducing a streamlined digital process for sales and promotional activities. The revised framework brings greater clarity to permit requirements, strengthens consumer protection and pricing transparency, and enhances regulatory oversight—helping businesses operate more efficiently while maintaining high compliance standards. 🔗 Read the full article: ADGM Commercial Permits Framework for Sales and Promotions

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified six circumstances where employees may lose their right to workplace injury compensation. These include self-inflicted injuries, substance impairment, intentional safety violations, deliberate misconduct, refusal of required medical care, and knowingly ignoring clearly displayed safety instructions. The guidance also explains how medical authorities and official investigations determine whether an injury qualifies as work-related. 👉 Read the full guide on UAE workplace injury compensation and MoHRE’s six statutory exceptions.

Franchising in the UAE: How Trademark Licensing Powers Business Expansion The UAE is a leading destination for global brands expanding into the Middle East through franchising. At the heart of this model is trademark licensing, which enables businesses to leverage established brand value while partnering with local operators. From trademark protection and franchise agreements to competition rules and commercial agency considerations, businesses must carefully navigate the UAE's legal framework when structuring franchise arrangements. 🔗 Read the full article: Franchising in the UAE: Trademark Licensing, Legal Frameworks and Business Expansion

Saudi Arabia has officially joined the WIPO Madrid System, expanding the global trademark framework to 133 member countries. The move strengthens intellectual property protection across the GCC, with Saudi Arabia joining Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Effective October 8, 2026, Saudi businesses will gain a streamlined route to protect trademarks internationally, while foreign brand owners can designate Saudi Arabia through the Madrid System. The change is expected to simplify international trademark registration and portfolio management, supporting businesses expanding into the Saudi and wider GCC markets. 🔗 Read the full article: Saudi Arabia Joins WIPO Madrid System: International Trademark Protection for Businesses:

The ICANN New gTLD Program: 2026 Round presents a rare opportunity for trademark owners to secure an exclusive .brand (dotBrand) generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD)—the first application window since 2012. A .brand domain gives organizations exclusive control over their digital namespace, helping prevent cybersquatting, phishing, and brand impersonation while strengthening trademark protection and corporate governance. It also enhances trust in AI-driven search environments by providing a verified and authoritative source for enterprise content, products, and services. With the application deadline approaching in August 2026, businesses should assess trademark eligibility, ICANN compliance requirements, financial commitments, and long-term digital governance strategies to determine whether a .brand extension aligns with their brand protection and digital transformation objectives. Read the complete legal analysis here:

The GDRFA Dubai has updated its UAE visa-on-arrival requirements for eligible foreign residents from seven countries, including India, the Philippines, South Africa, and others. Qualified travelers holding valid residency permits from approved countries such as the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea can obtain a 14-day or 60-day UAE visa on arrival, with applications processed online within 48 hours. Learn the complete UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility criteria, required documents, visa fees, and application process in our latest article. 🔗 Read the complete guide to UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility, fees, required documents, and GDRFA application process:

The UAE has officially launched Jaywan, its first national domestic payment card scheme, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s financial sovereignty and digital payment infrastructure. Managed by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), Jaywan cards will support POS payments, e-commerce, ATM withdrawals, and digital wallets. The scheme is expected to reduce local transaction costs, enhance data sovereignty, and promote financial inclusion. The launch also positions the UAE alongside countries with national payment networks such as India’s RuPay, Saudi Arabia’s mada, and China’s UnionPay. 🔗 Explore the UAE’s Jaywan domestic payment card launch and its impact on digital payments:

The FIFA World Cup is more than a global sporting event—it is a highly protected intellectual property ecosystem involving trademarks, copyright, broadcasting rights, licensing, image rights, domain names, and digital assets. For businesses and marketers, using World Cup-related names, logos, imagery, slogans, or tournament references without authorization can create significant trademark, copyright, unfair competition, and ambush marketing risks. Campaigns should also be reviewed based on the laws of each relevant jurisdiction, as legal protections can vary between countries. The key takeaway? Businesses looking to capitalize on World Cup excitement should develop original campaigns, avoid implying official FIFA affiliation, and seek legal advice before launching cross-border or digital marketing campaigns. 👉 Read the full article:

Abu Dhabi Maritime has reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance by reminding vessel operators and marine businesses of the penalties for violating waterway regulations. The updated enforcement framework includes fines of up to AED 30,000 for unauthorized maritime construction, AED 20,000 for environmental violations, and penalties for operating without permits, causing maritime accidents, neglecting safety requirements, or tampering with navigational infrastructure. The initiative encourages all boat owners, commercial operators, and maritime developers to ensure proper licensing, follow safety protocols, and comply with Abu Dhabi's maritime regulations before entering the emirate's waters. Staying compliant not only helps avoid penalties but also supports safer waterways and protects the UAE's coastal environment.

The UAE has introduced a Unified National Licensing Framework for higher education institutions, creating a single regulatory standard for universities and colleges across both mainland and free zones. The framework strengthens governance, introduces real-time compliance monitoring through MoHESR integration, and reinforces financial sustainability and academic continuity requirements. For educational institutions and investors, this marks a significant shift, requiring a review of governance structures, compliance frameworks, and operational policies to align with the new federal standards. Read the full article to understand how these regulatory changes could impact higher education providers and investors in the UAE.

The UAE's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) is already legally binding—even though the Executive Regulations are still pending. Waiting for further guidance is not a compliance strategy. Businesses are already required to establish lawful data processing, protect data subject rights, implement appropriate security measures, maintain processing records, and manage cross-border data transfers in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021. In addition, obligations under the UAE Cybercrime Law and sector-specific regulations continue to apply. A proactive compliance framework built on governance, accountability, lawful processing, and incident response will help organisations reduce regulatory risk and prepare for future enforcement. Read the full article to explore practical steps for strengthening your UAE PDPL compliance before the Executive Regulations take effect.

Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for virtual assets. With VARA reaching the milestone of 50 licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), the UAE is demonstrating how innovation and regulatory oversight can grow together. The milestone reflects strong global confidence in Dubai’s digital asset ecosystem. However, obtaining a VARA license is only one stage of the journey. Firms must complete rigorous compliance and operational requirements before launching commercial services, reinforcing VARA’s commitment to investor protection, AML/CFT compliance, and sustainable market growth. For businesses entering Dubai’s virtual asset market, regulatory readiness is no longer optional—it is a competitive advantage. Read the full article to understand what VARA’s latest milestone means for crypto businesses, digital asset platforms, tokenization projects, and investors operating in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi has introduced a Specialised Human Trafficking Court under Resolution No. 40/2026, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to combating human trafficking and strengthening judicial efficiency. The new court will have exclusive jurisdiction over human trafficking cases, supported by specialised Public Prosecution units and dedicated judicial chambers from investigation through appeal. The reform is designed to accelerate proceedings, improve judicial consistency, and enhance legal protection for victims. This landmark initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's continued focus on specialised justice, human rights, and a more effective legal system. Read our latest article to learn how this judicial reform strengthens the UAE's legal framework.

The UAE has officially joined the Locarno Agreement on Industrial Designs, marking another major milestone in strengthening its intellectual property framework and aligning with global WIPO standards. The adoption of the internationally recognized Locarno Classification will simplify industrial design registration, improve cross-border protection, and provide greater legal certainty for businesses, innovators, and brand owners. It also supports the UAE's vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, creativity, and investment under We the UAE 2031. With trademark, patent, and copyright filings continuing to grow, this development further reinforces the UAE's commitment to building a world-class IP ecosystem. Read our latest article to learn what this means for businesses, designers, startups, and international rights holders operating in the UAE.