News

🔍 Highlights

• The UAE has clarified its corporate-tax rules for free-zone companies by issuing two new ministerial decisions that define qualifying activities and pricing benchmarks. The Times of India

• A new platform called Sharkup has launched in Dubai offering a fully digital business-setup process (licensing + banking + compliance) for entrepreneurs. GlobeNewswire

• Guidance for Indian companies (and other foreign investors) on establishing business in the UAE has been updated, covering Mainland vs Free Zone options, licensing, and trade benefits under treaties. India Briefing

• The UAE is positioning itself as a global startup-capital with a new hub for social enterprise, called Athar+, launching in Abu Dhabi and supporting social impact businesses.

• No visa ban on Bangladeshi nationals
  Reports circulated on social media claiming that the UAE had banned visas for Bangladeshi citizens were denied by the Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE. He stated that no such directive has been issued by UAE authorities. The Times of India+1
  The Embassy of Bangladesh also urged its citizens to be cautious about sharing unverified news online. Khaleej Times

  Implication: If you or someone you know is Bangladeshi and worried about visa issues, the official stance is no new ban, at least as of now.

• Visa waiver for Sudanese overstayers
  The UAE announced a full waiver on residence and tourist-visa violations for Sudanese nationals from May 19, 2025 through year-end. Khaleej Times

  Implication: Sudanese nationals who were in violation of visa/residency rules got relief under this scheme.

• Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Pakistanis
  The UAE now offers a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa to Pakistani nationals, without the need for a guarantor or local host. Khaleej Times

  Implication: For Pakistani travellers, this is a significant change—more freedom to visit the UAE multiple times over five years.

• Clarifying misleading Golden Visa offers
  The UAE’s immigration authority made clear there is no “lifetime” Golden Visa for a fixed fee (e.g., AED 100,000) as some online claims suggested. Khaleej Times+1

  Implication: Be cautious of agencies or adverts promising “lifetime residency” or paid shortcut routes—they may be misleading or scams.