UAE issues executive regulations operationalising merger control regime

The UAE Cabinet issued Executive Regulations to the UAE Competition Law on 8 May 2026, operationalising the merger control regime through detailed rules governing notifications, reviews, substantive assessment, third-party participation, and post-closing oversight. The regulations reduce formality requirements by allowing supporting documents in Arabic or English with simple copies accepted instead of legalised originals (except for powers of attorney). A formal completeness review now precedes substantive assessment, with the Ministry given ten business days (extendable by ten more) to determine if a filing is complete. Substantive review begins only after completion determination. The Ministry must prepare a formal report setting out its assessment, concerns, and recommendations for approval, conditional approval, or rejection. Public notification of concentrations is now required, with interested parties given fifteen business days to submit comments. The regulations expand investigatory powers, permitting the Ministry to hold meetings, conduct interviews, inspect records, and carry out field investigations. Post-closing monitoring is also permitted, with the Ministry able to request information from parties and affected stakeholders after completion.