His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has directed the establishment of the Dubai RDI Ecosystem, a unified platform under the Dubai Future Foundation. This initiative aims to accelerate research, development, and innovation, integrating existing programs and fostering collaboration to position Dubai as a global hub for future economies.
The UAE government has issued a Federal Decree-Law amending its Corporate Tax Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Key changes include clarifying tax settlement mechanisms, allowing refunds for unutilized tax credits, and introducing a Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) aligned with OECD Pillar Two, effective January 1, 2025. New R&D and high-value employment incentives are also under consideration.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, urging expanded cooperation in traditional sectors like oil and gas, alongside emerging industries, as part of a broader push to strengthen bilateral ties and advance the Belt and Road Initiative.
Fintech Abu Dhabi, the flagship event of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2023, gathered global leaders on November 29 to discuss disruptive innovation and the future of finance. Hosted by ADGM, the event focused on AI, blockchain, digital assets, and regulatory advancements, solidifying Abu Dhabi's role as a leading financial hub.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, held talks with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa in Abu Dhabi. The meeting, on the sidelines of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, focused on strengthening friendship and cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, investment, and technology, as part of President Noboa's official visit to the UAE.
China and the United Arab Emirates will conduct their third joint air force training, 'Falcon Shield 2025,' in the UAE from December 9 to 22. The exercise aims to enhance mutual learning and deepen defense cooperation between the two nations' militaries.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has announced updated Value Added Tax (VAT) rules, effective January 1, 2026. These changes, introduced via Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aim to simplify procedures, enhance transparency, and strengthen tax compliance across the nation.
The United Arab Emirates celebrates its 54th Eid Al Etihad on December 2, 2025, under the theme 'United'. The nation reflects on substantial progress in AI, digital economy, foreign policy, and economic growth, reinforcing its position as a global leader and a hub for innovation and stability. Celebrations include nationwide events and cultural showcases.
The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned recent Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, particularly targeting villages in Rif Dimashq Governorate, on November 29, 2025. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its rejection of infringement on Syria's sovereignty and urged the international community to act to prevent further escalation.
Chaired by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved key initiatives on November 28, 2025, including residential grant transfers, a Healthy Living Strategy, and an Integrated Water Strategy, alongside an earlier AED42 billion Liveability Strategy expansion, reinforcing the emirate's commitment to community wellbeing and sustainable development.
India and the United Arab Emirates convened their sixth Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) meeting in Abu Dhabi on November 26, 2025. The discussions, led by senior officials from both nations, focused on enhancing consular access, expediting legal assistance, liberalizing visa policies, and establishing a review mechanism to strengthen bilateral ties and ensure citizen welfare.
The United Arab Emirates has secured its position as the world's third-largest humanitarian donor in 2025, contributing a substantial $1.46 billion in aid. This significant contribution, confirmed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, places the UAE behind only the United States and the European Union.
A UAE national, Salem Abdullah Khalfan Alshamshi, 34, was arrested by Indian and Nepalese forces near Raxaul for attempting to illegally cross the India-Nepal border. His Indian tourist visa had expired, and he was accompanied by an Indian broker. He faces charges under The Foreigners Act, 1946.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the United Arab Emirates in its inaugural cross-border central bank digital currency (CBDC) payment to China on November 20, 2025. The transaction, conducted via the newly launched mBridge platform, marks a significant milestone in financial technology and strengthens economic ties between the two nations.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the 'UAE Global Centre of Trade' program, a new strategy by the Ministry of Foreign Trade. The initiative aims to attract the world's top 1,000 international trading companies and establish the UAE as a leading global commerce hub, leveraging a digital gateway for exporters and boosting non-oil trade.
The United Arab Emirates has achieved a significant milestone in financial technology by executing its first cross-border digital currency payment to China. Led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the transaction utilized the newly launched 'Jisr' (mBridge) platform, aiming to enhance international payment efficiency and deepen bilateral financial cooperation.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a landmark meeting in Abu Dhabi, marking the first in-person bilateral talks between leaders of both nations since 1983. Discussions focused on deepening economic cooperation, signing a new investment protection agreement, launching free trade negotiations, and affirming a shared commitment to regional and global peace, including humanitarian aid to Palestine.
The fourth edition of the Dubai Future Forum, recognized as the world's largest gathering of futurists, officially opened on November 18 at the iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event brings together over 2,500 participants and 200 speakers to explore critical themes shaping humanity's future.
Abu Dhabi has launched a redesigned Sustainable Fisheries Policy under Decree No. (8) of 2025, issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The policy aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources, protect native species, and enhance the sector's environmental, social, and economic value through science-based management and community engagement.
The United Arab Emirates has concluded its investigation into an attempt to illegally smuggle military equipment to the Port Sudan Authority, referring the accused to judicial authorities. The probe, initiated after an April 30 interception, revealed a cell involved in illicit arms trafficking and money laundering, with connections to Sudanese military figures and entities on international sanctions lists.
