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 procedures and relevant market definition. For companies conducting competitive research, understanding the regulatory environment is important alongside monitoring competitors, customers and market conditions. Businesses should consider both commercial developments and applicable competition regulations when evaluating markets, partnerships and expansion opportunities.

Updated Competition Regulations

The UAE’s competition framework includes Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s current legislation page also lists several related decisions issued in 2026, including rules concerning implementation fees, exclusive dealing agreements and other competition matters. These developments form part of the regulatory environment that businesses need to consider when operating in competitive markets. Companies conducting market research should therefore examine both commercial conditions and the regulations relevant to their activities.

Market Definition Guidance

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has published Guidelines on Relevant Market Definition dated July 2026. Defining the relevant market is an important part of competition analysis because it helps establish the products, services and geographic area being considered when assessing competitive conditions. For companies conducting competitive research, understanding how markets are defined can provide useful context when examining competitors, market structures and business activities covered by competition legislation.

Digital Platform Competition

The UAE’s 2026 competition legislation also includes a ministerial decision concerning the block exemption of certain exclusive dealing agreements in the market for food promotion and delivery services through digital platforms. This shows that competition regulation can extend to specific digital business models and commercial arrangements. Companies operating through platforms or entering agreements with other businesses should therefore remain aware of applicable competition rules rather than focusing only on traditional market structures.

Importance for Businesses

Competition research involves more than comparing prices or identifying competitors. Businesses also operate within a legal and regulatory framework that can affect market activity, agreements and commercial practices. The Ministry’s competition legislation page provides businesses with access to the Federal Decree-Law, implementing decisions, thresholds and relevant guidelines. Reviewing these official materials can help companies understand the regulatory environment while conducting market research or assessing potential business arrangements.