Ministry Of Economy And Tourism Workshop Elevates Fair Markets And Enhancing Investment Appeal For UAE Tourism Sector

Published on December 15, 2025

A highly specialized and critically important workshop, titled ‘A Closer Look at Competition Law’, was formally organized by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The initiative was undertaken with the central objective of significantly enhancing the professional expertise possessed by the nation’s legal practitioners and specialists in relation to best practices concerning the enforcement and application of Competition Law. The assembly was strategically held in Abu Dhabi and took place alongside the fourth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, a significant gathering that underscores the interconnectedness of finance, regulation, and economic policy within the region.

The comprehensive sessions were specifically designed to illuminate and clarify aspects pertaining to economic concentration regulations and the established complaint mechanisms, ensuring a unified and deep understanding among those responsible for upholding market integrity. Through this focus, a foundational contribution was intended to be made toward cultivating a more competitive and investment-attractive national business environment.

A Deep Dive into Market Integrity

The organization of this specialized forum was recognized as a clear reflection of the unwavering dedication of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism to the continual development and refinement of the national competition ecosystem. The focus was not merely instructional; rather, it was directed toward establishing a robust knowledge infrastructure necessary for ensuring that all business dealings adhere strictly to the highest principles of fair market operation. Through intensive review and discussion, a detailed understanding of contemporary challenges and evolving global standards was provided, ensuring that the legal community is fully equipped to handle complex regulatory matters.

Elevating Professional Capabilities and Governance

The strategic importance of the workshop was thoroughly underscored by statements made by H.E. Safeya Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. It was highlighted by H.E. Al Safi that the Ministry’s proactive stance involves the continuous refinement of policies and regulatory frameworks, which are essential for safeguarding fair competition. These persistent efforts are directed toward the systematic embedding of good governance principles across all national markets, ensuring that regulatory oversight is both comprehensive and effective. It was asserted that institutional capabilities are being strengthened and professional awareness of competition laws is being deepened to ensure full alignment with the highest international standards of enforcement and practice.

Strategic Focus on Economic Concentration and Oversight

A significant portion of the workshop’s time was dedicated to exploring recent, pivotal developments in the UAE’s competition landscape. Specific updates were thoroughly provided concerning the existing legal and enforcement frameworks, ensuring that all professionals were aware of changes impacting their practice. Enhanced procedures designed for the effective monitoring of economic concentrations were meticulously reviewed. This technical segment was particularly relevant, as it touched upon the operational aspects of compliance in complex business activities.

Detailed discussions were held concerning the critical concepts related to notification thresholds—the specific criteria that necessitate notifying the regulator of a proposed transaction. Furthermore, the procedures governing approval mechanisms for transactions, and the subsequent compliance requirements inherent in merger and acquisition transactions, were thoroughly explained and analyzed. This focus was vital for lawyers and economists advising businesses engaging in significant commercial restructuring. Beyond transactional oversight, practical aspects related to the handling of complaints were covered in depth, providing clear procedural guidance.

Fostering Dialogue and Regional Expertise Exchange

The strength of the workshop was amplified by the distinguished composition of its panelists and participating entities. The high-level gathering included key representatives from prominent regional and international entities, ensuring a truly global perspective was integrated into the local discussion. Among the notable participants were Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Competition (GAC) and the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA), whose involvement facilitated a crucial exchange of experiences and jurisdictional approaches to complex regulatory challenges within the broader region. International firms such as Baker McKenzie also contributed specialist knowledge, alongside major national commercial entities, including Emirates General Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), and the financial and economic analysis firm Iconic Partners.

The value of the workshop as a dedicated and high-level platform for the legal sector was notably underscored by Mohammed Sultan Janahi, Director of the Competition Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. It was stated that the collaboration with specialized competition lawyers was instrumental in deepening the applied understanding of competition law among participants. Mr. Janahi extended commendation to both Al Tamimi & Company and Covington & Burling LLP for their invaluable contributions, which significantly enriched the depth and scope of the discussions. Their involvement was instrumental in facilitating effective knowledge transfer, strongly supporting the Ministry’s ongoing, extensive efforts to actively promote a pervasive culture of compliance throughout the national commercial landscape.

Consolidating a Future-Ready Investment Landscape

In concluding observations, participants collectively emphasized the paramount importance of sustained efforts to raise awareness concerning updated competition policies. The necessity of strengthening the operational alignment between key legal and enforcement stakeholders was highlighted as a priority. This coordinated approach is deemed essential for the effective, seamless implementation of regulatory policy across various sectors. A crucial outcome identified was the critical need for building a sustainable, resilient knowledge network dedicated to competition matters.

These focused and collaborative efforts are recognized as foundational steps that contribute significantly to the consolidation of a national market firmly grounded in responsible commercial practices and unwavering good governance. Ultimately, this strengthened regulatory environment is viewed as a vital factor that further enhances the UAE’s already significant attractiveness as a premier investment destination. The successful organization and execution of the ‘A Closer Look at Competition Law’ workshop by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism therefore stand as a strong demonstration of the nation’s proactive approach to ensuring market dynamism, fairness, and long-term economic prosperity for all participants.