News and publications

New Visa Categories and Amendments in UAE

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) introduced significant reforms to its visa and residency system. These changes include the addition of new visa categories tailored to emerging sectors — especially technology, events, tourism — along with expanded humanitarian and family-support provisions. The overhaul reflects the UAE’s ambition to open

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UAE E-Invoicing: Mandatory Implementation by July 2026

The UAE has announced the mandatory implementation of electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) effective July 2026. This development follows recent amendments to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law and the Tax Procedures Law and represents a significant step toward modernizing the country’s tax compliance framework. Businesses must carefully evaluate the legal and operational impact of this change

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Holiday Homes in the UAE: Insights for Investors

Holiday homes—often referred to as short-term or vacation rentals—are a distinct segment of the hospitality industry, offering fully furnished villas, apartments, or townhouses for stays ranging from a few nights to several months. Unlike traditional hotel rooms, these properties provide a more residential experience with larger living spaces, fitted kitchens, laundry facilities, and in many

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Dubai’s One Freezone Passport

Dubai has launched a fundamental restructuring of its business ecosystem with the One Freezone Passport, a groundbreaking initiative by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC). This policy dismantles the long-standing operational silos that have defined the emirate’s successful yet fragmented free zone landscape. It allows a company licensed in one of Dubai’s 30+ free zones

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Key Provisions of UAE Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 on Media Violations

Introduction: Context and Purpose of Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 strengthens Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023, modernizing UAE media regulation by replacing outdated laws. It’s a “game-enhancer,” providing specific administrative violations and quantifiable penalties for effective enforcement. Effective May 29, 2025, its goals include promoting responsible communication,

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Ras Al Khaimah in Focus: Key Developments in H1 2025

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has built on its momentum in early 2025 with strong economic and infrastructure developments. The emirate’s current trajectory is not the result of a single boom but a sophisticated, multi-layered strategy that synchronizes economic diversification, landmark real estate development, proactive regulatory reform, and a visionary expansion of its tourism and transport

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An Overview of Dubai’s Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025

Dubai Issues Resolution Regulating Free Zone Establishments’ Activities Outside Their Zones In a significant move to enhance economic integration and regulatory clarity, Dubai has issued Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025, laying out the framework for free zone establishments to legally operate in areas of Dubai beyond their designated free zones. The resolution, signed

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Jakob Kisser

Jakob Kisser Managing Partner+971 (0) 50 855 8031jkisser@slglaw.ccUAE Jakob Kisser ist Managing Partner des V.A.E. Büros von Strohal Legal. Als wirtschaftsorientierter Anwalt berät er Konzerne, klein- und mittelständische Unternehmen und Selbständige bei M&A-Projekten, gesellschaftsrechtlichen Angelegenheiten sowie in allen Aspekten von Geschäftsvorhaben und Investitionen in den V.A.E. Er ist aktives Vorstandsmitglied in verschiedenen Privatstiftungen und Unternehmen.

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The Increase in Business Registrations Across the UAE

Economic license registrations in the UAE have seen a sharp acceleration since 2023. By late 2024, the country recorded over 1.5 million active commercial licenses, marking a historic high in business activity. This surge has been fueled by a combination of legal reforms, digital transformation initiatives, and rising demand across key sectors such as e-commerce,

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UAE Golden Visa: What Property Investors Must Know to Stay Compliant

The UAE grants a 10-year Golden Visa to foreign investors who purchase real estate with a total value of at least AED 2 million. Investors may combine multiple properties to meet this threshold, and eligibility can be established through a certified property valuation, rather than relying solely on the purchase price. Both completed properties and

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