UAE joins International Competition Network to strengthen integration with global economy
The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, has officially joined the International Competition Network (ICN) — a global platform comprising 140 competition authorities and regulatory bodies. The move strengthens the UAE’s integration with the international competition framework, enhances its alignment with global best practices, and underscores the nation’s commitment to transparent and fair market governance.
The UAE’s accession to the ICN is a significant step in advancing national efforts to establish a modern and flexible ecosystem that protects and regulates competition. It complements the Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition, which provides a proactive framework to ensure market fairness and prevent monopolistic practices. The Cabinet’s decision on implementation ratios and controls further reinforces the law’s objectives to create a transparent and competitive economic environment.
Her Excellency Safeya Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the importance of this development:
“The UAE’s accession to the ICN reflects our commitment to promoting transparency, fairness, and competitiveness in the national economy. It reinforces our efforts to strengthen international cooperation, share expertise, and apply global best practices in competition enforcement. This aligns with the UAE’s vision of fostering a fair and innovative business environment that drives sustainable growth.”
H.E. Al Safi added that joining the ICN enhances the UAE’s presence in the global economic landscape, positioning it as an active participant in shaping the future of international competition policies. The membership also strengthens collaboration with regional and global networks, facilitating the exchange of expertise and the development of regulatory frameworks that align with global standards.
The ICN serves as a collaborative platform for policy coordination and knowledge exchange among global competition authorities. Through its membership, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism will have access to specialized working groups and capacity-building initiatives in areas such as merger control, market dominance, anti-competitive agreements, and awareness campaigns on fair competition.
The move supports the UAE’s broader economic strategy of building a competitive, innovation-driven, and productivity-focused economy. It will contribute to empowering SMEs, attracting quality investments, improving consumer protection, and ensuring product and service quality across markets. By doing so, the UAE aims to reinforce market stability, drive sustainable growth, and strengthen its position as a global hub for trade and investment.
