United Arab Emirates
A federation with onshore federal regulators and financial free zones (DIFC and ADGM) that have their own regulators and rulebooks.
Overview
Firms must establish whether they fall onshore or in a free zone, as the applicable regime differs.
Authorities in this jurisdiction include the Central Bank of the UAE, DFSA (DIFC), FSRA (ADGM), TDRA and health authorities.
This glossary covers 5 authorities here, including CBUAE, DFSA, FSRA, TDRA and UAE health authorities. It contains Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Check the official sources below for legal scope, applicable dates and exceptions. This entry is an explanatory reference, not legal advice.
Why it matters
Operating here brings this jurisdiction’s laws and authorities into scope, on top of any parent jurisdiction’s.
Who it affects
Organisations established in, or serving customers in, United Arab Emirates.
Where it sits
Ten linked steps connect where you operate to the proof that you complied.
- 01Jurisdiction
- 02Industry
- 03Activity
- 04Authority
- 05Regulation
- 06Requirement
- 07Guidance
- 08Control
- 09Evidence
- 10Enforcement
Hierarchy
- Part of
- Middle East
- Members & authorities
- FSRACBUAEDFSATDRAUAE health authorities
Connections
The terms most closely tied to United Arab Emirates. Select one to open it.
What to do about it
- 1Establish your nexus: establishment, licences, customers or employees there.
- 2List the authorities with power over you there.
- 3Map local requirements and how they differ from the parent jurisdiction.
- 4Track local guidance and enforcement.
From requirement to evidence.
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