Page 34 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

Press Release

UAE showcases its experience in developing legislative

framework for competition protection at 6 th Arab

Competition Forum in Iraq

Abu Dhabi, 25 June 2025 - 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 delegation engaged in high-level
discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration with Arab competition authorities, with a
particular focus on recent market developments - especially in mergers and acquisitions (M&As),
cross-border anti-competitive practices, and regulatory frameworks.

The forum served as a significant platform to explore the pivotal role of competition policy in
fostering innovation and attracting foreign investments. It underscored the importance of
establishing institutions for competition and strengthening investigative capacities in line with
global best practices. Through a series of engaging discussions, participants explored key topics
such as the enforcement of competition law, the transformative impact of technology on markets,
and strategies for improving coordination among Arab competition authorities. Additionally, the
event highlighted successful experiences and best practices from member states.

In his keynote address at the forum, Mohammed Sultan Janahi, Director of the Competition
Department at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the UAE’s pioneering
efforts in establishing a robust legislative framework to safeguard competition. “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 added.

The Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023 on Competition Regulation marks a transformative
advancement in the UAE's competition protection framework. This landmark legislation
significantly strengthens the legal system's autonomy while broadening its jurisdictional reach to
encompass all activities affecting UAE markets - including cross-border operations and digital
marketplaces.

The new law reaffirms the UAE's commitment to aligning with global best practices by limiting
exemptions exclusively to fully government-owned entities that play a vital role in the national
economy. To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in
partnership with key government stakeholders, will conduct a nationwide series of workshops in
2025, engaging judicial authorities, local economic departments, legal experts, and private sector
representatives. These initiatives aim to deepen understanding of the new legislation and its
compliance requirements, directly supporting the "We the UAE 2031" vision.

In this regard, Cabinet Decision No. (3) of 2025 concerning the thresholds for notification of
economic concentration operations reinforces the role of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in

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