Other Briefings
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.
Comparing Tax Environments: Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore
While Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore all offer attractive tax regimes, determining which one aligns best with your business goals requires careful consideration of various factors.
Qatar Implements Global and Domestic Minimum Tax: Pillar Two Scope and Next Steps
Law No. 22 of 2024 amends Qatar’s Income Tax Law to implement the Qatar Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT) under OECD Pillar Two, introducing the Income Inclusion Rule and a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.
Saudi Arabia Refines RHQ Procurement Rule with Formal Exemption Framework: What Businesses Need to Know
Saudi Arabia has formalized exemptions to its Regional Headquarters (RHQ) requirement for government contracts, introducing a structured framework that allows non-RHQ firms to participate in public procurement under defined competitive and technical conditions.
Strengthening Tax Transparency: UAE Exchange of Information Framework
The UAE has introduced Cabinet Resolution No. 209 of 2025 to strengthen its Exchange of Information framework, aligning domestic law with international tax transparency standards and expanding record-keeping and disclosure obligations.
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs: Implications for Gulf Trade and Business
The US Supreme Court struck down the legal basis of Trump’s tariffs regime, with implications for trade and business in the MENA markets.
Trademark Protection in UAE and Qatar: Nice Classification
Both the UAE and Qatar have adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification, aligning their trademark systems with the latest international goods and services categorization to ensure clearer, more consistent protection.
