The Impact of Events in Iran on Business in the UAE: What's Happening in Practice

Amid news reports about developments in Iran, business owners and investors are naturally wondering how the current regional situation could impact the business and financial infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates. Given the heightened level of information, it's important to know the facts and rely on the real state of affairs.

As of March 2, 2026, the UAE's legal, corporate, and banking systems continue to function normally. Key government agencies, free trade zones, and financial institutions operate without interruption, and no official restrictions affecting corporate activity, capital movement, or foreign investors have been imposed.

Let's take a closer look at what's happening in practice:

Free Trade Zones: Operation Without Stopping

Free trade zones in the UAE have long established processes so that businesses are not dependent on a physical presence. Therefore, even now, their operations are uninterrupted.

This includes jurisdictions such as the Meydan Free Zone, RAKEZ, DMCC, ADGM, and DIFC.

All key processes—new company registration, license renewals, amendments to incorporation documents, issuing corporate resolutions, and responding to compliance inquiries—are conducted online. Deadlines and requirements remain the same. There is no actual "freeze" on corporate procedures.

Government Agencies: Digital Format as the Norm

Economic Development Departments also continue to operate without interruption. For example, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism operates as usual:

• issuing and renewing trade licenses
• registering corporate changes
• processing applications and official requests

Most processes have long been digitized, so the current situation has not been a stress test for the system.

Banks: Payments and Accounts are Operating Stably

The UAE's financial sector is functioning normally. According to information received directly from bank representatives, including Emirates Islamic Bank, the following can be noted:

Payments are proceeding without restrictions. International transfers are being processed as usual. There are no grounds for blocking, halting the flow of funds, or restricting capital withdrawals. Moreover, banks are operating in a heightened operational readiness mode – financial stability remains a key priority of government policy.

Investment climate: unchanged

From a legal and regulatory perspective, the United Arab Emirates maintains its status as one of the most predictable and secure jurisdictions in the MENA region. Federal legislation, as well as the independent legal systems of financial centers (ADGM and DIFC), are fully operational.
No new regulations have been adopted that would restrict business, foreign investors, or capital movement.

Air travel: an important but isolated factor

The restrictions affect only the aviation sector and are temporary and technical in nature. They are not related to economic risks or the domestic situation in the country. Currently, only a few organized flights are operating, and full restoration of air traffic is expected once safety procedures are completed. 

Currently, there are no legal or economic grounds for concern for businesses and investors. Free zones continue to operate, licenses are being renewed as usual, banking institutions process payments without restrictions, and government agencies remain accessible via digital channels.

All in all, this confirms that the UAE maintains its status as a jurisdiction with high institutional resilience, a developed digital infrastructure, and a stable investment climate. If you need to understand how the current situation impacts your business, corporate structure, or banking operations, the best solution is a personal consultation with a specialist. Antwort Law is always ready to answer your questions!

Vladislav Makarenko

Managing partner
Antwort Law