UAE Private Wealth: Structuring Your Legacy
The United Arab Emirates has rapidly evolved from a tax-efficient residency destination into one of the world’s most sophisticated jurisdictions for private wealth structuring. Through the legal infrastructure of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), wealthy families, founders, family businesses and private investors now have access to institutional-grade structures […]
Securing Health Data: Does your Data Protection Policy Comply with the UAE’s Technical Data Security Requirements?
For healthcare companies, healthtech platforms, and clinical service providers operating in the UAE, data protection compliance operates across two distinct but interconnected layers: the legal principles that govern how health data must be handled, and the technical security measures that operationalise those principles in practice. The distinction matters more than it might appear. The principles […]
Inside Vara’s Big Move on Crypto Derivatives in Dubai
On 31 March 2026, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) essentially overhauled the crypto regulatory regime. It introduced Version 2.1 of the Exchange Services Rulebook, moving crypto derivatives in Dubai out of the grey zone and into a clearly regulated framework for exchanges operating in the emirate. That means futures, options, CFDs, and perpetual-style products […]
UAE R&D Tax Credit Reforms
On March 18, the UAE Ministry of Finance issued Ministerial Decision No. 24 of 2026, which puts into effect the first phase of the UAE’s Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentives Programme (the “Programme”). The Programme was originally introduced under Cabinet Decision No. 215 of 2025. It applies to tax periods starting on or after […]
How The GCC Regulates AI In Healthcare
AI is moving rapidly from pilots to everyday clinical reality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and regulators are racing to make sure this transformation is safe, ethical, and legally sound. Across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, a clear message is emerging: healthcare AI is welcome, but only if it meets […]
Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2025: All You Need to Know About The Latest Amendments to the UAE Companies Law
Summary On 1 October 2025, the UAE issued Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2025 (Amendment Law), introducing targeted amendments to Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies (CCL). Key points: Scope extended to foreign companies with UAE presence and clarifies free zone company operations outside designated zones Re-domiciliation framework established, allowing companies to […]
How Does the UAE Regulate Digital Health Platforms?
Summary The UAE’s healthcare and healthtech sectors operate under a multi-layered regulatory system split between federal and emirate-level authorities. Setting up a healthtech platform requires navigating jurisdictional choices, licensing requirements, and comprehensive compliance obligations including data protection, telemedicine standards, and cybersecurity measures. Key points: Three primary regulators govern healthcare: Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) […]
How is SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) Regulated in the UAE?
Summary Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) represents a rapidly growing segment of digital health innovation in the UAE. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024, which came into effect on January 2, 2025, SaMD is subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE). Key points: Digital health tools that diagnose, treat, […]
The UK Streamlines Market Entry for Medical Devices: A Closer Look
In May last year, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published a policy statement regarding international recognition of regulatory approvals of medical devices. In July this year, MHRA announced it had reviewed feedback from stakeholders on its proposed policy from May and that it has decided to move forward with its proposal. […]
Health-Tech Regulations in UAE: What Every Startup Founder Must Know
In recent years, the UAE has rapidly evolved into a regional hub for health technology startups. With strong government support and a digitally inclined population, the ecosystem is ripe for innovation. From AI-powered diagnostic tools to remote patient monitoring and digital therapeutics, health-tech solutions are transforming healthcare access and delivery. However, with opportunity comes responsibility. […]
