Economic Integration Committee explores ways to enhance the legislative environment for commercial companies and the governance of economic activities in the UAE

Meeting reviews preparations for hosting the “Global Summit on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms,” organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with UNCITRAL in December

The Economic Integration Committee held its seventh meeting of 2025, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and attended by the directors general of the economic development departments of all seven emirates. The meeting reviewed the details of the new Commercial Companies Law and its updated terms, aimed at developing the UAE’s business environment and enhancing the growth of the national economy.

The Committee reviewed various files, including the efforts to develop the legislative environment for commercial companies to support investment and entrepreneurship growth. It also discussed the UAE’s preparations to host the “Global Summit on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms” in collaboration with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

H.E. Bin Touq highlighted that, thanks to the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading economic model built on the foundations of innovation, modern legislation, and an integrated digital infrastructure. H.E. explained that national efforts are underway to further enhance the competitiveness of the country’s business and investment environment. He emphasised that the recent updates to the Commercial Companies Law are designed to keep pace with global trends and evolving business practices. These reforms reinforce the UAE’s corporate legislative framework with regulatory and legal mechanisms that support competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term business growth. They contribute to advancing the UAE’s status as a premier destination for investment, entrepreneurship, and the new economy, in line with the goals of the “We the UAE 2031” vision for a diversified and globally competitive economy.

H.E. said: “Through this committee, we remain committed to integrating federal and local efforts and strengthening the coordination of economic policies. This approach supports the development of a flexible, attractive business environment that can keep pace with change, enhances the UAE’s appeal to quality investments, and boosts the competitiveness of the national economy. Within this framework, we continue to raise awareness in the private sector, develop advanced oversight policies for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), expand the scope of risk assessments, and update procedures governing real beneficiary data, ensuring an integrated institutional approach aligned with international best practices.”

In details, the Committee discussed efforts to provide a clear and flexible legislative environment for commercial companies through the new legislation, which includes amendments to several items related to ownership, establishment procedures, partners’ rights, and the regulation of professional companies and holding companies, among others. The Committee developed a plan to complete the formulation of executive regulations associated with the law within a determined timeframe, ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of its provisions in the upcoming phase.

The meeting also reviewed the key updates regarding the UAE’s hosting of the “Global Summit on Digital Trade and Digital Platforms,” organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with UNCITRAL on 8 and 9 December. It highlighted the importance of this event, which convenes global policymakers in the field of commercial law, and solidifies the UAE’s leadership in developing new economy legislations, particularly in the digital trade field.

Furthermore, the Committee reviewed the UAE’s efforts to advance a digital infrastructure for economic data and enhance system integration between federal and local entities, ensuring that operational and regulatory challenges are addressed proactively. It also emphasized the importance of strengthening regional and international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Members highlighted the UAE’s leadership in developing trade legislation through modern technological solutions, positioning the country as a global model for establishing a new framework to govern trade through digital platforms.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed updates on the efforts of the Ministry and its partners to raise awareness among those working in non-financial sectors about Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements. The discussions covered efforts to enable relevant entities to adopt global best practices in due diligence, sanctions screening, and the reporting of suspicious transactions. These measures contribute to strengthening compliance and combating illicit financial activities, while ensuring adherence to national legislation and international standards. Such efforts further support the effectiveness of joint procedures between regulatory and oversight authorities.