News and activities from the Cyprus Trade Centre across the GCC region. Select a country or EU–GCC to view the latest updates.

  • UAE · Webinar · Fintech & Digital Finance

    Webinar: Virtual Assets in the UAE — Regulatory Developments, Licensing and Compliance

    5 November 202611:00 AM–12:30 PM (UAE time)Online via ZoomEnglish

    Organisers: Dubai Chambers and Afridi & Angell.

    Dubai Chambers, in cooperation with Afridi & Angell, is organising a webinar examining the UAE’s evolving regulatory framework for virtual assets, with particular emphasis on Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

    The webinar will address licensing, regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering, sanctions requirements, marketing restrictions and recent regulatory and enforcement developments.

    Relevance to Cyprus businesses

    The event is particularly relevant to Cyprus companies and professionals operating in fintech, financial services, digital assets, legal and regulatory advisory, cybersecurity and compliance, especially those considering establishing or expanding operations in the UAE.

    Participation fees: AED 150 for Dubai Chambers members and AED 400 for non-members, excluding VAT.

  • United Arab Emirates · Exhibition / Energy Conference

    Cyprus Delegation at ADIPEC 2026

    2–5 November 2026ADNEC CentreAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    A Cyprus delegation participated in ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi, with the Commercial Counsellor, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the UAE, Cypriot companies and representatives of the Cyprus Business Council.

    The event provides a forum for discussions on energy security, investment, technological innovation and the energy transition. The exhibition offers opportunities to explore new solutions and connect with businesses from across the international energy industry.

  • United Arab Emirates · Conference / Investment & Finance

    8th MENA Investment Congress 2026

    24 November 2026The Ritz-Carlton, JBRDubai, United Arab Emirates

    The 8th MENA Investment Congress, hosted by CFA Society Emirates, will bring regional and international investment professionals together in Dubai for a day of dialogue, market insight and networking. MEA Finance is the Official Event Partner.

    The organisers expect more than 500 senior participants and 30 speakers to explore the forces reshaping capital and markets, from geopolitical realignment and changing capital flows to the growth of private markets and new technologies.

    Key themes include institutional asset allocation, active management, private equity and venture capital, real assets, private credit, family offices and the role of artificial intelligence in investment management.

    The Congress is aimed at chief investment officers, institutional investors, asset managers, family offices, private-market leaders and other senior investment professionals seeking to exchange perspectives and build business connections.

    Visit the official Congress website for the latest programme, speakers, ticket options and attendance requirements. Programme subject to change.

  • United Arab Emirates · Trade Update / Intellectual Property

    UAE Opens Class 33 for Trademark Filings

    Source published: 15 September 2026UTMPS updateBrand protection

    In an update published on 15 September 2026, United Trademark & Patent Services (UTMPS) reports that trademark applications in Class 33 are now available through the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s portal, opening a route to national trademark protection for relevant goods.

    Under the Nice Classification, Class 33 covers wines, spirits and other alcoholic drinks, excluding beer, together with alcoholic preparations used to make beverages.

    This development may be relevant to Cypriot wine and spirits exporters with existing or planned business interests in the UAE. The UTMPS article discusses the implications for brand owners and the review of existing trademark portfolios.

    Source: UTMPS, 15 September 2026. Shared for general information, not as legal advice. Businesses should confirm current filing requirements with the competent UAE authority or a qualified intellectual property adviser.

  • United Arab Emirates · Publication / Business Insights

    Capital Insights: Reset & Pivot

    September–October 2026Volume 3 · Issue 2Capital Club Dubai

    The September–October 2026 edition of Capital Insights, published by Capital Club Dubai, explores the theme Reset & Pivot.

    The issue brings together perspectives on the UAE economy, business resilience, leadership, digital transformation, finance, sustainability and education.

    Explore Capital Club Dubai’s official public content library for business insights and available publications.

    Visit the publisher’s content library

    This link opens the publisher’s general public library. Availability of individual editions is managed by Capital Club Dubai.

  • Saudi Arabia · Exhibition / Mobility & Transport Technology

    MOVE Riyadh 2026: Shaping the Future of Mobility

    23–25 November 2026Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference CenterRiyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Free registration is now open for MOVE Riyadh 2026, bringing together the people and technologies shaping the future of mobility across automotive, electric and public transport.

    The three-day event will offer opportunities for business development, knowledge sharing and networking across the mobility and transport ecosystem.

    • Explore the exhibition: Discover mobility technologies, vehicles and solutions from manufacturers, technology providers and innovators.
    • Discover new ideas: Conference themes include electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility, smart transport, logistics and connected technology.
    • Build business connections: Meet transport operators, automotive and technology companies, investors, buyers and other industry decision-makers.

    Free Event Pass registration is available. Premium networking and other upgrades may carry additional charges. This is a business-to-business event for industry professionals, subject to the organiser’s admission requirements.

    Event information: MOVE Riyadh / Terrapinn. Please check the organiser’s website for the latest programme, ticket options and attendance requirements.

Oman

Coming soon.

Qatar

Coming soon.

Bahrain

Coming soon.

Kuwait

Coming soon.

  • EU–GCC · Trade Policy · Market Access · Public Consultation

    EU–GCC Free Trade Agreement: European Commission Invites Business and Stakeholder Contributions

    DEADLINE: 19 DECEMBER 2026 — 01:00 CET

    All six GCC countriesEuropean Commission

    Source: European Commission — Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security.

    The European Commission has launched an open public consultation as part of the Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment supporting negotiations on future trade agreements between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

    The consultation concerns all six GCC countries: the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.

    Future cooperation could involve a regional EU–GCC Free Trade Agreement, bilateral trade agreements or Strategic Partnership Agreements covering trade, investment and regulatory cooperation.

    The consultation seeks feedback on economic, social, environmental and sustainability impacts, including challenges and opportunities affecting trade and investment.

    Why Cyprus companies should participate

    Cyprus exporters, investors, SMEs, professional-services firms and business associations are encouraged to contribute their practical experience of GCC market conditions.

    Relevant issues include:

    • Market access and business establishment requirements.
    • Licensing and recognition of professional qualifications.
    • Government procurement and local-content requirements.
    • Digital trade, fintech and cross-border services.
    • Shipping, energy, engineering and professional services.
    • Customs procedures, investment conditions and regulatory barriers.

    Contributions can help identify obstacles affecting Cyprus companies and inform the assessment supporting future EU–GCC trade arrangements.

    IMPORTANT — Submission deadline: 19 December 2026 at 01:00 CET.

News Archive

Past announcements and completed events. Dates, invitations and registration links are retained for historical reference and may no longer be current.

  • New Avenues of Cooperation in Creative Industries

    EU–GCC online webinar · Thursday, 29 October 2026 · 13:00–14:00

    For Cyprus companies working in or alongside the cultural and creative industries, this EU–GCC webinar offers a timely look at practical opportunities for cross-border business cooperation and access to GCC markets.

    Organised as part of the EU–GCC Dialogue on Economic Diversification II, it is the third webinar in a reflection series following the 9th EU–GCC Business Forum held in Kuwait in 2025.

    International creative-economy expertise and entrepreneurial perspectives from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will inform a discussion on the conditions creative enterprises need to grow and work across markets. Topics include:

    • Trade, market access, distribution and business partnerships
    • Protecting, managing and commercialising intellectual property
    • Suitable funding, finance and investment, including cross-border opportunities

    The discussion will consider how closer EU–GCC cooperation can support creative businesses, strengthen sector ecosystems and help enterprises pursue commercial partnerships and investment opportunities. Cyprus companies exploring connections with GCC counterparts may find the session useful for understanding the business priorities and enabling conditions involved.

    View official event details and register.

  • United Arab Emirates · Exhibition / Healthcare & Innovation

    Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026

    20–22 October 2026ADNEC Centre Abu DhabiHalls 1–4 & Atrium

    The Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit brings together healthcare leaders, innovators, policymakers, researchers and investors for an exhibition and conference exploring the future of health.

    Hosted by Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the summit takes place under the theme “To Sense Is To Predict”, exploring the role of sensing, data and artificial intelligence in earlier prediction and proactive healthcare.

    The programme covers longevity and precision medicine, resilient and sustainable health systems, digital health and AI, and investment in life sciences. The exhibition provides opportunities to discover new solutions and connect with organisations across healthcare, technology and investment.

    Please consult the organiser’s website for the latest programme, registration options and attendance requirements.

  • United Arab Emirates · Conference / Artificial Intelligence

    The Arabian AI & Agentic Summit 2026

    26 October 2026ADNEC Centre Abu DhabiConference Hall B

    The Arabian AI & Agentic Summit brings together business leaders, technology specialists, innovators and government stakeholders to explore applications of conversational, generative and agentic artificial intelligence across the UAE and wider GCC.

    Part of the European Chatbot Summit series, this Abu Dhabi edition focuses on practical business use cases, Arabic natural language processing, automation and customer experience.

    The programme includes discussions on moving AI agents into production, AI sovereignty and governance, voice AI, security and responsible adoption. The event provides a platform for enterprises, startups and researchers to exchange insights and build connections within the region’s AI ecosystem.

    Also presented by the organiser as The Arabian Chatbot & Agentic AI Summit. Please check the organiser’s website for the latest programme, ticket options and attendance requirements.

  • United Arab Emirates · Conference / Innovation

    EU Quantum Context: Smart Policies – Thriving Businesses

    30 September 202611:15–12:45Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference & Exhibition Centre

    The Cyprus Trade Centre in the GCC Region (Dubai) is pleased to share the upcoming event “EU Quantum Context: Smart Policies – Thriving Businesses”, focusing on the growing role of quantum technologies, innovation policies, and business opportunities within the European ecosystem. The event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to discuss how smart policy frameworks can support the development of a thriving quantum economy and create new opportunities for businesses.

    The discussion aligns with the European Union’s wider efforts to strengthen its quantum ecosystem and support innovation, industrial growth, skills development and international collaboration in this strategic field.

    Register for the event

    View Event Details & Registration
  • United Arab Emirates · Exhibition · Archived

    Cyprus at Seamless 2026!

    22–24 September 2026Dubai World Trade CentreSheikh Saeed Hall 3 – Stand D22

    This event concluded on 24 September 2026. The original announcement is retained below for reference.

    Read the exhibition recap & LinkedIn updates

    We are pleased to announce that Cyprus will participate with a Cyprus Pavilion at Seamless Middle East 2026, taking place from 22–24 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

    The Cyprus Pavilion is a joint initiative of the Cyprus Trade Centre in the GCC Region (Dubai) – Trade Service – Ministry of Energy, Commerce & Industry, Invest Cyprus – CIPA and the Cyprus Business Council (CBC), Dubai, UAE.

    Together, we work to promote Cyprus as a destination for trade, investment, innovation, and business growth, while supporting Cypriot companies and strengthening business links with the UAE and the wider region.

    Visit us at Dubai World Trade Centre
    Sheikh Saeed Hall 3 – Stand D22
    22–24 September 2026

    We look forward to welcoming visitors, partners, and industry professionals to connect with us and discover the opportunities Cyprus has to offer.

    View the announcement on LinkedIn