General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, led the UAE delegation at the emergency meeting of the Interior Ministers of the GCC countries, held in Riyadh.

The meeting was chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain and attended by Their Highnesses and Excellencies the GCC Interior Ministers, alongside Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC.

His Highness affirmed that the UAE’s participation reflects its steadfast national commitment to the principle that GCC security is indivisible, and that any threat targeting a member state directly impacts the stability and security of the region as a whole.

He further stressed that the UAE, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, remains firmly committed to strengthening national security, safeguarding its achievements, reinforcing internal cohesion, and confronting all attempts aimed at undermining the security and stability of GCC member states.

The Minister also reiterated the UAE’s resolute position against Iranian schemes aimed at destabilizing GCC societies through hostile activities and subversive instruments, in clear violation of international law and universally accepted norms and values.

GN

Dubai Customs has foiled an attempt to smuggle rare, endangered wildlife through Dubai International Airport.

The incident involved an Asian passenger arriving in the UAE, whose luggage was flagged during routine screening after inspection systems detected unusual contents. Officers then carried out a detailed manual search in line with standard procedures.

Hidden animals

During the inspection, customs officers discovered a basket concealed inside the suitcase containing rare bears that had been transported illegally. In subsequent questioning, the passenger stated that she had received the suitcase in exchange for a fee for delivery purposes, and that she was waiting for contact from another individual upon arrival to hand it over, indicating a method in which ordinary travellers are exploited in smuggling operations without being informed of the contents.

The case was immediately escalated, and Dubai Customs coordinated with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. A duty veterinarian attended the scene to examine the animals, confirming that they were dead. The veterinarian also verified that the bears belonged to a rare and endangered species protected under international conservation regulations.

CITES protection and UAE enforcement

The animals fall under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulations, which govern international trade in endangered wildlife and plants to prevent exploitation and ensure species survival.

The UAE enforces these rules through a structured legal and regulatory system aimed at combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting biodiversity.

Passenger questioned

Investigations revealed that the passenger stated she had accepted the suitcase in exchange for payment and was instructed to deliver it upon arrival. She claimed she expected to be contacted by another individual after landing.

Authorities believe the case reflects a common trafficking method in which individuals are used as unwitting couriers to move prohibited goods across borders.

Vigilance and technology use

Khalid Ahmed, director of passenger operations at Dubai Customs, said the case demonstrates the readiness of inspection teams and their ability to identify suspicious shipments, even when they appear ordinary.

He noted that the combination of advanced scanning technology and experienced officers plays a key role in exposing concealed smuggling attempts.

Following established procedures, the matter was referred for legal action, including investigation by the Environmental Crimes Unit at Dubai Police, to complete the case in accordance with UAE law.

Strong stance against wildlife trafficking

Officials stressed that customs authorities play a critical role in protecting both national security and the environment by preventing illegal wildlife trafficking and the introduction of protected species through unauthorised channels.

They also warned against accepting or transporting unknown luggage or shipments, as such practices can be exploited for illegal activities, leaving individuals legally responsible.

GN

The UAE has introduced a wide-ranging package of financial and administrative relief measures since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in March 2026, as authorities moved to shield businesses and residents from regional economic disruption.

The support measures — announced by the Central Bank, Dubai authorities, regulators and UAE banks — have focused on preserving liquidity, keeping credit flowing through the economy and reducing short-term operating costs for businesses.

Banks have rolled out loan repayment relief and restructuring support for customers. Dubai authorities have deferred government fees, extended customs deadlines and eased some residency-related procedures. Regulators have also granted temporary flexibility on reporting and compliance requirements.

‘Timely, focused relief’

The measures come as businesses across the Gulf face uncertainty linked to shipping disruptions, higher insurance and freight costs, softer tourism demand in some segments and broader regional volatility.

Analysts at KPMG noted the UAE’s economic response package was designed to provide “timely and focused relief by easing short-term financial pressures, supporting business continuity, and protecting employment in response to the ongoing regional conflict.”

The advisory firm added that the initiatives “help preserve short-term liquidity, reduce compliance and administrative burdens, and promote economic stability, while allowing sufficient time for a measured and sustainable recovery of the economy.”

Here is a breakdown of the key relief measures introduced across the UAE since March 2026:

UAE banks, borrowers

On March 17, the Central Bank of the UAE launched what it described as a Five-Pillar Financial Institution Resilience Package. The objective was to maintain financial stability, prevent a tightening of credit conditions and ensure banks continued lending to businesses and individuals affected by regional uncertainty.

1. Loan classification flexibility

One of the most significant measures involved temporary flexibility in how banks classify loans impacted by conflict-related disruptions. Normally, banks are required to move stressed loans into higher-risk categories if repayments become delayed or if borrowers show signs of financial strain.

The temporary regulatory relief allowed banks to avoid immediate migration of affected loans into Stage 2 or Stage 3 categories under accounting rules. This reduced the risk of businesses suddenly losing access to financing because of short-term disruptions tied to supply chains, tourism flows, shipping or consumer demand. The measure was particularly important for sectors such as aviation, logistics, hospitality and trade.

2. Release of capital buffers

The Central Bank also released key regulatory buffers, including:

• The Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB)
• The Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB)

These buffers are normally maintained by banks to absorb stress during periods of economic turbulence. Temporarily easing these requirements increased lending capacity across the banking system and gave lenders more room to continue extending credit.

3. Liquidity support measures

Banks were granted additional access to portions of their reserve balances. The Central Bank also provided temporary relief on:

• Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) requirements
• Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) requirements

These measures were designed to prevent liquidity pressures from tightening credit conditions across the economy.

4. Continued lending expectations

The Central Bank also made clear that banks were expected to continue supporting customers rather than sharply reducing exposure. The guidance specifically highlighted sectors facing heightened pressure because of regional developments, including:

• Aviation
• Logistics
• Tourism
• Trade-related businesses

The regulator’s intervention was intended to prevent a broader credit squeeze at a time when businesses were already dealing with uncertainty around shipping routes, travel demand and operating costs.

Repayment, restructuring

Alongside the Central Bank measures, UAE lenders introduced their own support programmes for retail customers and businesses affected by regional uncertainty. According to banking sector figures, lenders collectively extended around Dh6.2 billion in relief and support measures for affected customers.

The measures differed between banks but broadly included:

• Temporary loan repayment deferrals
• Restructuring of existing loans and credit facilities
• Fee waivers and charge reductions
• Credit card payment flexibility
• Additional overdraft support for businesses

Several lenders also expanded hardship support programmes for SMEs, which were viewed as particularly vulnerable to sudden cash-flow disruptions. Banks said the support was intended to help customers manage short-term pressure linked to higher operating costs, shipping delays and weaker business activity in some sectors.

The banking sector response followed guidance from the Central Bank that lenders should continue supporting borrowers rather than sharply tightening credit conditions.

Dh1b economic stimulus

On March 30, Dubai approved a broader economic initiatives package designed to support business continuity and reduce administrative burdens. The package became effective from April 2026.

KPMG described the measures as introducing “temporary fee deferrals, extended customs grace periods, and procedural facilitations across customs, licensing, municipal services, tourism, and residency-related processes.” The package covered multiple sectors across the emirate.

Fee deferrals, waivers

1. Administrative fee deferrals

Dubai authorities introduced a three-month deferral for a range of government administrative, registration and renewal fees. The measure aimed to reduce immediate cash outflows for businesses managing uncertain operating conditions. The deferrals applied across several government-related services between April and June 2026.

Tourism and hospitality support

Dubai also introduced temporary relief measures for the tourism and hospitality sector. Authorities postponed collection of:

• The 7 per cent hotel sales fee
• Tourism Dirham fees charged to hotel guests

The postponement lasted for three months and was intended to support hotel operators and tourism-related businesses dealing with softer demand and travel uncertainty. The tourism sector was viewed as one of the industries most exposed to regional geopolitical developments.

2. Housing and municipality fee relief

The package also included relief on municipal charges. KPMG noted that “establishments are permitted to defer the payment of housing fees relating to staff and labor accommodation collected by Dubai Municipality for 3 months.”

The advisory firm also said authorities approved a “deferral of general cleaning service fees” for the same period. These measures primarily benefited companies operating large staff accommodation facilities.

3. Advertising and licensing fee support

Dubai also introduced temporary flexibility for licensing-related charges. Measures included:

• Deferral of advertising fees linked to commercial licences
• Reduced flat fees for licence amendments

The licence amendment charge was capped at Dh500 under the temporary support package.

Customs, logistics support

Dubai authorities also introduced measures aimed at easing pressure on importers, exporters and logistics firms.

1. Extended customs declaration grace periods

One of the most significant measures involved customs declaration timelines.“The grace period for export and transit customs declarations has been extended from 30 days to 90 days, with the option of renewal for a further equivalent period of up to 6 months, subject to compliance with applicable tax and customs regulations,” explained KPMG in a note.

The extension was intended to help businesses dealing with shipping disruptions and delays linked to regional instability. The flexibility reduced pressure on companies facing longer freight routes, rerouting challenges and supply-chain bottlenecks.

2. Virtual warehouse initiative

Dubai also introduced a virtual warehouse initiative allowing temporary duty-free import of certain high-value goods. The programme initially focused on artwork and specialised goods. The initiative removed the need for financial guarantees under some temporary admission procedures.

Authorities said the measure was designed to support Dubai’s position as a regional logistics and trade hub despite wider disruptions affecting freight and transportation.

DIFC, DFSA relief measures

The Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Financial Services Authority also introduced temporary measures for firms operating within the financial free zone.

1. Regulatory flexibility

The DFSA provided temporary flexibility around:

• Regulatory reporting timelines
• Certain staffing requirements
• Governance obligations
• Licensing administration processes

The measures were intended to help financial firms maintain operational continuity during a period of heightened uncertainty.

2. Payment flexibility within DIFC

The DIFC also introduced more flexible payment arrangements for:

• Licence renewals
• Commercial rent
• Retail rent obligations

The objective was to reduce short-term financial pressure on businesses operating within the financial centre.

Workforce, residency support

Authorities also introduced measures aimed at reducing administrative friction for workers and employers.

1. Residency renewal facilitation

Residency permit issuance and renewal procedures were streamlined in some areas to reduce delays and administrative burdens. The measures were intended to support workforce continuity for businesses dealing with operational disruption.

2. Fine waivers and labour mobility support

Dubai also introduced waivers linked to some residency and labour mobility fines. The measures were designed to encourage workforce retention and simplify employee movement between Dubai and free zones.

Private-sector support initiatives

Alongside government and banking measures, several private-sector companies and organisations introduced independent support initiatives.

1. Rent relief initiatives

Major landlords and property groups introduced temporary incentives for commercial tenants. Some of the measures included:

• Rent-free periods on lease renewals
• Waivers on minor administrative penalties
• Flexible payment structures

The support was largely targeted at SMEs and retail businesses facing weaker demand.

2. SME grants and operational assistance

Some fintech firms and private organisations also launched direct support programmes. These included:

• Small business grants
• Community-funded SME support initiatives
• Advisory assistance for companies navigating regulatory and operational challenges

Telecom operators and technology firms also focused on maintaining service continuity and operational resilience.

Why these measures matter

The UAE’s response has focused less on broad stimulus spending and more on targeted measures designed to stabilise business activity and preserve financial confidence. The support package has largely centred on three priorities:

• Ensuring banks continue lending to businesses and households
• Reducing immediate operating and compliance costs
• Preventing temporary disruptions from turning into longer-term financial stress

KPMG said the initiatives “provide meaningful cash-flow relief, indirect tax timing benefits, and compliance flexibility for businesses operating in Dubai.” The firm added that the measures reinforce “confidence in Dubai’s resilient, responsive, and business-friendly economic framework.”

While the economic impact of the regional conflict is yet to fully determined, particularly for sectors exposed to trade flows, tourism and logistics, the combination of banking relief, fee deferrals, customs flexibility and regulatory easing has created one of the broadest coordinated support responses introduced in the UAE since the start of the regional tensions.

For businesses and residents, the measures are aimed at one core objective: keeping liquidity flowing through the economy while limiting operational disruption during a period of regional uncertainty.

Gulf News