Other Briefings
UAE Emiratization 2026: What Companies Must Do Now to Avoid Penalties
UAE Emiratization rules tighten ahead of 2026, with stricter quotas, rising fines, and higher wage requirements. Mainland companies must act now to manage compliance, hiring, costs, and regulatory risk.
Saudi Arabia’s SEZs (Special Economic Zones): What the New Regulatory Framework Means for Foreign Investors
Saudi Arabia’s SEZs (Special Economic Zones) are now subject to a new, comprehensive regulatory framework offering foreign investors incentives such as reduced corporate tax rates, customs exemptions, and streamlined licensing procedures. The initiative, aligned with Vision 2030, aims to attract global investment in sectors including logistics, advanced manufacturing, maritime industries, and digital technologies.
Oman E-Invoicing and Qatar’s CbCR Tabadol Portal: The GCC’s Digital Tax Infrastructure Push
Oman and Qatar are advancing the GCC’s shift toward digital tax administration through new compliance platforms. Oman’s upcoming Fawtara e-invoicing system will introduce structured digital invoicing and real-time transaction monitoring, while Qatar’s Tabadol portal strengthens tax transparency by enabling multinational companies to submit Country-by-Country Reports in line with OECD BEPS standards.
UAE VAT Credits Expiring in 2026: What Finance Teams Need to Know
The 2026 UAE VAT amendments introduce a five-year limit on recovering excess input VAT, meaning businesses must review and claim historical VAT credits before they expire.
The Gulf Hub Model Under Stress: What the Iran War Means for Multinationals in the GCC
The Iran war is putting pressure on the GCC hub model by disrupting the infrastructure that supports regional connectivity.
Iran War: Gulf Business Tracker and Operations Resumption
This tracker provides a real-time overview of the Iran war’s impact on markets, logistics, aviation, and operations across Gulf economies.
Saudi Arabia Proposes New Corporate Rules for Special Economic Zones
Saudi Arabia is strengthening its Special Economic Zones regulatory framework to attract foreign investment and support Vision 2030 diversification goals.
Türkiye Proposes 10 Percentage Crypto Income Tax and Transaction Levy on Service Providers
Türkiye has proposed a new crypto taxation framework introducing a 10 percent withholding tax on profits from digital asset transactions and a 0.03 percent levy on crypto service providers. The measure reflects growing regulatory oversight as the country emerges as one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency markets.
Kuwait Amends National Military Service Law Through New Decree
Kuwait has amended its national military service law through Decree-Law No. 9 of 2026, clarifying eligibility rules, exemptions, and administrative procedures to address implementation gaps. The revised framework applies compulsory service to Kuwaiti males turning 18 starting with those born on January 1, 2012, while exempting earlier cohorts and cancelling non-compliant procedures.
The Strait of Hormuz Crisis: What the Iran Conflict Means for Energy, Shipping, and Business in the Middle East
As the Iran military response triggers a de facto closure of the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, businesses across the world face immediate and cascading consequences.
