Implementing Regulations clarify some points, but fall short on others .

Introduction -

On 27 October 2014 the Implementing Regulations (the Regulations) for the UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 2012 (the Competition Law) came into force. While the Regulations offer some clarification on merger control filing requirements and the review process, they fail to address certain key issues.

Background on the UAE Competition Law –

The Competition Law came into force on 23 February 2013. The Competition Law requires that the Ministry of Economy give merger control clearance of certain acquisitions of control which exceed market share thresholds for the “relevant market,” as determined by the UAE Federal Cabinet, and which may affect competition in the relevant market by creating or enhancing a dominant position.