UAE merger control thresholds: Navigating the new M&A regulations
The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) new competition law procedures give greater definition to merger control and introduce important considerations for M&A transactions with a UAE nexus. The Ecovis experts explain the new regulations that came into force on 30 July 2026.
Cabinet Resolution No. 59 of 2026 implements Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2023 regulating competition. It sets out procedures for economic concentrations and addresses dominant positions, exemptions, complaints and settlements.
Check registration requirements
Transaction parties should first check whether a proposed economic concentration falls within the notification regime. Cabinet Decision No. 3 of 2025 sets the thresholds. Filing may be required where the total annual sales of the concerned enterprises in the relevant UAE market exceeded AED 300 million (United Arab Emirates dirham, AED 1,000 is the equivalent of around EUR 232 or USD 272, July 2026) in the last fiscal year, or their combined market share exceeded 40%.
A notifiable economic concentration must be filed at least 90 days before completion. Once the application is complete, the substantive review may last up to 90 days, extendable by 45 days. During that period, the parties may not take steps to complete the transaction. The ministry may approve, conditionally approve or reject it. Cabinet Decision No. 105 of 2026 sets the filing fee at 0.02% of the participating enterprises’ total annual sales, capped at AED 150,000.
We advise international and UAE-based clients on M&A, joint ventures, corporate transactions and regulatory matters, including competition law assessments, merger control screening, transaction documentation and filings.
Jakob Kisser, Lawyer, KISSER LEGAL – Member of ECOVIS International, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
What the ministry reviews
The review may consider market structure, market shares, substitutability, barriers to entry and effects on prices and consumer interests. The ministry may request further information, hear interested parties and conduct inspections where required.
Parties to acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures should determine their UAE merger control position before transaction documents and closing mechanics are settled, particularly where the applicable thresholds may be met.
