Other Briefings
Kuwait Enforces Exit Permits, Family Visa Rules for Expats Workers
Effective July 1, 2025, Kuwait mandates exit permits for all private sector expats, alongside stricter family visa enforcement.
EU Removes UAE from High-Risk Money Laundering List
The EU has removed the UAE from its high-risk money laundering list, recognizing substantial AML/CFT reforms and improved oversight. This move aligns with warming EU-UAE ties and coincides with the launch of bilateral free trade agreement negotiations.
GCC IPO Market Q1 2025: Resilient Growth Led by Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman
In Q1 FY2025-26, consumer markets led GCC IPO activity, capturing 42 percent of total proceeds, driven by strong investor interest in lifestyle and retail sectors.
Saudi Arabia Revises Labor Law Penalties to Strengthen Workplace Compliance
Saudi Arabia proposed updated labor law penalties to address workplace violations and enhance occupational safety standards.
UAE Sets June 30 Deadline for Private Sector Emiratization Compliance
UAE Sets June 30 Deadline for Private Sector Emiratization Compliance
Qatar Launches US$1 Billion Investment Incentive Program
Qatar has introduced a US$1 billion incentives program targeting priority sectors such as advanced industries, logistics, digital economy, and finance.
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to GCC Countries: Details and Implications
China expanded visa-free entry to GCC citizens from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, facilitating business and tourism exchanges.
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Ambitions: Trends, Opportunities, and Strategic Challenges
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is expanding to luxury, eco, and cultural experiences through massive infrastructure and regulatory reforms.
Saudi Arabia Raises Wage Subsidies to 50 Percent for 63 Tourism-Related Jobs
Saudi Arabia has expanded its wage subsidy program to cover 50 percent of salaries for 63 tourism-related occupations. This move aims to boost Saudization and empower the national workforce for Vision 2030 reforms. On May 25, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) and the Ministry of Tourism announced an expansion in the wage […]
UAE-Serbia CEPA Comes into Force, Strengthening Strategic Trade and Investment Ties
The UAE-Serbia CEPA came into force in May 2025, eliminating tariffs on 96 percent of goods and boosting bilateral trade and investment.
