UAE laws, decisions announced in 2025: All you need to know

The UAE issued a wide range of laws and cabinet decisions in 2025 as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen governance, improve government efficiency and support long-term economic and social development, according to official statements released during the year.

The legislative updates reflect a broader approach aimed at building a flexible government model capable of anticipating change and responding to emerging priorities across multiple sectors. Federal authorities said the measures were designed to reinforce integration between federal and local institutions while supporting innovation and regulatory clarity.

Among the key developments were several Federal Decree-Laws amending existing legislation. These included changes to the Law on Commercial Companies to enhance competitiveness and align with global economic developments, amendments to the Civil Procedures Code and updates to the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Revisions were also made to the Corporate Tax Law to clarify tax settlement mechanisms and the use of incentives and credits.

A new Personal Status Law was issued in 2025, introducing an updated legal framework intended to strengthen family stability and reflect social developments. The law features more flexible provisions and streamlined procedures, according to government statements.

The UAE also issued Federal Decree-Laws establishing new national bodies, including the National Anti-Narcotics Authority and the Federal Authority for Ambulance and Civil Defence. Additional legislation reorganised the Civil Defence Authority and introduced a revised framework governing the Central Bank, financial institutions and insurance activities.

In the health and food security sectors, a Federal Decree-Law regulating veterinary medical products and veterinary pharmaceutical establishments was enacted to support animal health and public safety.

At the executive level, the Cabinet approved a series of decisions to improve government performance and service delivery. These included regulations governing geospatial information, updated rules allowing remote work from outside the country within the federal government and the adoption of a revised federal employee performance management system.

Structural changes to the federal government were also announced in June, including the establishment of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade and the renaming of the Ministry of Economy as the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. In addition, the National Artificial Intelligence System was approved as an advisory member of all government councils from January 2026.

The UAE also introduced changes to visa regulations aimed at enhancing the country’s attractiveness as a destination for living and working. New visit visa purposes were added and timelines and controls for several existing visas were amended with a focus on attracting talent and supporting sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, entertainment and tourism.

The 2025 legislative programme reflects the UAE’s continued focus on governance, economic diversification and sustainable development as it strengthens its regional and global position.