Advisory Journal
UAE rules change fast: FTA rulings, corporate tax clarifications, VAT treatment, visa criteria, free zone announcements. The Journal tracks what changed, who it affects and what to do about it, as the news breaks.
- 3 min readfree zoneslicensingbusiness setup
SHAMS in 2026: What the Free Zone Positioning Debate Means for Operators
A review of SHAMS's place in the UAE free zone landscape as entrepreneur confidence data and zone commentary surfaces in mid-2026.
Read the analysis - 3 min readfree zonesworkers welfareindustrial
RAKEZ in Mid-2026: Worker Welfare Obligations, Industrial Arrivals and a Push for Global Ties
RAKEZ introduces a worker welfare framework, signs industrial agreements and expands delegation activity. What operators need to know.
Read the analysis - 3 min readfree zonesbusiness formationentrepreneurship
Meydan Free Zone Positions Itself for a New Wave of Entrepreneurs: What Operators Should Know
Recent coverage points to growing momentum at Meydan Free Zone as business formation activity picks up across UAE free zones in mid-2026.
Read the analysis - 4 min readfree zoneslogisticssustainability
JAFZA in mid-2026: new logistics infrastructure, a regulatory agreement and a net-zero milestone
Three months of infrastructure groundbreakings, a sustainability certification and a new RTA compliance framework reshape JAFZA's operating environment.
Read the analysis - 3 min readexcise taxcomplianceenforcement
FTA and Dubai Police seize 3.58 million excise goods packages: what the enforcement surge means for importers and retailers
A joint FTA-Dubai Police operation seized 3.58 million non-compliant excise goods in six months, signalling sharply elevated enforcement risk.
Read the analysis - 3 min readfree zonesinfrastructurelicensing
Dubai South Free Zone: Sky Support Complex nears completion as Al Maktoum expansion reframes the zone's long-term position
Construction milestones, a AED 128bn airport expansion and licensing developments reshape the outlook for Dubai South operators.
Read the analysis - 3 min readfree zonesmanufacturingtech ecosystem
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Manufacturing Expansion, a New Partnership and the Doers Summit in November
KERNO opens DSO's first IT hardware plant, DIEZ partners with noon Minutes, and the Doers Summit returns in November 2026.
Read the analysis - 2 min readfree zonesbusiness environmenthospitality
Dubai Media City Briefing: What Recent Activity Around the Zone Tells Operators
A look at what recent news around Dubai Media City signals for businesses based in or considering the free zone.
Read the analysis - 3 min readfree zonescybersecurityblockchain
DMCC Adds Cybersecurity Hub, Tether Partnership and Family Office Tools: What Members Need to Know
DMCC's mid-2026 moves, from a cybersecurity hub to blockchain education and a new wealth platform, signal a broadening strategic focus.
Read the analysis - 3 min readfree zonesexpansionlicensing
DIFC Crosses 10,000 Companies and Shifts Its Pitch to Global Finance
DIFC hit a 10,000-company milestone in H1 2026, while its CEO signalled that incentives alone no longer win international finance business.
Read the analysis - 2 min readexpansionfree zonesurban planning
d3 in Context: Emaar's Dh200 Billion Masterplan and What It Signals for Dubai Design District Tenants
Emaar's Dh200bn Dubai masterplan and a Canadian University Dubai design project shape the outlook for d3 occupiers in mid-2026.
Read the analysis - 3 min readregulationdigital assetsreal estate
ADGM Tightens Financial Crime Focus, Expands Digital Asset Scope and Introduces Broker Rankings
ADGM's regulator signals sharper scrutiny on financial crime and resilience, while new digital asset and property frameworks take effect.
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