UAE Competition Law Executive Regulations Now in Force - What It Means for Mergers and Acquisitions
The UAE Cabinet has issued Resolution No. 59 of 2026, the Executive Regulations to Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition. The Resolution was issued on 20 April 2026, published in the Official Gazette on 30 April 2026, and came into force on 30 July 2026. It replaces the 2014 regulations.
The Competition Department of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism oversees the regime.
Key points
- Clear merger filing process: a streamlined notification procedure, a new online filing form and more certainty on review timelines.
- Thresholds: filings are required where a transaction meets the turnover or market share thresholds in Cabinet Resolution No. 3 of 2025.
- Non-notified deals: the Ministry can review transactions that met the thresholds but were not notified, before or after completion.
- Third parties: competitors and customers have a clear route to raise concerns during a review.
- Wider reach: the law can apply to transactions outside the UAE that affect competition in UAE markets.
Who this affects
- Buyers, sellers and investors in UAE acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures
- Groups restructuring businesses with a UAE market presence
- Businesses reviewing pricing and distribution arrangements
Official source: UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism - Legislations