DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The UAE has removed 15 fees across its capital markets as part of a regulatory overhaul designed to reduce costs, simplify procedures and improve services for companies and individuals operating under the country’s financial market framework.
The decision was announced by the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) following a review of fees applied to regulated activities and services. According to the authority, the changes are intended to make its fee structure more efficient while supporting businesses operating within the UAE’s growing financial sector.
The review examined existing charges against current market requirements, regulatory responsibilities and the authority’s evolving service model. Fees considered no longer necessary have now been eliminated.
The CMA said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to modernize regulatory services while ensuring oversight remains effective and aligned with international best practices.
Officials added that reducing unnecessary costs is expected to improve the overall business environment for licensed companies and market participants, while helping strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the UAE’s capital markets.
The authority also indicated that its fee framework will continue to be reviewed periodically to ensure it keeps pace with market developments and the changing needs of investors, financial institutions and regulated businesses.
The abolished fees cover a range of services supervised by the regulator. Licensed companies and individuals have been advised to review the official board resolution published on the Capital Market Authority website for the full list of affected services and implementation details.
The latest measure is part of the UAE’s wider economic reform agenda, which focuses on enhancing the country’s attractiveness as a regional and global financial hub. In recent years, authorities have introduced a series of regulatory and digital initiatives aimed at improving investor confidence, streamlining government services and supporting sustainable economic growth.
As implementation begins, affected firms are expected to update their compliance and administrative processes in line with the revised fee structure while monitoring any additional guidance issued by the regulator.
