UAE Ministry Reviews Anti-Commercial Fraud Regulations to Strengthen Market Integrity

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has reviewed the key provisions of the Executive Regulations of Federal Law by Decree No. (42) of 2023 concerning Anti-Commercial Fraud, highlighting their role in strengthening market integrity, improving regulatory oversight and tackling improper commercial practices.

The regulations were issued pursuant to Cabinet Decision No. (107) of 2026 and were discussed during a media briefing held at the Ministry’s Dubai headquarters.

The briefing examined how the new regulatory framework will strengthen compliance among commercial establishments and companies, while improving supervisory and enforcement procedures related to commercial fraud and the trade of counterfeit, adulterated or fake goods.

Regulations Aim to Strengthen Consumer and Trademark Protection

The Ministry said the measures are designed to enhance the protection of consumers and trademark owners while supporting a business environment based on transparency and fair competition.

The framework is also expected to improve the efficiency of mechanisms used to address improper commercial practices, reinforcing confidence in the UAE market and contributing to its attractiveness as a destination for businesses and investors.

Safeya Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said the UAE has made significant progress in developing an advanced legislative and regulatory system for combating commercial fraud.

She highlighted the importance of safeguarding market integrity, protecting consumer rights and creating a secure and attractive business environment for investors and trademark owners.

Al Safi noted that the UAE currently offers more than 2,000 economic activities for its business community, underlining the importance of an effective regulatory framework capable of supporting a diverse and expanding commercial landscape.

Combating Commercial Fraud as a Pillar of Market Transparency

Al Safi described combating commercial fraud as a fundamental pillar of an efficient and transparent national economy capable of encouraging investment and innovation.

“The issuance of the Executive Regulations of the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law is a new milestone in developing market control mechanisms in line with best practices,” she said.

According to the Ministry, the regulations strengthen consumer protection against counterfeit and fake goods while establishing clearer mechanisms governing inspection and seizure procedures.

The framework also supports greater compliance by businesses with applicable laws and decisions and is intended to strengthen confidence among the UAE’s business community and investors.

Al Safi said these efforts are aligned with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which seeks to strengthen the country’s competitiveness and establish a resilient, sustainable and forward-looking economy.

Strengthening Enforcement and Business Compliance

The Executive Regulations are expected to provide greater clarity around the mechanisms used to identify and address commercial fraud and improper commercial practices.

By strengthening supervisory and enforcement procedures, the framework aims to help authorities respond more effectively to violations involving counterfeit, adulterated and fake goods.

For commercial establishments and companies, the regulations provide a stronger basis for understanding and complying with applicable requirements, supporting a more predictable regulatory environment.

Supporting a Competitive UAE Business Environment

The Ministry said the updated regulatory framework forms part of the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen market governance and maintain high standards of commercial integrity.

Improved consumer protection, stronger safeguards for trademark owners and more effective enforcement mechanisms are expected to contribute to a business environment built on transparency, compliance and fair competition.

The measures ultimately seek to reinforce the UAE market’s strength and attractiveness while supporting investment, innovation and confidence among businesses operating across the country.