The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has today announced a comprehensive suite of temporary economic support measures designed to fortify its business and retail community. Effective immediately, the package addresses short-term operational pressures, ensuring the DIFC ecosystem remains the most resilient financial hub in the MEASA region.

As the global economy navigates a shifting landscape, the DIFC Authority is taking a proactive stance to provide financial reassurance and administrative flexibility to its 8,800+ active firms.

Targeted financial & operational support

The relief measures are specifically designed to stabilise cash flows for both commercial tenants and retail operators. Key initiatives include:

• Flexible Payment Solutions: Customised payment plans for retail and commercial sectors.
• Licensing Ease: New instalment plans for license renewal fees to reduce upfront capital requirements.
• Administrative Grace Periods: Extensions on payments related to the Registrar of Companies, Data Protection Department, and lease contract filings.
• Workforce Support: Deferred timelines for registering employees into the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme.

Regulatory flexibility

In tandem with the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is introducing regulatory relief to maintain market momentum. These measures will support existing regulated firms and streamline the authorisation process for new entities seeking to enter the Dubai market.

“At DIFC, we stand alongside our clients, partners, and employees with a clear commitment to provide support and reassurance when it is needed most,” said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority.

The announcement comes as DIFC continues its Zabeel District expansion, which is set to house over 42,000 companies. By prioritising the human and financial health of its current partners, DIFC is reinforcing Dubai’s position as a top-four global financial centre that prioritises stability alongside innovation.

Dubai authorities have announced a series of business support measures aimed at strengthening resilience, easing financial pressures, and sustaining economic growth across key sectors.

The initiatives are part of a wider Dh1 billion economic incentive package unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister.

Relief for tourism and hospitality

To support hotels and tourism-related businesses, the government will allow:

• Deferral of 100% of sales fees on rooms and food & beverage
• Postponement of Tourism Dirham fees

These relief measures will be valid for three months starting April 1 and apply to:

• Hotels
• Hotel apartments
• Holiday homes

The goal is to enhance liquidity and reduce short-term financial strain on the hospitality sector.

Wider support for businesses

Additional measures have been introduced across the broader economy, including fee deferrals for three months on:

• Premium business names
• Licence amendments
• Newspaper announcements
• Local service fees
• Accommodation and waste management fees
• Service improvement charges

These apply to both new business licences and renewals, with further updates expected after the three months.

Additional reforms

The broader package also includes:

• Extended grace periods for customs data
• Streamlined processes for issuing and renewing residency permits

Officials from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism emphasised that the emirate’s economic success is built on proactive policymaking and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new set of regulations through the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to strengthen oversight of the property market and protect investor interests. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters.

What are these new decisions about?

The rules are part of updates to the emirate’s real estate law and aim to:

• Improve transparency
• Protect buyers’ money
• Reduce disputes
• Create a more investor-friendly market

They are being implemented with oversight from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

Stricter rules for escrow accounts

Developers often use escrow accounts to fund construction.

What’s new?

• Withdrawals before 20% project completion are now tightly regulated
• Developers must provide bank guarantees and approved cost plans

Why it matters:
This ensures buyers’ money is not misused and projects stay financially secure.

Clearer rules for jointly owned properties

This applies to buildings, communities, and shared facilities.

What’s new?

• Defined roles for owners, developers, and property managers
• Standardised management of common areas

Why it matters:
Better maintenance, fewer disputes, and clearer accountability.

Owners’ committees get a unified framework

Owners’ committees help manage residential communities.

What’s new?

• Standard bylaws across Abu Dhabi
• Clear rules on how committees are formed and operate

Why it matters:
More organised community management and stronger owner participation.

Compensation and refunds made clearer

Covers situations where:

• Buyers default on payments
• Projects are cancelled and units resold

What’s new?

• Defined compensation percentages for developers
• Clear timelines and procedures for buyer refunds

Why it matters:
Creates a fair balance between developers and buyers while speeding up dispute resolution.

These changes aim to:

• Boost investor confidence
• Strengthen market transparency
• Align Abu Dhabi with global real estate standards

In short, the new framework is designed to make the property market safer, clearer, and more efficient for everyone involved, from first-time buyers to large-scale investors.