01 | Iraq has automated 25 customs centres, but a unified electronic trade system is still in progress

As of 2026-10-30, Iraq’s customs digitalisation programme is moving from the automation of individual centres to integration across institutions. The completion of automation at 25 customs centres does not mean that a unified electronic foreign trade system is already in place.

Iraq’s General Commission of Customs has completed the first and second phases of the automation project, reaching 100% completion across 25 customs centres. The third phase is beginning, with the aim of bringing foreign trade procedures into a single electronic system by the end of 2028.

The next phase will connect customs electronically with government institutions, the central bank, commercial banks and sector authorities. It will also expand data exchange for customs declarations, financial transfers, risk management and smart supervision. Businesses can treat this as a clear sign that customs procedures will continue to move online, but they should still verify current requirements with the relevant border crossing before filing.

Source: Ashour Land, 2026-10-28

02 | A signed Dubai lease may be annulled before it starts if deception is proven

Dubai’s new judicial principle does not give landlords or tenants a general right to withdraw from a signed lease. Annulment may be sought only before the tenancy begins, where the applicant can prove deception at the time of contracting and satisfy the applicable legal conditions.

The principle arose from a dispute between a landlord and a corporate tenant. After signing but before handing over the property, the landlord discovered that the company had been involved in cases concerning unpaid rent, bounced cheques and delayed payments. On appeal, the General Authority of Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center found that the circumstances amounted to deception, annulled the lease and restored both parties to their pre-contract positions.

Businesses preparing to sign a lease should complete their checks before execution. Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center offers a free Rental Good Conduct Certificate service for reviewing available rental litigation and judgment records associated with the other party. A history of disputes does not by itself prove deception; an annulment application still requires evidence.

Source: Gulf News, 2026-10-29

03 | The UAE’s first e-invoicing deadline covers provider appointment, not full implementation

The distinction between appointing a provider and implementing the system matters as the 2026-10-30 deadline approaches. Businesses with annual revenue of AED 50 million or more must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 2026-10-30 and implement e-invoicing from 2027-01-01.

Businesses below the AED 50 million threshold must appoint a provider by 2027-03-31 and implement the system from 2027-07-01. In-scope government entities must comply from October 2027. The 2026-10-30 deadline is therefore not a universal go-live date for every business.

E-invoicing uses structured data that accounting or enterprise resource planning systems can process automatically; it is not a conventional invoice converted into a PDF. First-wave businesses should check compatibility with their existing finance systems and test invoice exchange processes while selecting a provider. Requirements remain subject to the latest publications from the UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority.

Source: Gulf News, 2026-10-28

04 | ADGM sets out a crypto-mining licensing route limited to its jurisdiction

The Registration Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, or ADGM, has issued guidance treating cryptocurrency mining conducted within or from the financial centre as a licensable commercial activity rather than a regulated financial service. Businesses should not assume that the same rules apply in other UAE jurisdictions.

The guidance takes a technology-neutral approach to proof-of-work and proof-of-stake models. Licensing and supervision will be calibrated to the scale and risk of the activity, while applicants must meet ADGM governance and transparency standards.

This guidance is the first phase. ADGM plans to develop mining regulations in a second phase and conduct a market consultation. Businesses considering crypto-mining operations in ADGM should review both the commercial licence requirements and subsequent regulatory rules, subject to the Registration Authority’s latest publication.

Source: The National, 2026-10-28

05 | Egypt seeks Japanese participation in airport development, with projects still at the discussion stage

Egypt is considering private-sector participation in the management, operation and development of several airports and has discussed investment opportunities with Japan. The confirmed development is a meeting between Egypt’s civil aviation minister and the Japanese ambassador; it does not show that any airport tender has been completed or an operating right awarded.

Egypt is advancing the programme in co-operation with the International Finance Corporation. It aims to bring in international operating experience and technology to improve airport efficiency and service quality. Existing bilateral work also includes Japan International Cooperation Agency support and financing for the new passenger terminal at Alexandria International Airport.

Airport operators, equipment suppliers and engineering companies may want to monitor the programme, but commercial decisions should wait for published project scopes, procurement procedures and participation requirements.

Source: Daily News Egypt, 2026-10-28

06 | Iraq’s Sheeb crossing could resume operations, but site conditions still constrain capacity

Iraq’s General Commission of Customs says the Sheeb border crossing could resume work at any time, but this does not confirm that the crossing has reopened. It is classified as high risk, with deteriorated infrastructure and no basic customs facilities such as canopies and weighbridges.

Staff continue to work from caravans, while the site’s only scanner suffers repeated faults. Customs plans to equip its centres with new devices if budget allocations become available or a joint-operation model is adopted. The report puts the price of one scanner at about USD 2 million and says it could be higher.

Customs staff and equipment remain on site in preparation for reopening. The crossing previously generated IQD 2 billion to IQD 4 billion in daily revenue, but businesses should confirm its live operating status and inspection capacity before arranging transport.

Source: Al Masalah, 2026-10-29

Other updates

  • 08 | Saudi law broadens commercial participation and supports entrepreneurs: A new Saudi commercial transactions law allows citizens aged 15 and above to engage in business under the applicable rules, with the stated aim of expanding youth entrepreneurship and strengthening commercial regulation. (Source: Asharq Al-Awsat, 2026-10-28)
  • 09 | Türkiye and Uzbekistan sign trade and social security agreements: The two countries signed five agreements covering amendments to their preferential trade agreement, a business co-operation mechanism, social security, and advance information exchange for vehicles and goods crossing borders. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 10 | UAE ministry clarifies health insurance requirements for work permits: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that the guidance creates no new employer obligations. Before certain work permits can be issued or renewed, the system must verify valid employee health insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements and remains in force for the permit’s duration. (Source: Morgan Lewis, 2026-10-27)
  • 11 | Central Bank of Bahrain holds its rate at 4.5%: The central bank kept its overnight deposit rate at 4.5% after the US Federal Reserve maintained the interest rate on reserve balances. (Source: Zawya, 2026-10-29)
  • 12 | Bahrain Development Bank lending rises 41%: The bank’s loan disbursements since March increased by nearly 41% year on year, while its four-year strategy places entrepreneurs and small businesses among its priority groups. (Source: The Daily Tribune, 2026-10-29)
  • 14 | Egypt’s annual per-capita water availability falls to 472 cubic metres: Egypt’s water resources and irrigation minister said availability had declined to about 472 cubic metres per person. The government is expanding smart irrigation applications and preparing an electronic monitoring network for saltwater intrusion along the Mediterranean coast. (Source: Daily News Egypt, 2026-10-28)
  • 16 | USD 930 million Basra residential city receives an investment licence: The Mawten Basra Residential City project, valued at more than IQD 1.4 trillion, or about USD 930 million, has received an investment licence and will be developed in five phases. (Source: Iraq Business News, 2026-10-29)
  • 18 | World Investment Forum launches a global investment action framework in Doha: The 2026 World Investment Forum closed in Doha and announced the Doha Global Investment Action Framework as one of its outcomes for international investment co-operation. (Source: Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry)
  • 19 | QatarEnergy signs a 20-year LNG supply agreement with Woodside: Under the agreement, QatarEnergy will purchase up to 3 million tonnes of LNG annually from Woodside’s Louisiana project in the United States, which is expected to begin production in 2029. (Source: Doha News)
  • 20 | Qatar Investment Authority doubles the size of its New York team: QIA plans to expand the team to about 45 people to support increased allocations to the US market. (Source: Semafor, 2026-10-29)
  • 21 | Türkiye’s annual programme targets USD 45.5 billion in automotive exports for 2027: The 2027 Presidential Annual Program sets a USD 45.5 billion export target for the automotive industry and calls for continued work on supply chains, green technologies and digital upgrades. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 22 | World Bank provides USD 485 million for green and digital upgrades in Turkish manufacturing: Türk Eximbank and VakıfBank will each receive the equivalent of USD 242.5 million to finance eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers and mid-cap businesses investing in green and digital technologies. (Source: Hürriyet Daily News)
  • 23 | UAE Central Bank keeps its overnight deposit facility base rate at 3.9%: The rate remains at 3.9%, while short-term liquidity borrowing through all standing credit facilities stays 50 basis points above the base rate. (Source: Gulf News, 2026-10-28)
  • 24 | AED 5.14 billion DIFC mixed-use project begins construction: Construction has started on the Water Gardens development in Dubai International Financial Centre. The project includes two hotels, residences and offices and is scheduled for completion in 2028. (Source: Gulf News, 2026-10-28)
  • 25 | Masdar starts construction of a 200MW floating solar project in Malaysia: A consortium comprising Masdar and Malaysian partners has begun work on the 200MW Chereh Dam project. It is valued at USD 142.9 million and financed by three international lenders. (Source: The National, 2026-10-29)
  • 26 | Oil prices retreat on 2026-10-29 as markets assess Middle East diplomacy: Brent crude fell to USD 114.10 a barrel on the morning of 2026-10-29 after gaining more than 1% in the previous session. (Source: The National, 2026-10-29)
  • 29 | Iraq discusses integrated economic cities across its provinces: The National Investment Commission and other officials discussed plans for modern integrated economic cities in Baghdad and other provinces. The plans remain under discussion. (Source: Iraqi News Agency)
  • 30 | Iraq and Syria discuss oil exports and economic ties: Officials meeting in Damascus discussed exporting Iraqi oil through the port of Baniyas, increasing bilateral trade and expanding agricultural co-operation. The discussions do not confirm that the export route has resumed. (Source: Iraq Business News, 2026-10-29)

Last updated: October 2026. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. UAE policies may change; please refer to the latest publications from the relevant authorities.