UAE Cabinet issues Competition Law Implementing Regulations (Cabinet Decision No. 59 of 2026) merger control now fully operational
The UAE Cabinet issued Cabinet Decision No. (59) of 2026 on 8 May 2026, introducing the Executive Regulations to Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition. Together with the Competition Law and Cabinet Decision No. (3) of 2025 establishing filing thresholds, the Regulations complete the UAE’s merger control framework. For the first time, the UAE has a fully operational mandatory and suspensory merger control regime.
Key Takeaways:
- Two mandatory filing thresholds apply: a combined UAE turnover threshold of AED 300 million and a 40% UAE market share threshold. The Regulations formally define the “Relevant Market” and allow the Ministry to assess dominance using broader qualitative factors.
- Transactions meeting the thresholds must be notified before completion. Failure to file or gun-jumping may attract fines of 2%–10% of annual UAE revenues from the relevant product or service, or AED 500,000–AED 5,000,000 where revenue cannot be calculated.
- Third parties, including competitors, customers, and suppliers, may submit evidence-based objections within 15 working days of publication of transaction details.
- The Ministry has 90 working days to review a complete filing, extendable by 45 working days, with power to stop the clock when additional information is required.
- A formal confidentiality regime allows parties to protect commercially sensitive information submitted during the review process.
- Businesses should now incorporate UAE competition clearance assessments into transaction planning from the outset.
CBUAE prohibits licensed financial institutions from using instant messaging platforms for customer contact
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) introduced a prohibition on licensed financial institutions contacting customers through instant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. The measure applies to banks, insurers, exchange houses, and finance companies and reflects a wider focus on consumer protection and conduct regulation.
Key Takeaways:
- Licensed financial institutions may not initiate customer communications through instant messaging applications. Permitted channels include regulated email systems, verified banking applications, SMS, and written correspondence.
- The measure aims to reduce fraud risks and improve protection of customer data by limiting communications through third-party messaging platforms.
- The prohibition supports the consumer protection framework introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. (6) of 2025, including anti-fraud and disclosure obligations.
- Institutions that previously relied on messaging applications for customer service, collections, or relationship management must transition to compliant communication channels.
- While customers may still contact institutions via such platforms, firms should ensure substantive communications are not conducted through them.
- The circular signals an increasingly active supervisory approach by the CBUAE ahead of the September 2026 transition deadline under the new law.
ADGM FSRA finalises virtual asset staking framework
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has finalised its framework governing virtual asset staking services. The rules expand beyond traditional proof-of-stake arrangements and introduce enhanced disclosure, governance, and risk management requirements for licensed providers.
Key Takeaways:
- The framework applies to a broad range of staking models with similar economic characteristics, preventing firms from avoiding regulation through technical distinctions.
- Providers must give clear disclosures on lock-up periods, withdrawal rights, rewards, fees, slashing risks, and circumstances where assets may not be recoverable.
- Firms must undertake due diligence on validators and staking infrastructure providers, including assessments of reliability and recovery capabilities.
- The framework aligns with ADGM’s broader approach of treating virtual asset activities as regulated financial services requiring strong governance and investor protection.
- Existing providers must review and update current arrangements to ensure compliance with the new standards.
- The framework may influence future regulatory developments across other UAE financial centres.
DIFC launches consultation to open Prescribed Company regime to all applicants
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched a consultation proposing to expand access to its Prescribed Company (PC) regime by removing existing category-based eligibility restrictions. The proposal forms part of DIFC’s wider strategy to attract international capital and enhance its corporate structuring options.
Key Takeaways:
- The proposal would allow any applicant meeting prescribed requirements to establish a Prescribed Company, removing existing qualification criteria.
- Prescribed Companies offer simplified governance, lower fees, and reduced administrative requirements compared to standard DIFC companies, while remaining subject to AML and beneficial ownership obligations.
- The reform strengthens DIFC’s competitiveness as a jurisdiction for holding structures, family offices, and regional headquarters.
- The regime complements the recently introduced Variable Capital Company (VCC) framework by providing an alternative vehicle for non-investment holding structures.
- Practitioners advising family offices, private equity groups, and multinational businesses should monitor the consultation and consider its implications for future structuring options.
- If adopted, the changes are expected to take effect during the second half of 2026.
