Market Moves & Strategic Insights:
Key Developments in
UAE Finance & Investment
Weekly News Highlights:
Pepperstone Obtains SCA Category 5 Licence & Opens Dubai Office
Pepperstone, the global online broker, expanded its UAE operations with an SCA Category 5 licence and launched a new Dubai office. This move reinforces Dubai’s status as a regional hub for trading and institutional liquidity.
Key Highlights:
•Category 5 licence enables institutional and retail
operations.
•Strengthens UAE’s capital markets ecosystem.
•Supports FX, CFD, and derivatives trading.
Source: Morningstar, 08 Dec 2025
RuDo Wealth Launches in UAE to
Serve NRI Investors
RuDo Wealth, licensed by ADGM, launched in the
UAE targeting 3.5 million Non-Resident Indian investors, offering factor-based portfolios and performance-aligned advisory services.
Key Highlights:
•Niche wealth management for NRI investors.
•Focused on digital and personalized investment
strategies.
•Enhances diversity in UAE wealth advisory
landscape.
Source: The Fintech Times, 06 Dec 2025
Abu Dhabi Finance Week Draws Global Asset Managers
Abu Dhabi Finance Week convened global investors and asset managers, including notable figures like Bill Gates, showcasing the UAE’s position as a regional financial hub.
Key Highlights:
- Strengthened UAE’s institutional investment appeal.
- Focus on cross-border investment trends and ESG strategies.
- Networking platform for family offices and global institutions.
Source: The National News, 03 Dec 2025
Federal Decree Law Amends Commercial Companies Law
UAE issued amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, enabling advanced capital structures, private placements, and improved governance, supporting business growth and investment flexibility.
Key Highlights:
- Introduces multiple share classes, tag/drag rights.
- Facilitates cross-emirate company operations.
- Enhances investor protection and governance standards.
Source: Zawya, 07 Dec 2025
UAE Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates
The UAE Central Bank reduced its base rate by 0.25 percentage points, making mortgages and business credit more affordable, encouraging borrowing and investment.
Key Highlights:
- Stimulates corporate financing and investment flows.
- Reduces borrowing costs for consumers.
- Aligns UAE monetary policy with global easing trends.
Source: Times of India, 09 Dec 2025
UAE to Implement Tiered Sugar Tax on Beverages (Effective 1 Jan 2026)
The UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority have confirmed that from 1 January 2026, the flat 50% excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages will be replaced with a tiered, sugar-content–based excise tax, encouraging healthier consumption and standardizing compliance across the beverage sector.Key Highlights:
- Tax linked to sugar content per 100 ml.
- Energy drinks still taxed at existing rates; other beverages vary by sugar levels.
- Businesses must adjust pricing, supply chain planning, and inventory strategies.
UAE Issues New VAT Amendments (Effective 1 Jan 2026)
The UAE Ministry of Finance issued amendments to the VAT Law, effective 1 January 2026, including streamlined reverse-charge procedures, VAT refund claim time limits, and stricter anti-evasion compliance measures.
Key Highlights:
- Simplified reverse-charge reduces procedural burdens.
- Five-year deadline for VAT refund claims improves planning.
- Strengthened anti-evasion rules enhance compliance and transparency.
Source: Emirati Times, Dec 2025
Dubai Approves Record 3-Year Budget & Financial Sector Strategy
Dubai has approved its largest-ever three-year budget cycle for 2026–2028, allocating AED 302.7 billion in expenditures with a projected surplus of 5%. Alongside the budget, a new Dubai Financial Sector Strategy was approved to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global financial hub, focusing on capital markets, wealth & asset management, fintech, and virtual assets.
Key Highlights:
- Largest budget cycle in Dubai’s history with AED 302.7 billion in expenditures.
- Dubai Financial Sector Strategy includes programs to boost capital markets, fintech, and wealth management.
- Reinforces long-term fiscal stability and creates a favorable environment for institutional and corporate investors.
Source: The National News, Dec 2025
Apolonia Capital Hosts Exclusive Private Dinner for Visionary Leaders
Apolonia Capital hosted an exclusive private dinner in Dubai, bringing together over 60 family offices, senior executives, and industry leaders. The event was led by HE Dr. Abdulrahmaan Murtadha Al AnsaarI (Founder & Group CEO), Ali Nadir Syed (CEO), and David Gibson-Moore (Vice Chairman, Advisory Board), under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum. Discussions focused on global investment trends, family office strategies, and GCC economic opportunities.
Key Highlights:
- Strengthened strategic relationships and networking.
- Provided insights into regional and global investment trends.
- Highlighted Apolonia’s leadership in connecting capital and strategic partners.
Source: Apolonia Capital, 10 Dec 2025
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NAVIGATE THIS SHIFT
Enhanced Market Access
Identifies new trading platforms and instruments for diversified opportunities.
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Integrates advisory services and digital assets into personalized strategies.
Strategic Corporate Advisory
Guides businesses on capital raising, governance, and regulatory compliance.
Data-Driven Execution
Research team analyzes macro and credit trends to optimize asset allocation.