Everything you need to know about UAE’s legislative updates this year
legislation
Latest in legislation
Kuwait
Kuwait approves penalties for unlicensed currency exchange
Cabinet backs new bill targeting illicit money exchange activity and advances reforms across security recruitment
Dubai
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed issues new law starting January 2026
The law becomes effective on January 1, 2026
content creators
UAE announces new media law in 40 years with MAJOR changes for digital content sector
The UAE Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation mark a shift towards regulating emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, and on-demand broadcasting platforms
Branded hotels and residences
UAE visa changes; Saudi approves riyal symbol; Dubai rent rules; Mona Kattan leaves Huda Beauty – 10 things you missed this week
Saudi introduces riyal symbol, UAE visa news, Dubai real estate changes, UAE law changes and more top stories this week
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s DMT launches AI-powered digital legislation encyclopaedia to boost legal awareness
The encyclopedia can be accessed through DMT’s website or a dedicated app available on the Apple Store and Google Play
divorce
UAE law changes: New rules on marriage, divorce, child custody – All you need to know
Sweeping changes extend child custody to 18 years, reduce divorce waiting periods, and give women more autonomy in marriage decisions – Here’s everything you need to know
intellectual property
UAE Intellectual Property laws explained: Are your business assets protected?
Here’s everything business owners and entrepreneurs need to know about intellectual property rights in the UAE
Dubai
Dubai announces 2024-2029 legislative strategy; plan will promote transparent laws and balance economic, societal and environmental concerns
Dubai Supreme Legislation Committee announces 2024-2029 strategic plan
Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed issues new rule for grant of law enforcement capacity
The new legislation aims to ensure proper implementation of laws by those granted law enforcement capacity and to strengthen public-private partnerships in managing public facilities
Heavy vehicles
UAE postpones implementation of heavy vehicle weight and dimension regulations
The UAE cabinet directed the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to conduct an extensive study on decision rationales
Executive Council of Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed issues new legislation for Dubai’s Executive Council
The Council seeks to elevate Dubai’s status among prominent cities
digital commerce
UAE announces new laws to licence, regulate e-commerce sector
The new law is aimed at facilitating growth of digital commerce in the country
draft legislation
Kuwait drafts new law to stop expat hiring in government jobs: Report
The new draft legislation introduces strict limits on expat salaries and remuneration, ensuring they do not surpass the compensation of their Kuwaiti counterparts in similar roles
Canada
Trudeau criticises Meta for blocking local news as wildfires ravage Canada
The PM says Zuckerberg’s company putting profits over people’s safety as Meta sticks to its decision to abide by upcoming Online News Act
cybercrime
Jordan cybercrime law ‘exact copy’ of UAE, report claims
The new cybercrime law is a “true copy” of a similar legislation “in an undisclosed Arab nation”
Federal budget
Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy meeting ends with no deal on debt ceiling
The two, however, vowed to keep talking
