August 2026 Newsletter
1.DIFC’s Reformed Prescribed Company Regime Takes Effect: SPVs Open to All Overview The DIFC’s amended Prescribed Company Regulations 2026, enacted on 24 July 2026, came into effect on 2 August 2026, opening the DIFC’s special purpose vehicle regime to any applicant. The reform removes the last of the qualifying purpose, applicant and nexus-based eligibility requirements […]
How to Obtain an ADGM FSRA License A Step By Step Guide for Financial Services Firms
How to Obtain an ADGM FSRA Licence: A Step-by-Step Guide for Financial Services Firms Key Takeaways: Any firm carrying on a financial services activity in ADGM needs a Financial Services Permission from the FSRA before it can start. There are seven licence categories – your business model determines which one applies The application process follows […]
May2026 Newsletter
1.UAE Corporate Tax: Transfer Pricing and Free Zone Compliance Expectations Overview implementation of UAE Corporate Tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 became effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023, the Federal Tax Authority continued to expand its compliance and audit focus in relation to transfer pricing documentation and Free […]
April 2026 Newsletter
FINANCIAL REGULATORY UAE Capital Markets Authority Issues Landmark New Federal Virtual Asset Framework On 22 April 2026, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) – the successor to the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) established under Federal DecreeLaw No. 33 of 2025 – issued Decision No. 4/R.M/2026, introducing a comprehensive new framework for virtual asset activities and […]
March 2026 Newsletter
Tax & Compliance UAE E-Invoicing Framework: Key Compliance Obligations and Implementation Considerations On 23 February 2026, the UAE Ministry of Finance released Version 1.0 of the UAE Electronic Invoicing Guidelines, establishing the operational framework for the country’s upcoming mandatory e-invoicing regime. The Guidelines support the implementation of Ministerial Decision No. 243 of 2025 and Ministerial […]
February 2026 Newsletter
ADR & Arbitration Canada–UAE Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement Signed: Strengthening Bilateral Investment Protections. As part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing objective to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade, the Prime Minister recently visited the United Arab Emirates to expand and deepen Canada’s trade and investment relationship with the UAE. On November […]
January 2026 Newsletter
UAE Civil Transactions Framework Amendments Overview The UAE has introduced a new Federal DecreeLaw amending the long-standing Civil Transactions Law originally enacted under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985. The amendments refine the civil law framework, responding to the expansion of specialist legislation and the increasing sophistication of commercial and private transactions in the UAE. […]
ADGM Licensing Roadmap
ADGM Licensing Roadmap A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an FSRA Licence in Abu Dhabi Global Market For Fintechs, Investment Firms, Asset Managers and Financial Institutions Prepared by Ansh Legal The UAE offers two leading international financial centres — the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Both operate under independent […]
ADGM vs DIFC Comparision Guide
Executive Summary Mainland Branches of Free Zone Entities The UAE offers two leading international financial centres — the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Both operate under independent legal and regulatory frameworks based on common law principles and are internationally recognised financial hubs. Choosing the right jurisdiction depends on […]
UAE Commercial Companies Law Amendments 2026
UAE Commercial Companies Law Amendments 2026 Key Takeaways: Free zone companies with mainland branches are now expressly subject to aspects of the CCL. Companies may be able to re-domicile between jurisdictions without dissolution under the new Article 15 bis (implementing regulations are awaited). Shareholder protections such as tag-along, drag-along and pre-emption rights can now be […]