On 30 March 2026, the Executive Council of Dubai approved a series of initiatives empowering individuals and society, promoting trade and investment, enhancing means of measuring economic performance, and safeguarding the workforce. The AED 1 billion package took effect on 1 April 2026 and runs for three to six months, depending on the measure.

Designed to attract international business and innovation, Free Zones operate under distinct legal and commercial frameworks that differentiate them from the UAE mainland. While they continue to play a key role in the country’s economic landscape, the introduction of a federal corporate tax regime in 2023 has reshaped how businesses need to evaluate Free Zone structures, manage tax exposure, and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.

On February 23, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced the issuance of official electronic invoicing guidelines in preparation for the transition to a unified mandatory e-invoicing system. The guidelines are published to provide businesses with more transparency regarding operational expectations and compliance obligations under the new framework.

From January 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new tiered tax system on sweetened drinks. The revised methodology for calculating tax for sweetened beverages, which was approved by the GCC’s Financial and Economic Cooperation Council, is part of a wider effort in the region to promote public health and encourage lower sugar consumption.