5th May 2026 - 11th May 2026| WEEKLY BUSINESS ROUNDUP

The UAE Ministry of Finance extended the deadline for businesses to appoint an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) under the country’s e-invoicing system from July 31, 2026, to October 30, 2026. This decision applies to companies and entities with annual revenues exceeding Dh50 million. It is important to note that companies with annual revenues above AED 50 million must fully implement the e-invoicing system by January 1, 2027.

 

GCC activates alternative logistics corridors to safeguard supply chains and global food security

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is moving towards protecting regional and international supply chains by activating alternative logistics corridors and rerouting cargo shipments - reinforcing the bloc’s role as a critical stabilizer of global trade flows.

 

Over 65,000 UAE residents and firms get loan relief, fee waivers amid geopolitical conflicts

The UAE Central Bank reported that 4,335 SMEs and 485 large businesses benefited from the relief package announced to support individuals and firms. More than 65,300 UAE residents and companies benefited from the Central Bank’s Comprehensive Proactive Financial Institutions Resilience Package in the form of loan deferments, interest relief, and fee waivers. Companies in the transport (361), hospitality (173), and entertainment (134) sectors were the top beneficiaries of the relief package as of May 1, 2026, as these were prioritized sectors.

 

Dubai Chambers discusses boosting intra-regional trade with China

Dubai Chambers and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade – Zhejiang discussed opportunities to develop economic cooperation and strengthen trade and investment relations between Dubai and China. Discussions focused on vital sectors that provide opportunities to accelerate trade and investment cooperation between the two sides.

 

Dubai’s hotel residences market gains momentum; tourism surge shapes property demand

Dubai welcomed 19.6 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking 5% surge year on year, reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the world’s most visited cities. This growth has fed directly into demand for serviced and hotel‑linked homes, particularly in core districts such as Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. As per reports Dubai now has around 154,000 hotel and hotel‑apartment rooms, with hotel apartments accounting for roughly 17% of total supply.

 

Make it in the Emirates 2026 (MIITE 2026) drives industrial push

The UAE strengthened its manufacturing diversification strategy during the major Abu Dhabi industrial event MIITE 2026. New industrial opportunities worth billions of dirhams were announced to boost local production and exports

 

Dubai Chamber records highest-ever monthly membership renewals in history

Reports reveal Dubai Chamber of Commerce recorded 30,697 membership renewals during April 2026, the highest monthly total in its history, reinforcing confidence in the emirate’s economic outlook, competitive advantages, and ability to generate high-value opportunities.

 

"ADIS 2026" summit brings investment leaders with a project portfolio exceeding USD57 billion

The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit “ADIS 2026” will bring together a select group of development and investment leaders from the infrastructure sector, supported by strategic partners whose project portfolio exceeds USD57 billion - strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for developing future cities and the integrated urban development system.

 

Dubai launches first smart bus station with live transport updates and 24/7 services

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has opened its first smart bus station introducing round-the-clock digital services to make public transport journeys faster and more convenient. The new hub is fully digitized, with all customer services available 24/7 through interactive systems.