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Abu Dhabi

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In brief To future-proof its regulatory system, the UAE cabinet has established the Emirates Drug Corporation (EDC) in September 2023. As a new independent regulator, the EDC will replace the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for the regulation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Besides medicines and medical devices the EDC will also be responsible for cosmetics, dietary supplements, GMOs, fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural conditioners and plant growth regulators. The EDC will also take over some…

Background As we previously reported, in September 2021, the joint venture between the Dubai International Financial Centre and the London Court of International Arbitration (DIFC-LCIA), and the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre were abolished, and all respective assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations of these institutions were transferred to the newly established Dubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC) by way of Decree No. 34 of 2021 (“Decree”) (view our previous alert here). As such the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Center and…

In brief Over the last few months, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have made a few legislative changes in relation to the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) regulations as well as the associated administrative penalties, with the issuance of: Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 2023 on the Regulation of the Real Beneficiary Procedures (the “New Resolution”), which came into effect on 16 November 2023 and superseded Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020. The New Resolution applies…

In brief During 2023 we saw various changes to the UAE employment and labour law landscape continue apace, supporting the government’s objective of attracting and retaining business and talent in the country. These include the new alternative end-of-service benefits scheme, unemployment insurance scheme, changes to Emiratisation and more. In this article we set out a brief summary of the key developments that have taken place in 2023 and take a look ahead to 2024. In…

In brief Investment funds, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT), have been provided with additional clarity through the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. 81 of 2023 on Conditions for Qualifying Investment Funds for the Purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (“Decision”) for clarification as to whether they can apply to be exempted from UAE corporate tax (at the discretion of the UAE tax authority). This Decision…