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The UAE has entered the world’s top ten merchandise exporters for the first time, with total foreign trade reaching AED 6 trillion in 2025, a 15% year-on-year increase. In Q1 2026 alone, the UAE signed new CEPA agreements with the Philippines, Nigeria, the DRC, and Gabon, extending preferential trade access across Southeast Asia and Africa. For UAE-based trading companies, manufacturers, and holding structures, this creates real and immediate opportunities to reduce trade costs and access high-growth markets.

The UAE has concluded CEPAs with over 20 countries since 2021, with four new agreements signed in Q1 2026 alone, covering the Philippines, Nigeria, the DRC, and Gabon. For international founders, these agreements go far beyond trade headlines. They directly shape how UAE companies should be structured to access tariff benefits, investment protections, and new market corridors across Asia and Africa. Here is what every founder needs to understand about CEPA compliance, Rules of Origin, and optimal UAE company structures in 2026.

The UAE’s AED 1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund, announced in April 2026, is a dedicated financing initiative targeting manufacturing, supply chain localisation, and AI-driven production across priority sectors including food security, pharmaceuticals, and advanced technology. For SME owners, manufacturers, and international investors, it represents a significant capital access opportunity within the UAE’s broader Operation 300bn industrial strategy. Here is what the fund covers, who qualifies, and how to position your business to secure financing.

Dubai International Financial Centre is becoming the world’s first AI Native financial centre, integrating AI across its ecosystem. This move will impact how businesses operate, scale, and compete in Dubai’s financial sector.

Dubai’s AED 1 billion stimulus package, introduced on 1 April 2026 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a short-term initiative to support business liquidity and reduce operational pressure across companies in Dubai, offering measures such as 90-day government fee deferrals, extended timelines through Dubai Customs, faster residency processing, and targeted sector relief to help businesses manage cash flow and maintain stability during a period of uncertainty.

The UAE Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) are no longer an active standalone compliance regime for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Under Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024, businesses no longer need to file ESR notifications or reports for 2023 onwards. However, economic substance requirements still exist through the UAE Corporate Tax framework, especially for free zone businesses seeking Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status and the 0% Corporate Tax rate.