Business

What new UAE anti-money laundering measures mean for businesses

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3 months ago

April 29, 2026

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The UAE is strengthening its crackdown on financial crime, with the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing approving a new set of measures to boost transparency and enforcement.

Announced after its latest meeting, chaired by Khaled Mohamed Balama of the Central Bank of the UAE, the updates aim to strengthen how authorities detect, investigate, and prevent illicit financial activity.

A key highlight is a new national guide on financial intelligence and money laundering investigations, which improves coordination between agencies and introduces updated procedures for tracking and recovering assets, including those linked to virtual assets.

The committee also approved risk assessments across financial institutions, virtual asset providers, and non-financial sectors, enabling more targeted enforcement and oversight.

Stricter compliance for businesses

For businesses in the UAE, the new measures mean stricter compliance requirements but also a more stable and trusted operating environment.

Companies, especially in finance, real estate, and emerging sectors like virtual assets, will need to strengthen due diligence, improve internal controls, and align with updated risk assessments and reporting standards set in coordination with the Central Bank of the UAE.

While this may increase operational oversight and compliance costs in the short term, it enhances transparency, reduces exposure to financial crime risks, and reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a secure global business hub, ultimately boosting investor confidence and long-term growth opportunities.

Additional updates include revised national risk assessments on proliferation financing and non-profit organisations, reinforcing a risk-based approach to regulation.

While largely behind the scenes, these changes play a key role in maintaining the UAE’s position as a secure and trusted global financial hub, something that directly impacts businesses, investors, and the wider expat community.

Officials say the measures mark a more advanced phase in the country’s regulatory framework, with stronger coordination and improved readiness to address evolving financial risks.

Related Topics:AntiMoneyLaundering BusinessInUAE EconomyUAE FinancialRegulation UAEFinance UAELife UAEnews UAEUpdates

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Business

No cash? No card? No problem: Now shop at Dubai Duty Free with crypto

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4 days ago

August 5, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay, allowing eligible UAE residents to pay for purchases using their Crypto.com accounts.

The new payment option is now available at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/AMIA) and online at Dubai Duty Free’s website.

The rollout follows a strategic partnership signed between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025 and supports Dubai’s wider push towards a cashless economy under the D33 Economic Agenda.

How it works

For in-store purchases, shoppers simply select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, scan the QR code displayed at the counter using the Crypto.com app and approve the payment. The transaction is processed instantly, with Dubai Duty Free receiving settlement in UAE dirhams.

Online shoppers can also choose Crypto.com Pay during checkout, scan the QR code generated on the payment page and confirm the transaction through the Crypto.com app. Mobile users are redirected directly to the app before returning to complete their purchase.

Available for eligible UAE residents

The service is currently available to eligible UAE residents with a Crypto.com account. Payments are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform, with transactions settled in dirhams.

Dubai Duty Free said the launch expands its range of digital payment options, which already includes Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay, while offering customers another convenient way to pay.

The move also strengthens Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in digital commerce, with the emirate targeting 90 per cent of financial transactions to be cashless by the end of 2026.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

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1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.