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In effectFederal Decree by Law

UAE Foreign Direct Investment LawFederal Decree by Law No. (25) of 2024 Concerning the Practice of Economic Activities in the State by Citizens of GCC States

UAE Federal Decree-Law·Federal Decree by Law No. (25) of 2024

مرسوم بقانون اتحادي في شأن ممارسة مواطني دول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية للأنشطة الاقتصادية والمهن في الدولة

Authoritative Arabic version per the official UAE Legislation portal

Issued Date
September 30, 2024
Effective from
October 1, 2024
Articles
3
Last synced
Jun 15, 2026

Plain-language summary

  • Lets GCC nationals run economic and professional activities in the UAE on equal footing with UAE citizens.
  • Applies to citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council states practicing licensed business or professional work in the UAE.
  • Covers activities permitted under UAE laws, subject to standard licensing and regulatory requirements.
  • Excludes activities reserved by special laws or decisions for UAE nationals only.
  • GCC nationals must meet the same conditions, fees, and oversight that apply to Emirati practitioners.
  • Aims to deepen Gulf economic integration and ease cross-border investment within the GCC.

Permits citizens of GCC states to conduct economic and professional activities in the UAE under the same conditions, licensing requirements, and fees applicable…

Synced from the official UAE Legislation portal · Plain-language summary by the LEXAI editorial team

Article-level text

Key Articles

3 articles

  1. 1

    Article 1

    Article (1) Citizens of States of the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) – whether natural or legal persons – shall be treated the same way citizens of the State are when practicing economic activities and professions in the State. With the exception of economic activities and professions designated by a resolution from the GCC Supreme Council or which are excluded, or certain conditions are required for its practice pursuant to a Cabinet resolution.

  2. 2

    Article 2

    Article (2) Federal Law No. (2) of 1984 Concerning the Practice of Economic Activities in the State by Citizens of the GCC States shall be repealed.

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    Federal Decree-Law of 2024, Concerning the Practice of Economic Activities in the State by Citizens of GCC States 2

  3. 3

    Article 3

    Article (3) This Decree by Law shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force as of the day following its date of publication. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the United Arab Emirates Issued by us at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, On: 27 / Rabi Ul Awal / 1446 A.H. Corresponding: 30 / September / 2024 AD

    -- 2 of 2 --

Note: The Arabic text of this legislation is the authoritative version as per the official UAE Legislation portal.

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