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The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, participated in the 6th Arab Competition Forum held in Baghdad, Iraq, under the theme ‘Competition Law Enforcement in the Arab Region’. The UAE delegation shared its expertise in developing a robust legislative framework for competition protection, reflecting the country’s strategic commitment to fair market practices and economic competitiveness.

UAE's Role in Regional Dialogue

The forum brought together Arab competition authorities and international experts to exchange insights on key issues such as mergers and acquisitions (M&As), cross-border anti-competitive practices, and regulatory frameworks. It served as a critical platform for enhancing regional cooperation and promoting policies that encourage innovation and attract foreign investment.

In his keynote address, Mohammed Sultan Janahi, Director of the Competition Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the UAE’s pioneering reforms in competition law. “By aligning with global best practices, this framework fosters fair business practices, drives sector-wide productivity, and reinforces the UAE’s position as a highly competitive and attractive destination for both regional and international investors,” he stated.

Legislative Highlights: Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023

A focal point of the UAE’s presentation was the Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023 on Competition Regulation, which significantly modernizes the nation’s competition legislation. Key features of the law include:

• Expanding the law’s jurisdiction to cover cross-border transactions and digital marketplaces.

• Limiting exemptions only to fully government-owned entities that are critical to the national economy.

• Strengthening autonomy and enforcement capacity of the competition system.

To support implementation, the Ministry plans to conduct a nationwide series of workshops in 2025, targeting judicial authorities, legal professionals, economic departments, and private sector stakeholders. These initiatives aim to enhance awareness and ensure compliance with the updated legal provisions, in line with the broader “We the UAE 2031” vision.

Monitoring Economic Concentration

The UAE also shared details of Cabinet Decision No. (3) of 2025, which establishes clear thresholds for notifying economic concentration activities. The thresholds include:

• A combined annual local turnover exceeding AED 300 million, or

• A market share exceeding 40% in the relevant sector.

The law introduces a 90-day review period for these transactions, enabling comprehensive economic and technical analysis. This regulation ensures fair competition, market stability, and helps deter monopolistic behavior, supporting the interests of over 1.1 million registered businesses in the UAE.

Looking Ahead: UAE to Host 7th Arab Competition Forum in 2026

The forum concluded with the announcement that the UAE will host the 7th Arab Competition Forum in 2026, further highlighting its leadership role in the region. This platform supports the objectives of the UAE Charter of Economic Principles, which seeks to build a dynamic, opportunity-rich, and globally competitive economy.

The UAE’s participation in the forum reaffirms its commitment to fostering a transparent and investor-friendly business environment, setting a regional benchmark for effective competition governance.

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