The Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out a new financial support package designed to keep banks strong and ensure they continue supporting and safeguarding the broader economy amid global and regional uncertainty.

The package was endorsed during a high-level board meeting chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE leadership’s proactive approach to maintaining economic stability.

Built around five key pillars, the initiative is designed to provide banks with greater liquidity, enhanced flexibility, and temporary regulatory relief, ensuring they can continue to support businesses and individuals during uncertain times.

Under the new measures, banks will gain expanded access to liquidity, including the ability to utilise reserve balances and secure term funding in both dirhams and US dollars. This step is expected to keep credit flowing across key sectors of the economy.

The Central Bank has also introduced temporary easing of liquidity and funding requirements, giving financial institutions more room to continue lending. Capital buffer requirements will be relaxed as well, allowing banks to deploy excess capital to support economic activity.

Additionally, new provisions will offer greater flexibility in managing credit risk, including delaying the classification of certain loans affected by current market conditions—providing relief to borrowers facing temporary challenges.

Authorities emphasised that banks are expected to maintain lending and continue supporting customers as part of the UAE’s broader economic response strategy.

Despite global pressures, the UAE’s financial system has shown strong resilience. During its meeting, the Board confirmed that current market conditions have had no significant impact on the health of the banking sector or the efficiency of payment systems.

The Central Bank also highlighted the country’s robust financial position, with foreign exchange reserves exceeding AED 1 trillion and a strong monetary base. The UAE’s banking sector, valued at over AED 5.4 trillion, continues to demonstrate solid fundamentals.

With liquidity levels remaining high and reserves strong, the CBUAE reaffirmed its readiness to take further action if needed to protect financial stability and sustain economic growth.

Dubai has introduced a new legal framework governing administrative violations, penalties, and enforcement measures across government entities.

Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Law No. (6) of 2026 aims to make enforcement fairer, more transparent, and consistent across the emirate.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what the law means.

What is the purpose of the law?
The law creates a unified framework for handling administrative violations and penalties across Dubai government entities. It is designed to ensure enforcement actions respect fairness, transparency, accountability, and legality while protecting public services and community interests.

How are violations classified?
Administrative violations must now be clearly defined by the competent authority and are classified into three categories:

• Minor violations
• Moderate violations
• Serious violations

This classification helps authorities apply appropriate penalties based on the severity of the offence.

What penalties can authorities impose?
Government entities may apply several administrative measures depending on the violation, including:

• Warnings to correct the issue
• Temporary closure of a business (up to six months)
• Permanent closure of an establishment
• Cancellation or modification of licences or permits
• Suspension of projects, activities, or transactions

How will fairness be ensured?
The law requires penalties to be proportionate to the violation and consider factors such as:

• Whether the violation was intentional or accidental
• Repeated violations
• Damage caused
• Whether the offender took steps to fix the issue early

What are the procedures before penalties are announced?
Authorities must follow strict procedures before publishing violations:

• Approval from the Director General of the government entity
• Coordination with the Government of Dubai Media Office for public announcements

When does the law take effect?
The law comes into force immediately after publication in the Official Gazette. Any conflicting provisions in previous laws will be cancelled.
Officials say the law will help standardise enforcement practices across Dubai, prevent misuse of authority, and increase compliance with regulations, ultimately improving governance and protecting public interests.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (4) of 2026 to regulate the management and occupancy of shared housing in Dubai.

The new law applies across Dubai’s private development zones and free zones and sets clear rules for property owners, authorised operators, and tenants involved in shared housing arrangements.

What the law aims to do

The legislation is designed to organise shared housing in the emirate and address issues such as overcrowding and informal accommodation. The law aims to:

• Protect the rights of property owners and residents
• Ensure safe and healthy living conditions
• Prevent overcrowding and illegal housing practices
• Address building and land-use violations
• Promote fair rental practices
• Support the stability and appearance of Dubai’s real estate market

Permit required for shared housing

Under the law, no individual or entity may allocate a property unit for shared housing without obtaining an official permit.

Permits will be issued and renewed according to rules set by Dubai Municipality, in coordination with Dubai Land Department and other authorities.

Properties must meet specific technical and safety requirements, including:

• Maximum occupancy limits
• Minimum space per resident
• Adequate shared facilities
• Compliance with building, health, fire, sanitation, security, and electrical standards

Permit validity and renewal

• Permits are valid for one year and may be renewed for similar periods.
• At the owner’s request, a two-year permit may be issued.
• Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry.

Leasing rules

The law states that only the property owner or an authorised establishment can lease a shared housing unit.

Tenants or other parties are not allowed to sublease any part of the unit, ensuring better oversight and compliance with regulations.

Heavy fines for violations

Violating the law can result in fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh500,000.

If the same violation is repeated within one year, the penalty will be doubled, up to a maximum of AED1 million.

Authorities may also impose additional measures, including:

• Suspension of activity for up to six months
• Cancellation of the permit
• Revocation of the commercial licence
• Disconnection of public utilities
• Eviction orders for non-compliant units

Oversight and implementation

Dubai Municipality will set detailed conditions for shared housing, including maximum occupancy levels, required space per resident, and necessary facilities. The authority will also determine which areas in Dubai are permitted for shared housing, based on urban planning, population density, infrastructure capacity, and neighbourhood characteristics.

The law applies to companies licensed to manage or lease properties on behalf of owners, including those operating in special development zones and free zones. However, collective labour accommodation is excluded from its scope.

When the law takes effect

The law will come into force 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, and any conflicting provisions in other legislation will be annulled.