Franchising continues to be an important part of the UAE’s entrepreneurship and business landscape. The Emirates Franchise Association reported in June 2026 that international brands are increasingly selecting the UAE as a hub for regional and international expansion. The association highlighted sectors including tourism, education, healthcare, retail and hospitality as areas contributing to the country’s

The UAE economy has continued to show resilience during a period of significant regional and global uncertainty. In its July 2026 assessment, the International Monetary Fund reported that the UAE’s economic fundamentals and policy measures helped contain the impact of regional conflict. The IMF noted that activity was affected across areas including tourism, transportation, trade

Competition remains an important part of the UAE’s business environment, with the country’s competition framework continuing to develop in 2026. The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism lists the Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition alongside several related 2026 decisions and guidelines. These include updated rules covering competition fees, implementation