Material Legal Changes in the UAE in Q2 2026
The second quarter of 2026 saw the introduction of a number of significant legislative reforms in the United Arab Emirates affecting contract law, corporate regulation, investment projects, the real estate sector, virtual assets and data protection.
The most notable development was the entry into force of the new UAE Civil Code — the country’s first comprehensive overhaul of its civil legislation in more than 40 years.
In this legal update, Asari Legal’s experts analyse the key legislative and judicial developments, assess their implications for international businesses, and provide practical guidance for companies, investors and business owners operating in the UAE.
This publication covers:
- how the new UAE Civil Code reshapes the rules governing the formation and performance of contracts;
- the key developments in corporate regulation;
- recent changes to the regulation of virtual assets and personal data;
- reforms affecting the real estate sector and construction projects;
- business support measures introduced in response to regional instability; and
- the impact of recent international agreements on Russian investors and companies doing business with the UAE.
Prepared by Maria Rybitskaya, Partner and Head of Tax Practice; Ivan Laskov, Partner; and Alexander Semeshin, Counsel.